The Mataura Team's BIG Book of Instructions

In Term 2 we spent several weeks learning how to give, write, read and follow instructions.  Each child chose a simple procedure and practised this at home.
Each day a different person presented their procedure. They demonstrated, we wrote, we read and re-read and then followed the instructions.
It was so much fun and we love reading our book of instructions and remembering all about it.  We think it's a terrific idea to share it with you.

Paper Chain Men

Alex brought an amazing collection of paper chain men to school today.  He made them all at home and shared them during our morning meeting.  We were all impressed.

Only a few people had made these chains before and everyone else wanted to learn.  

"We could make another page in our instructions book" suggested Ben.

"We should put it on our blog" said someone else.  

"Great idea" we all agreed.  "We should put our whole book on the blog."

And that is what we have done.

DOGS MAKE THE BEST PETS

PUPPIES AND DOGS PLAY WITH YOU

They run around so much and they play tug of war with a sock. That is funny to watch so they make you laugh.  They play catch or fetch and they bring the ball back. Dogs run with you.  Sometimes they chew socks, shoes, pillows and even knickers.  Mums don't think that's quite so funny.

PUPPIES AND DOGS LOOK GOOD
They are fluffy and cute.  Their faces have little brown eyes and their ears can be all different sizes. Some are little and pointy and some are long and flappy. Molly's dog's ears hang down. Victor's dog is very fluffy. One of his dogs is called Brian and his big dog is called Jimmy.

PUPPIES AND DOGS ARE HELPFUL
Some people are  blind and they use dogs to help them cross the road and on the path and stuff.
If you fell down when a car was coming a dog could drag you off the road so the car doesn't run over you.
Sheep dogs help the farmer get the sheep in the pen.
Some dogs can get ducks from a long way after the hunter has shot the ducks.

Art Challenge

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This is a family challenge that Mrs Mac saw on the internet.  Each family in the class was given a plain owl and were challenged to make their owl unique. Do you think this is a good idea?   

Dogs Make the Best Pets

Molly, Hunter and Victor read this book.

They did not agree that cats are the best pets. 

Watch this space tomorrow - they will tell you why dogs are definitely the best pets.  

Play Dough

Playdoh or Play dough - however you spell it it's an essential in a Junior classroom.
We use it in maths, literacy and general play.

Here's the recipe for a useful cooked play dough.

1 cup white flour            1/2 cup salt                         1 cup cold water
1 tbsp oil                         2 tsp cream of tartar           food colouring

Stir all ingredients together.
Cook them over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes.
You will be able to stir it into a sticky dough when it is close to being ready.
It is ready when it is still sticky but seems to be drying out a bit. 
The dough will continue to dry as it cools down. 

Cool and store in an airtight container.

                   

Skiing - August 13th

What a wonderful day we had skiing on Thursday. We loved it!