Exploring Your Inner Self Through Writing: A Year 7-8 Classroom Story

posted in: Classroom Stories 0

Earlier in 2022 I was in Robert Raynes’ Year 7-8 class in Howick Intermediate (a decile 9 school in Howick, Auckland) when I noticed some very attractive and interesting student texts hanging from the ceiling.  I asked Robert (a provisionally registered teacher) what they were about and he introduced me to a picture book called My Shadow is Pink by … Read More

What do students say about writing?

posted in: Professional News 0

Most of us would agree on the importance of listening to student voice when developing and implementing a classroom programme.   In the context of an instructional writing programme, this means finding out:  How do my students feel about writing?   How do they feel about themselves as writers?   How do they feel about the writing instruction they receive at school?   Finding … Read More

Being Creative in a Junior Classroom

posted in: Classroom Stories 2

Nicola Blight’s Year 1 classroom at Newton Central School (a multi-cultural inner Auckland school) is a wonderfully creative and vibrant space in which colour, movement, shape and wonderings abound. Nicola – who has been teaching for more than 20 years – continually seeks artifacts and experiences that will challenge her students, deepen their natural curiosity and enable them to express … Read More