Vivian's Maths Learning Story

Learners: Komal & Vivian    Learning Coach:  T.Dillner          Date: 21.5.15

Learning Area: Mathematics

Learning Observed

During Numeracy time, the learners in Mrs Remington’s groups have been learning about subtracting. On this particular occasion, Mrs Dillner was lucky enough to spend some time looking at how Komal and Vivian could subtract together. In pairs, all of the learners had to subtract and use the string to match the number on the left with its answer on the right (see photos below). Komal and Vivian were subtracting 8 each time. When they were finished, they could check if they were correct by looking on the back to see if their strings matched the answer pattern. When they were not right, they had to undo the string and fix their answers.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Komal and Vivian worked collaboratively to subtract eight from a variety of numbers under 20. They used their curiosity to drive their learning - they wanted to use this new learning tool and find out if they were correct or not. They were capable of successfully completing this task once each. They worked well together by sharing the equipment, speaking clearly and respectfully and being helpful (Participating and Contributing). They also used the correct mathematical language of ‘subtract’ instead of ‘take away’ (Using Symbols, Language and Text).

Next Learning Steps

Progressively move onto more complex subtraction equations that are two-digit minus two-digit e.g. 21-12 = During Numeracy time, work together to complete all of the orange subtraction cards.

Vivian's Music Learning Story

Learner: Komal, Samantha, Sameeha and Vivian     Learning Coach:  T.Dillner          Date: 2.6.15

Learning Area: The Arts - Music

Learning Observed

The Keas Hapu group have been learning about the features that we use to make music. They were introduced to the formal language of Tempo, Dynamics and Rhythm. After three sessions, Komal, Samantha, Sameeha and Vivian chose to work together in a group to collaboratively write three lots of four beats (rhythm), that had a change in volume (dynamics) and speed (tempo). The learners needed to record their patterns using correct musical notes to show timing and the correct Italian terms to show where the dynamics and tempo changed. The girls then had an opportunity to share this with the Keas and demonstrate their understanding of the three features of music. They used clapping to show these patterns.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

All four girls worked collaboratively to share their thinking and formulate their pattern (Participating and Contributing). By standing up and giving a short presentation, they demonstrated their capability in understanding these three features of music. When we talked about Dynamics and Tempo, the learners were making connections with new vocabulary. They had to make sense of words and symbols in the traditional language of music - Italian (Using Language, Symbols and Texts).

Next Learning Steps

To make up a clapping game that uses the same thinking or language from this activity. In the future, practise musical performances in order to stay in time with one another.