Nothing Beats Hokey Pokey

Kiwis are very proud to claim Hokey Pokey icecream as their own. One of the Year 2/3 ESOL groups found out what Hokey Pokey really tasted like. Prior to the cooking session, the children wrote the ingredients and instructions for their recipe. Here they are with their freshly cooked sample. At this stage it was too hot to eat.

Our Unit on Cultural Diversity The children have been exploring some of the ways in which groups of people express their cultural identity. Pride in national dress was a topic that fostered much discussion and opportunity to use descriptive language in their writing. Vianca was keen to find out if we could wrap all those metres of fabric around her tiny waist. Sari can be worn in a number of different ways. A choli or midriff blouse is worn under the top of the sari.

Here are a few of the many images that were discussed by the children

Celebrating Raksha Bandhan

On August 2nd 2012, the Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan was celebrated by a number of families within our school. On Raksha Bandhan it is customary for sisters to tie a Rakhi (a crafted and decorated silk thread) onto the right wrist of their brother as a symbol of their love and protection. The brother in return pledges to take care of his sister/s.

A group of ESOL children from Rooms 7 and 9 wrote about Raksha Bandhan and what it means to them. Aki wrote that the festival was very special to him. It was a day when he felt very important. Aki received this bracelet from his grandparents.

One of Rishik's bracelets came from his female cousin in America. We thank Rishik's mother for bringing the festival to our attention. We also thank Suma from Room 25 for speaking to her peer group about the festival.