W10 - Term 1 Reflection

Hey everyone, the term is coming to an end, so this week's Kidsedchatnz is a term reflection. 

Unfortunately it's the last chat for the term, thanks everyone for making Kidsedchatnz such a cool learning vehicle!

QUESTIONS

Q1. What was your favourite part of this term? Why?

Q2. What have been some of the challenges you have faced this term? What was difficult?

Q3. What was something interesting that happened this term? Did your class turn out the way you thought?

Q4. Do you have any artwork, blog posts or favourite learning that you would like to share with us?

Q5. If you could change 1 thing about this term what would it be? Why do you want to change it?

Q6. If you could describe Term 1 in one word, what word would you choose?

Q7. What are your goals for Term 2? What do you want to improve next term?

Q8. If you could choose what you want to learn in class next term, what would you choose?

Q9. What's been your favourite topic for Kidsedchatnz this term? What topics would you like to discuss next term?

Q10. What are you planning to do for the holidays?

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

Our Environment

Kia ora Kidsedchatters,

This week we are looking at our global and local environment. It sometimes seems that whenever I turn on the TV there is some type of weather/pollution/environmental related disaster occurring. I often wonder what I could be doing better to help lessen this problem.

So I thought who better to ask than our knowledgable Kidsedchatnz team.

Before this weeks chat ( I know it is today AND it is your first day back after a long Easter weekend) watch the videos below.

    

Jack the Ratter

This video is aimed at our senior classrooms :)

This weeks questions are:

1. Our environment is precious.  What are some of the environmental issues facing the world at the moment?

2. What are some things you do at home to help reduce waste/rubbish?

3. Tell us about the things that happen at your school to reduce waste and save energy?

5. What is one thing you could do better or more often to reduce waste at your school?

6. Can one person make a difference or do we need a team approach?

7. NZ has lots of endangered species.  What can we do to ensure future generations see them?

8. Have you been involved in any school or community events to protect our environment?

8. Design a way to reduce the amount of packaging around new toys.

Granddad's Letter

This week's Kidsedchatnz is based on the following letter. Please read it with your class before coming to the chat.

James K. Flanagan passed away on September 3, 2012. He left behind this powerful letter for his 5 grandchildren. In truth, this letter holds great advice for us all…

1. Each one of you is a wonderful gift to your family and to all the world. Remember it always, especially when the cold winds of doubt and discouragement fall upon your life. 

2. Be not afraid . . . of anyone or of anything when it comes to living your life most fully. Pursue your hopes and your dreams no matter how difficult or "different" they may seem to others. The worst thing in life is to look back and say: "I would have; I could have; I should have." Take risks, make mistakes. 

3. Everyone in the world is just an ordinary person. Some people may wear fancy hats or have big titles or have power and want you to think they are above the rest. Don't believe them. They have the same doubts, fears, and hopes; they eat, drink, sleep, and fart like everyone else. 

4. Make a Life List of all those things you want to do: travel to places; learn a skill; master a language; meet someone special. Make it long and do some things from it every year. Don't say "I'll do it tomorrow" (or next month or next year). That is the surest way to fail to do something. There is no tomorrow, and there is no "right" time to begin something except now. 

5. Be kind and go out of your way to help people -- especially the weak, the fearful, and children. Everyone is carrying a special sorrow, and they need our compassion. 

6. Read books, as many as you can. They are a wonderful source of delight, wisdom, and inspiration. They need no batteries or connections, and they can go anywhere. 

7. Travel: always but especially when you are young. Don't wait until you have "enough" money or until everything is "just right." That never happens. Get your passport today. 

8. Pick your job or profession because you love to do it. Sure, there will be some things hard about it, but a job must be a joy. Beware of taking a job for money alone -- it will cripple your soul. 

9. Don't yell. It never works, and it hurts both yourself and others. Every time I have yelled, I have failed. 

10. Live in harmony with Nature: go into the outdoors, woods, mountains, sea, desert. It's important for your soul. 

11. Hug people you love. Tell them how much they mean to you now; don't wait until it's too late. 

12. Be grateful. There is an Irish saying: "This is a day in our lives, and it will not come again." Live every day with this in mind. 

QUESTIONS

Q1. Do you think it was a good idea for the Granddad to write down his advice? Why?

Q2. Which piece of advice is your favourite and why?

Q3. Create your own piece of advice or find a cool quote to add to the list.

Q4. How much time do you spend with your grandparents? Do they give you any advice?

Q5. Do you agree with the statement, "Everyone in the world is just an ordinary person." Why/Why not?

Q6. Number 8 says pick a job that you love. What job would you pick and why?

Q7. Number 6 says read books. Do you like reading books? What book would you recommend? 

Q8. Number 11 says tell people how much they mean to you now. Have you got a message to someone special in your life?

Q9. What are 3 dreams/things that you would like to achieve in your life?

Q10. Write a sentence, poem or story using the following 3 words: Life - History - Family

I look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday!

Wk 7 - Sport and Learning

Playing or learning a sport can teach us a lot of lessons for life and not just the skills involved in playing the game. Watch the video below to help you answer the questions.

1. Who are some of your favourite sports teams/people? Why do you like them?
2. Who do you think helped them become the great players/teams they are today.
3. What role does a coach play in a team?
4. What roles do the players have in a team?
5. What would happen if the team and coach didn't work together?
6. How does sport at school help you with your learning in other subjects?
7. Thinking about yourself at school, who are the key people in your learning team?
8. What role does your teacher/other staff play in your learning?
9. Do mums and dads play a role in your education? If so, how?

10. What role do you play in your learning and what can you do next to help you improve?

New Zealand Flag

This week's Kidsedchatnz is all about the New Zealand Flag. I thought this would be a cool topic as New Zealand is about to vote whether to change our current flag.

Before coming to the chat please watch the videos below.

If you want to learn a few new flags here is a fun game you can play! FLAG GAME

QUESTIONS

Q1. Why do countries have flags? Are they important?

Q2. What is the history of the New Zealand flag? How did it come about?

Q3. What do you think makes a good flag design? Why are these important?

Q4. What are the positives and negatives for changing the NZ flag?

Q5. What do you think of the new New Zealand Flag design? What do you like? What don't you like?

Q6. If you could vote would you vote to change the New Zealand flag or keep the flag? Why?

Q7. What is your favourite overseas flag? Why do you like it?

Q8. Does your school have a flag, symbol or mascot? Can you share it with us?

Q9. Fun Question! The first class that tweets the correct answer to this flag gets the Kidsedchatnz mascot sent to them!

Q10. Write a sentence, poem or short sentence using the following words: Cross  Proud  History

See you on Wednesday at 2pm!