Dee's Professional Learning Blog

After my observation at Blockhouse Bay Primary, I was greatly inspired by their innovative approach to learning. They implement mixed-ability workshops across all subjects, allowing students the freedom to choose their learning topics. Once the students complete the required tasks, they can participate in 'fun' can-do learning activities to solidify their understanding of the topic. I am excited about bringing a comparable approach to my classroom, with an initial emphasis on reading. At the end of last term, I gathered student voice, asking about their interests and preferred types of stories. Using this feedback, I compiled a selection of stories tailored to their interests. During reading lessons, students will have the chance to select texts they're eager to read. We'll explore a range of reading skills, including vocabulary growth, comprehension, inference-making, prediction, summarising, and understanding meaning, all within a structured literacy framework. I will...

In my journey as an educator, one of the greatest challenges I have faced this year is ensuring that my students remain engaged and enthusiastic about learning, especially when it comes to the fundamental skills of reading and writing. In New Zealand, Year 5/6 learners often encounter obstacles that can lead to disengagement in these crucial areas. Understanding these challenges and implementing effective tools can make a significant difference in reigniting the passion for literacy among the students in my class. "Why Are My Year 5/6 Learners Disengaged In Reading And Writing?" I needed to consider several factors that could contribute to the disengagement of my Yr 5/6 learners in reading and writing: Lack of Relevance - The students may struggle to see the relevance of reading and writing in their daily lives, especially if the material feels disconnected from their experiences and interests. Limited Accessibility - Many students in my class face barriers to accessing a r...

As a teacher, my daily mission extends far beyond imparting knowledge; it's about nurturing a love for learning that resonates deeply with each student. When signing up for a CoL position in 2023, I was teaching years 0-2, my CoL intention was a focus on implementing NZ Histories through hands-on learning experiences tailored to their needs. However, the teaching landscape is forever changing, and I've since transitioned to teaching in the Year 5 & 6 syndicate. At the start of the year, my colleague and I decided to group our students based on their abilities. I took on the lower literacy learners while my colleague worked with the higher-achieving ones. This decision stemmed from my experience in structured literacy over the past two years, where I focused on building foundational reading and writing skills. While there is still a need for differentiation within each group, we can now tailor our approach more effectively.   In this new role, I've embarked on a journey ...