Introduction to PYP

New school, new team, new curriculum, new way of being. TKS School currently use the IB Primary Years Programme as the curriculum that guides their teaching and learning. As I delve further into this document I hope to share my understandings by way of reflection. In the meantime, here is a brief glimpse into the fundamental aspects of this curriculum.

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Bravery at it's finest..

The true power of Social Media (namely Facebook) has certainly played it's hand over the past few months for me. Several months ago a friend posted a link to an incredible story at the Chace Topperwein Fundraising Facebook page, a gentle click of a 'Like' button and immediately you have an insight into the painful, amazing, brave, heart breaking story of Keri, Ryan and Chace Topperwein.

Over the months Keri and Ryan bravely shared their ups, downs, trials and tribulations of their journey where they literally travelled to the ends of the earth to seek solace for their son. How amazing that they could be so open, in turn receiving worldwide support on their journey. With this technology we also learned of the passing of their amazing little boy and watched as the world stopped turning for one little family. My heart strings have been pulled at many many times over the past month watching from behind my computer screen the journey these courageous parents have embarked on. And today, this.....a fantastic, liberating, emotional snippet of hope in what must be the darkest days of their lives.

Kia mau te wehi Dream Chaser Foundation! You are an inspiration to us all.

Digital storytelling 101

Off to the Hospital Play Specialist conference today and looking forward to sharing the exciting ways Digital Storytelling can be used in their context.

Global Storytellers

This star studded video reminds us that stories are powerful when shared...everyone has a story to tell - what's yours?

Outdoor Environments

Nō hea koe? - Māori Maps

Nō hea koe? - Where are you from? A common greeting in any Māori/Pasifika introduction. Who you are and where you are from determines your place in this world. It helps the person you are speaking to make a connection with you. So what happens when your sense of ancestral ties lie in another part of New Zealand. With most Māori living in urban areas the links to marae for many Māori occurs when you have lost a loved on, when you are celebrating an event or a family reunion.

Today I read an article in the Aucklander - "Putting Māori on the Map" which briefly details the endeavours of some wonderful people who have trekked Tai Tokoreau capturing images of Northland and Auckland marae - these images and details have been capture on a portal called Māori Maps.

Instinctively, I took the opportunity to search my own marae (as you do). And there in all of its glory is an image of Kohewhata Marae on Mangakahia Rd and Te Kotahitanga Marae on Rangihamama Rd. I can see the potential of such a site and am looking forward to see how it unravels.

Reflective Questions

I came across a post this evening at Wake Up Tiger. I usually just browse through their quotes and find some gems here and there. Tonight there was a link to thoughtquestions.com and what a great find. I've been reflecting in online spaces and the role I play through commenting, liking and sharing. One hundred percent of what I share is super positive... that's fine obviously! But I've been thinking lately about how I might engage in some in-depth thought provoking thinking. The questions at thoughtquestions.com have done this for me tonight. I'm about to head over to Facebook and start some thought provoking conversations. A few questions that got me thinking are below:

What would your answers to these questions be?