Tiaki-James Pokere - Reflection, thoughts, inquiry, collaboration and more

This term as apart of our Te Reo Māori Unit, Tangata Rongonui, we have been exploring prominent Taranaki Māori Leaders (Te Whiti o Rongomai, Tohu Kakahi, Te Ua Haumene, Te Rangi Hiroa, Tā Maui Pomare, Wiremu Kingi, and Titokowaru).  Learners were given 20 minutes to research facts on a given leader (D.O.B, Education, Job, Family and Iwi connections for example). After this time, each student was placed into collaborative groups to share valuable information about their Tangata Rongonui. Every learner was extremely engaged in this process and were overwhelmed by the knowledge held by these Prominent Leaders of Taranaki.  It is pivotal that we teach our tamariki about prominent leaders within each rohe (region) of Taranaki as Aotearoa's culture and history.   

Team Building Activity At the start of the term R11 learners worked collaboratively in groups to construct and build towers consisting of different materials:      - Team Challenge One: Balloons and tape.        - Team Challenge Two: Stacking mini cups in a tower.  These team building activities were fantastic to watch and observe. Especially to observe how far students have come in the ability to be able to work positively and collaboratively with one another. Lots of meaningful discussions took place about how to construct the tallest tower.   

Culture  As a class we have been exploring culture and diversity. Each learner has been spending time exploring their ethnicity, religion, foods, traditional dances/music, iwi, country/ies of origin to help them better understand who they are. This has been a fantastic learning journey for all.  Students were shown a clip about what culture and diversity meant by taking notes. In groups students then needed to create a definition that they understood about what culture and diversity means. They needed to share this back with the class and explain their understanding about their definition.       Our reading workshops this term have been based on culture and understanding different cultural traditions and beliefs (Visual Arts, Music, and Foods for example). 

A challenge took place throughout this term (T2) regarding a 'Pukana Challenge' from schools within Aotearoa. The purpose of this challenge was to encourage the use of and participation in Te Reo Māori.  My Te Reo Māori Minister took charge in this department, teaching, encouraging and mentoring students through the process from start to finish. Lots of great discussions took place about what a pukana was, and the meaning of the kupu (words) they were saying. At the conclusion of this, R11 put out the challenge to the rest of the school. Having 2 classes take this up.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGHxtTV6hU8    

Mentoring and Coaching Models Reading Link:  http://education.qld.gov.au/staff/development/performance/resources/readings/peer-coaching-models.pdf What is coaching  Coaching is to help develop both myself and partner to be better reflective educators and improve learning outcomes for all. It is about share effective and meaningful practices.   Key Points from Reading There are four different types of coaching models.  Collegial Coaching  Technical Coaching Challenge Coaching Team Coaching     Coaching is built upon trusting both the mentor and mentoree.  Based on supporting further growth and development, not to judge others and teacher ability. A coaching model which I will be focussing on is Collegial Coaching. Collegial coaching has 3 stages.  A pre-conference - discussing with mentor what is to be observed and lesson focus.  An observation - Observing teaching/learning/strategies a...

Through collaboration and discussion with colleagues we identified a need or focus for myself to support me in being an effective leader to support student accelerations. Many ideas were shared, however this question was better suit. ' How can I develop my leadership to support and sustain student acceleration and ensure intervention coherence across school?'  So what does this question mean to me? For Acceleration to be successful across I need to develop my knowledge and understanding around how I can effectively lead my colleagues to ensure all students are successful achieving at a successful rate.I am able to effectively able to collaborate and listen to my colleagues when reflecting and sharing strategies or tools. How will I be successful? - Have a greater understanding of acceleration. - Ability to effectively lead colleagues through acceleration. - Understand the importance of coaching and its effectiveness.