The aim of the week was to build connections and support one another, just like in a tuakana teina relationship, where older or more experienced ākonga guide and uplift others. Here’s a glimpse into our adventures:
Police Museum & Aotea Lagoon
We are all born with fingerprints, but how much do we really know about them?
Our ākonga explored the fascinating world of fingerprints and learned why they are so useful in helping police solve crimes. They discovered how and why we have fingerprints and even identified the types of prints they personally have. With their detective caps on and support from a Museum Educator, they investigated loops, arches, and whorls and took home their own evidence card.
Click here to view photos from our visit to the Police Museum & Aotea Lagoon.
Waitohi Library
We explored the library, including the exciting Wāhi Waihanga Tūhura HIVE, the makerspace at the Johnsonville Library. Our ākonga were really interested in the 3D machine as it was in the process of making something. We also enjoyed listening to stories shared by the wonderful library staff.
Click here to view photos from Waitohi Library.
Culture, Art & Music
Throughout the week, we explored different cultures and experimented with how beat, rhythm, and melody work together in music. Ākonga followed and created rhythms, and even composed a piece of music using body percussion.
We created artwork using pointillism, made Diwali lanterns, and drew Chinese dragons. Our ākonga also enjoyed making their own kazoos (which buzz when you blow into them) and ukutangi (clay musical instruments that make a low, airy sound).
Click here to view photos from our art and music activities.
Movie at School
To end the week, we voted on which movie to watch. The choices were Turbo, Inside Out, or Sing. It was such a fun way to wrap up the week with plenty of laughs and, of course, freshly cooked popcorn that Amaria managed to make without burning!
Click here to view photos from our movie day.
What Our Ākonga Loved Most
Brian & Truman: Creating animal art using pointillism.
Connor: Finding all the hidden dogs at the Police Museum.
Aiden: Making his own kazoo.
Maria: Dot painting, visiting the library, and being in Kōwhai.
Emy: Dot painting and seeing her dad at the Police Museum.
Kaia: Fingerprints and Police Museum activities.
Kiaan, Connor, Elliot & Leonardo: Loved everything!
Eriola: Riding the big wheel at Aotea Lagoon.
Meera: Police Museum and winning a prize.
Jaiorn: Watching Turbo on the last day.
It was a week full of learning, laughter, and friendship.
