Year: 2024

Emotions – Word Cloud

Task Description

Recently we have been following along with young Aroha’s story as she showcases the many emotions we experience in our daily lives.

In her story, she displays a range of emotions such as anger, happiness, and sadness. Aroha’s story inspired us to identify several emotions that we may experience in various situations such as at school, home, or when we are alone.

Room 12 came up with the following list of emotions:

 

Aroha’s Story – Mitey

Task Description

We have been doing Mitey recently and have been following along with Aroha’s story.

Aroha is a young girl who faces the realistic emotions that we feel in our daily lives varying from happiness to anger.

We learned about an invisible string that brings people together or more so, people who love each other.

Here is my opinion on the invisible string and how it connects us

The Invisible String of Love

The concept of the invisible string is a truly beautiful and powerful one. It represents the unbreakable bond between people who love each other deeply, no matter where they are or what they’re doing. This thread of love may be invisible to the naked eye, but it is felt deep in our hearts, giving us a sense of comfort and security even in the most challenging times.

The invisible string serves as a lifeline, connecting us to the people who matter most in our lives. It is a symbol of the enduring ties that bind us to those we love, and it reminds us that distance cannot diminish the strength of our connection. This invisible thread is a constant source of comfort and support to those who hold a special place in our hearts, and it is a reminder that we are never truly alone.

Whether we are separated by miles or circumstances, the invisible string remains unbroken, always connecting us to the people we love. It is a powerful reminder that things may change, but the love we share with those important to us endures, and it is always present to support us in times of joy and sorrow. The invisible string is a testament to the power of love and the unbreakable bonds that connect us to those who matter most.


Showed in the story, Aroha suffered from anxiety that tried taking over her, but in the story, we can see her surrounded by her friends who helped her out. How did the people around her help her mental well-being?

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that can sometimes feel overwhelming and all-consuming. It can make us feel isolated and alone, as if we are the only ones struggling with these feelings. But it’s important to remember that we are never truly alone. The people who love us are always there to support us, even when we’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

When anxiety tries to take over, it can be tempting to retreat from the world and isolate ourselves. But this is precisely the time when we need to reach out to our loved ones the most. They can provide a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or simply a comforting presence that reminds us that we are not alone.

It’s important to remember that anxiety is not a sign of weakness or failure. It’s a natural response to stress and uncertainty, and it affects millions of people around the world. The more we talk about our experiences with anxiety, the more we can break down the stigma and shame that often surrounds it.

So if you’re struggling with anxiety, like Aroha, know that you are not alone. There are people in your life who love you and want to support you through this difficult time. Lean on them, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Together, we can overcome anxiety and find a sense of peace and calm in our lives.

This is my opinion

Thank you

-Zuri :)))

 

Cybersmart Challenge – Bookmarks

Task Description:

For Cybersmart, we had to bookmark a few important sites that we may use in our daily school life. For example, our blog, our class site, our Gmail, etc.  This lesson teaches us to make things easier and more efficient. With sites that we visit daily just one click away instead of many clicks, we can save way more time and get on with our learning! Learning to bookmark actually broadens our knowledge even more and helps us with our tech knowledge which is a valid part of the world today.

Here are my bookmarks

My Bookmarks :)))

Why phones should/shouldn’t be banned

Task Description:

Recently the government announced the prohibition of phone use at school starting from term 2. Why? Well, many people have different opinions on this new law and are drawn in between why phones should be banned and why they shouldn’t. Here are my opinions on this.

——

Why Phones should be Banned at Schools
The use of phones in schools can have a large impact on the academic performance and overall well-being of students. One of the most significant negative effects of phones is the distraction they provide. During classes, students can be drawn away from the lesson by notifications, messages, alerts, or just boredom. This can lead to a lack of focus, missed information, and decreased socialization.

Another concerning issue with phones is the easy access to information, which can lead to cheating during exams. With the large amount of information available at their fingertips, students may be tempted to cheat, which is unfair to those who have studied. Cheating can also damage the integrity of the students and their education. It can also damage the school’s reputation leading to distrust and skepticism among students and teachers.

In addition to academic concerns, the use of phones can also have negative effects on mental health. Cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment have increased in recent years, and phones provide a platform for such behavior to be published. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, which can have long-term negative effects on students.

Finally, excessive phone use has been linked to poor sleep quality, which can have a serious impact on academic performance. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body’s natural sleep rhythms, leading to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This can lead to exhaustion, decreased productivity, and poor academic performance.

In light of these concerns, banning phones in schools can be a crucial step toward creating a more focused, productive, and healthy learning environment. By removing the source of distraction, promoting honesty and integrity, and reducing the potential for cyberbullying, schools can create a safer and more supportive environment for students. Overall, by improving sleep quality, students can feel more rested and alert, leading to improved academic performance and overall well-being for their future.

 

 

Why Phones shouldn’t be Banned at Schools
Firstly, phones can be a valuable tool for learning. With access to the internet, students can effortlessly research information and broaden their knowledge about a topic. This can help them better understand the material being taught, leading to improved academic performance.

Secondly, phones can provide a sense of security. In case of an emergency, students can use their phones to contact authorities or family members for help. This can provide peace of mind for both students and parents, ensuring their safety.

Finally, phones can help students stay connected with friends and family. This is important for their socialization and overall well-being, especially in today’s world where social connections have become more important than ever.

While there are concerns about the use of phones in schools, a balanced approach with clear guidelines and restrictions can help change any negative effects while allowing students to benefit from the advantages that phones offer. Therefore, it is essential to consider both sides of the argument before making any decisions regarding their use.

—–

This is my opinion and many may be on the banned or not banned side but both are reasonable and are supported with useful and logical information.

 

-Zuri

 

 

Book Review – ZL

Task Description:

Recently Team Tui had gone to the library to review some books. I chose pollution by Sally Morgan!

I learnt a lot about reviewing books and the important points of making a good book review. Here are mine.

1. Start by introducing the book. Include the title, author and a brief summary of what the book is about.

2. Share your impressions of the book. Talk about what you liked and what you didn’t like. Be honest and clear in your assessment.

3. Provide examples from the book to support your opinions. This can help your readers understand your perspective and engage with your review.

4. Consider the target audience for the book. Is it meant for children, young adults or adults? This can help you frame your review in a way that is relevant for your readers.

5. Finally, wrap up your review with a conclusion. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

These are my 5 points on making a book review, taking this into account, here is my review on the book ‘Pollution’ by Sally Morgan

Review:

My friend and I had read “Pollution” by Sally Morgan, and it was a truly enlightening experience. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the various types of pollution, including air, water, and land pollution, their sources, and their effects on the environment and how to change to make the world a safer place. What I appreciated most about Sally Morgan’s writing style was how she presented the information in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to understand the complexities of the topic, without overcomplicating it.

Throughout the book, Morgan provides numerous real-life examples and case studies, which allowed me to better comprehend how pollution affects people’s lives and the environment. She also dives into the politics and economics of pollution, discussing how governments and corporations contribute to the problem and what they can do to reduce it.

One of the standout features of the book is the comprehensive overview of the possible solutions to pollution. The author provides various strategies, from individual actions to collective efforts, that can be taken to reduce pollution levels and prevent further damage to the environment. What I appreciated most about these solutions is that they are practical and actionable, which gives readers a sense of hope and empowerment.

However while “Pollution” by Sally Morgan is an excellent book overall, some readers may find that it focuses too heavily on the problems of pollution and doesn’t spend enough time highlighting the successes and progress made in reducing pollution levels. Additionally, some readers may find the book to be too easy and for a younger audience despite younger people not touching on this type of topic very often. However, these criticisms do not detract from the book’s overall value and importance in raising awareness about pollution and the need for action.

In conclusion, “Pollution” by Sally Morgan is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of pollution and its impacts on our planet. It is informative, engaging, and provides practical solutions that can be implemented in our daily lives. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who cares about the environment and wants to make a positive difference in the world.

By Zuri and Liana

Human Tic Tac Toe – Mitey

Task Description

Today Rm 6 participated in one of Mitey’s many games, ‘Tic Tac Toe’ or as some might say ‘Knots & Crosses’.

However, unlike the usual time-consuming drawing on paper tic tac toe, we used ourselves to embody the game in real life. How? Well, we set up our chairs in a 3×3 set up leaving the chairs with a similar image to the actual game. We were split into two separate teams, one with vests, and the other with the usual uniform.

We played a very competitive game leaving my team with the drowning disappointment of losing (yet again) But we still carried on with our day with the thought that there is always a next time.

(What the set up looked like, the circles representing the chairs)

 

 

The Right to Survive – Zuri

Task Description

For writing this week we had to construct a piece of writing called ‘The spoken word’.

What is a spoken word you may ask? Well its a piece of writing that uses rhymes, word play, intonation and stereotypes.

Most spoken word writing pieces are based off of global issues like racism, pollution, drug use etc. My topic however falls more into the ‘ignored’ kind of global issues, because sometime in history racism, pollution, drug use and more was all over the television hoping for change, but my topic is about SA (Sexual assault) as it is too often ignored by us and needs to be payed more attention to. Not in a way that we keep doing it, more the opposite. It needs to be stopped. That is why I wrote this spoken word poem, because just like the rest of the spoken word poems, I wrote this piece of writing in hope for change.

Enjoy.

 

The Right to Survive

Of course, I am human

I have human characteristics, I breathe the air that we all share but does that mean that we are all treated fair?

I like going out to enjoy the air, and play with my friends, just like the rest, but the issues and anxiety I have to go through, I now declare, are unfair.

I go outside every day looking ‘as tempting as a person showing themselves off’, as sweet as a candy getting ready to be munched into bits, as long as ‘it’ fits, they say. But why? Why am I a target to these predators, I don’t want to be a toy for these imperators, who just want the best of me, not even the rest of me.

Just the small bits as they say, ‘as long as it fits’

They say ‘innocent’ I say scared, why should my privacy have to be shared, I just want to be spared, like an animal that was snared, unprepared, underage, people say it will pass by, but it’s like they forget, that it will come back like rain wounding the sky.

‘Praise him’ they say but why shouldn’t I be praised for the hardships I went through to be here today?

As if when I go outside I automatically have a red target on my back, and no, this isn’t racism, this happens to both white and black.

So how many more deaths, suicides, depressed people, teen pregnancies will it take, for everyone to become aware and awake, that these things are happening around the world, around the globe, you might not see it but you never know.

Because we are all human, there were no rules specifically assigned, no one was designed differently from the rest of mankind. We are all of God’s creation, we need to all join as one nation to fight for what’s right.

It’s not the lack of voice, it’s the lack of action we are willing to take, what difference do we want to make? What borders are we willing to create to make sure that whoever is at fault is put behind the gate?

Because we can’t just stand around and lose another one of us because we couldn’t stand our ground to the people that had stolen what we owned but they just found but instead, we need to voice a new sound.

We, humans, are not ‘victims’ for sharing our stories, we are survivors empowering and setting a standard for everyone else who is struggling.

Ending quote :
‘She/he was powerful, not because they weren’t scared, but because they went on so strongly, despite the fear.’

So if you ever feel, disgusted with yourself, just know that you are powerful for being here today, for trusting yourself that you will be okay. For knowing that your past does not define you, what you went through, is not the last of you but instead the beginning of a new chapter

So dear brothers and sisters, do not be ashamed, afraid, held back by the fact that you survived something as difficult as that because I might not be all that, but I know for a fact, that I am human and I deserve every ounce, speck, bits of love that I lack.

Zuri

Explanation Writing. – How our world has changed over the years

Task Description

Our writing prompt this week required us to create a piece of writing focused on providing explanations. Explanation writing, as the name suggests, involves conveying the process of a particular subject matter. This type of writing aims to answer the ‘how’ questions we may have, such as ‘How to assemble a piece of furniture’ or ‘How technology has evolved over time.’ Furthermore, you need to include supporting information to reinforce one’s arguments, as demonstrated in the following piece of writing.

Enjoy

How Our World has Changed Overtime.

Throughout the course of history, the world has undergone miraculous changes that have left many of today’s children wondering what life was like in the past without phones, cars, Chromebooks, etc. To shed some light on this topic, let’s compare life today to life in the past and observe just how much the world has transformed over time.

How was school life before compared to now?

First, we can start off with a comparison between using chromebooks and traditional book writing. Many teachers can probably recall having to write 50-page essays on random topics such as trees or flowers that you didn’t even know existed making writing quite a complicated task back in the day. Nowadays, students have the luxury of searching for information online, copying and pasting it onto a document, and calling it a “ good piece of writing”. These types of things truly make me wonder if teachers truly despised children during those times.

How teaching/teachers have changed throughout the years

In the past, teaching was considered a much simpler task, at least for teachers. They were not required to constantly monitor each student, worrying about them running away or getting distracted due to the lack of devices. Back then, students had their own desks and books, which made it easier for teachers to keep track of their progress and provide them with the necessary guidance. However, nowadays the situation is completely different. With the new modern devices being created, students are always on chromebooks, tablets, and other devices that easily distract them from their learning due to being able to access games online, unlike when people used books back then, which now poses a challenge for teachers.

More into this topic, the world has become more connected, and people can easily travel across borders with a proper passport. Parents nowadays seek safe education for their children, which sometimes involves traveling to a different country. This can be a challenge for teachers as they have to deal with students from diverse backgrounds who might not be fluent in the English language, which is most of the time, the main language of instruction in many countries. This language barrier can make it difficult for teachers to communicate properly with students and ensure their success in the classroom which shows how much easier teaching was before.

How much access did people back then have to the things we have today?

If we take a trip down memory lane, we can observe how much harder people had to work in the past to achieve things that we can now easily access online. For instance, if we consider countries, there was a time when New Zealand, Samoa, China, Tonga, and even Russia did not exist. However, people discovered and brought them to life. This also applies to planets, plants, animals, hidden artifacts, and buildings, all of which were discovered by humans in the past. Nowadays, we can simply open a device and search about a country, and we will immediately have access to information that people in the past had to travel seas and mountains to achieve. This contrast between the past and present highlights how different life was back then.

Before devices existed, children had to write in books and punish their hands for who knows how long. They also had to read countless books to gather the information they needed, and alongside that, they also had to get creative with their presentations, such as using drawings or real-life examples. For instance, in the past, children would bring trees to show an example of how to grow them. Nowadays, we can simply upload a video onto a slide and be finished. This goes to show that some children and even parents nowadays do not fully understand the true meaning of “working hard.”

Now you know how much our world has transformed over the years! It’s amazing to see how much progress our world has achieved over the years. It makes me appreciate the hard work that people in previous generations put in to make our lives easier. Our world has gone through a brilliant transformation to get to where we are today. This fills me with a sense of gratitude towards our ancestors and also gives me hope for future generations.

-Zurielle 🙂