Tania's Professional Learning Blog

Coping with change can be tough for people of any age, but unlike many adults, kids don't always understand why transitions take place and how to handle it. Many parents, patiently work with your child and offer the support they need to move ahead into whatever it is they are about to face. Walk together through what is about to change, and get a routine in place as soon as the transition takes place. Many of our tamariki that starts school don't have the opportunity to have a focused transition where the stress is lightened and to talk about how they are feeling and to let all those emotions out. Some students are very fortunate to have parents actively involved in the transition process and are willing to work with the teachers to make the transition less frightening. With regular school visits the tamariki can overcome  and succeed in the new circumstances with which they are presented. My focus this year will be around those tamariki that do not get the opportunity to visi...

MEASUREMENT In a junior math class, non-standard units of measurement are often used to introduce students to the concept of measurement before moving on to standardised units. Non-standard units of measurement are arbitrary units that are not based on any established system of measurement. Examples of non-standard units of measurement include using paperclips to measure length or using marbles to measure weight. Using non-standard units of measurement can help students develop an understanding of the basic principles of measurement, including the concepts of units, precision, and accuracy. By using non-standard units, students can also practice estimating measurements and comparing the relative sizes of different objects. Once students have developed a basic understanding of measurement using non-standard units, they can then move on to using standardised units of measurement such as inches, feet, grams, and kilograms. Standardised units are important because they allow for accurate ...

How do I teach Maths in my New Entrant class?  Materials and hands-on experiences with constant Oral Language. Big focus on correct Maths vocabulary. Why do I believe on hands-on activities?  Hands-on activities are an effective way to teach math because they engage students in a more active and experiential learning process, rather than simply receiving information through talking and showing.  Here are some reasons why hands-on activities are beneficial for math education: Active Learning: Hands-on activities encourage students to be actively engaged in the learning process, which helps them to better understand and retain information. Concrete Understanding : Manipulating physical objects helps students develop a concrete understanding of math concepts. This is particularly important for younger learners who may struggle with abstract ideas. Multi-Sensory Experience: Hands-on activities often involve using multiple senses, such as touch, sight, and hearing, which can...