This is the formula that the Giants did.
What: I learnt that sometimes, even if you are smart, you can get help from people who have no idea about it, eg: my mum!!!
Why: We did it so we could see what we had learnt.
Next: My next step is to have the brainwave while we are doing it, not about 72 hours later!!!
What: I learnt that I am pretty average at athletics.
Why: We did this so we could see where we are for athletics.
Next: My next step is to finish the sheet and put my name on it before it gets scanned!
What: I learnt that if you try hard, like I did, you can get Stanine 9, like I did.
Why: We did this so we could see what we got.
Next: My next step is to think about the answer really hard the first time.
I'm really going to miss Riverdale. I've enjoyed every moment of it! The electives, the sports (am I crazy?), the camps, everything. It was great! My favourite camp was Camp David. I loved the horse riding!!! I'm going to miss everybody, even the boys. (I really am crazy!) I'll probably burst into tears when I walk out of the hall at the last assembly, but I'll be taking my memories with me. If I'm famous one day, I'll tell everybody "Riverdale is what got me where I am today." Thank you for standing by me for six years and one term. Goodbye!!!
What: I learnt that you can remember things when you write about it.
Why: The Year 6's did them for the leavers booklet.
Next: ?????
This is our years highlights.
What: I learnt that sometimes you have more fun at school than at home!
Why: We did this so we could look back on what happened this year.
Next: My next step is to make the most of it all.
Lc12 Personal Voice Journal 2009
This is the Room 12 book.
What: I learnt that we could make an online book.
Why: We did this so we could find out our best ones of ours and make a book of our memories.
Next: My next step is to look at all of mine so that I can choose the very best one.
Term 4: 'Managing Self'
What: I learnt that I am good at managing myself.
Why: We did this so we could see what we needed to improve on.
Next: My next step is to keep my desk tidy, the opposite of my bedroom!!!!
This is my Term 4 handwriting sample.
What: I learnt that it is easier to copy a poem rather than some writing.
Why: We did this so we could assess our handwriting.
Next: My next step is to put a bit more effort into it.
What: I learnt that a photo with art looks really good.
Why: We did a photo with art because adults like artwork that their children have done and they like their photo.
Next: My next step is to not have detail that is really fine.
I have another blog you can visit. It is called From Diana's Pen. It has all my stories on it. The address is www.fromdianaspen.blogspot.com . Check it out!
I can't imagine life without Misty.
I was sitting on the black leather couch in Mrs Peck's office when I heard the bad news. It was Maths Explorers when the phone rang.
"Hello?" said Mr McCallum. Somebody on the other end of the line said something. It was probably my mum.
"There's been a rabbit stolen from McDonald Place? You saw him? Thanks." He heaved a sigh of relief, but I could see the worry lines on his face.
Then it slapped me awake. As far as I knew, I was the only one in McDonald Place with a rabbit.
My eyes started watering. "I think I'm the only one in McDonald Place with a rabbit," I tried to say. "Yeah, it's your rabbit," Mr McCallum replied.
I couldn't hold the tears back any longer. Everything was a blur. All I could think about was my pain inside me and hoping that Misty would be ok.
Mrs Helm gave me a drink of water, then I went back to class, still in tears. My heart was breaking like an egg smashed on the floor. I was as worried as someone who had a sickness that could kill them at any second.
Somehow, the word had spread like seeds, because when I entered the classroom, lots of girls came and hugged me and tried to calm me down.
I tried to work, but I couldn't. It was too much.
Five minutes later, Mr McCallum came and told me she was ok. Relief flooded over me. I was able to go home and see her.
I just can't imagine life without Misty.
Mr H - What a fantastic story. You've used repetition in the intro and ending and used some amazing similes. I'd like to see some more word pictures about what happened. What did Mr McCallum's face look like when he was talking on the phone? What was going through your mind when you were walking back to class? Can you use a simile there?
What: I learnt how to make my story have the right amount of impact.
Why: We did this so we could get feedback from the teacher and edit it.
Next: My next step is to try harder at first.
Key: Red = What I added.
What: I learnt (after ages of trying and trying) how to make a wordle and get it onto your blog.
Why: We did this to see what words we used the most (not including common english such as I, me, the etc.)
Next: My next step is to not be so impaintient when it is loading, because I could have finished it in five minutes.
This is our maths project on the managing self survey.
What: I learnt how to make graphs and powerpoints on google.
Why: We did this to tell the class what we need to get better at.
Next: Our next step is to do more work each time and share the jobs around.
This is my mind meister map.
What: I learnt that I do lots of things to benefit my Hauora.
Why: We did this to show what we do to benifit our Hauora.
Next: Next time I would write them down first.
This is our tri teams vuvox.
This is our mind meister map.
What: I learnt that sometimes it is hard to figure things out.
Why: We did this so that we could work out what we were going to find out.
Next: Our next step is to add more detail.
I did two New South Wales Exams, English and Maths. I got High Distinction for both of them. This is a photo of me holding my maths certificate.
What: I learnt that if you don't think you did well, it might just be a hard test.
Why: I did the test because I wanted to have that feeling you get when you achieve something.
Next: I don't know what I'd do different next time!!!
This is may speech draft.
Belonging-The World
I would like to ask you something. What does everybody belong to? Hmm. Why don't I just tell you? We all belong to the world, and we impact it in good and bad ways. When we impact the world, it impacts us. We control it, but we do bad things to it, which then returns the favor by doing bad things to us.
For example: long, hot showers. Lots of us love our long, hot showers, especially in winter. At least, I do. But they are bad. We use up the world's water, and water is a non-renewable resource. Eventually, the resources will run out and we will have no water to keep us and nature alive. The Dalai Lama quotes: "We share the earth not only with our fellow human beings, but with all the other creatures." Because of our ignorance, we are killing not only ourselves, but living things that have done nothing wrong.
Think this: we are killing our own children before they are born. We are destroying the future for the generations to come. We belong to this world. There is no other place where we can live. If earth was any closer or further away from the sun, we would die. It is perfect, yet we are destroying it. You belong to your family, right? When they are sick, you care for them and make them better. We also belong to our world, and it is sick. So we are caring for it, right? Wrong. We are making it sicker and sicker because we only care about ourselves and our families.
But we can stop this. When you go to work, why don't you walk or bike, instead of going in the car. Or if it's too far to do these, maybe you could ask one of your workmates who lives nearby to take you to work. These ways are cheaper and better for us and our planet.
Instead of buying an expensive playground, you could plant trees and turn them into playgrounds. Instead of a proper playhouse, build a treehouse. Attach a swing. Get a sturdy plank of wood and nail or screw it in for a slide. Again these ideas are cheaper and better for us and the environment.
Instead of long, hot showers, why don't you do short, hot showers. Then you could flick the heater on, or light your fire. It still keeps you warm! I should know.
Use torches instead of lights. Even better, get torches that don't need batteries. It saves a lot on your power bill.
These ideas save money and the world we belong to. Let us take care of this planet. The planet we belong to. Planet Earth.
This is my speech feedback from Samantha. I do not agree with her!
What: I learnt that sometimes you don't agree.
Why: We got feedback to help us improve.
Next: My next step when giving feedback is to be really truthful.
This is a video of my first try:
What: I learnt to put a question in my speech.
Why: We did speeches because in future we will need to talk to audiences.
Next: I need to slow down, and maybe change my start. What do you think??? I would like some comments.
I scored 23/24. I was the best in the class.
This is my second try...
I scored 24/24 and got into the finals!!!
What: I learnt that when you try a second time, you improve.
Why: We did it a second time because some people did really badly or they weren't prepared.
Next: My next step is to keep practicing after the first try.
Blue pen is what Mrs M said first time. Red pen is Mr H second time.
What: I learnt that it is easier to know how you improved if you do it on the same piece of paper!!!
Why: We did these sheets so we could get feedback and see where we need to improve.
Next: My next step is to try to listen to the feedback!!!
This is my email to Christina.
Hi there, Christina!
My name is Diana. I am an 11 year old girl from Palmerston North. How old are you? My birthday was on the 29th of September. When's your birthday?
I have two bothers, I mean brothers, one 13 and a 1/2, and one eight. They really do bother me! Do you have any brothers or sisters? I also have a one year old rabbit named Misty. Do you have any pets?
I am good at maths, spelling, reading, writing, and other academic (school, learning, inside) stuff. I am NOT an outdoorsy person! Are you?
I have lots of friends. One of my very best friends is Kate! Who are your friends?
I like indoor things, like reading and barbies, (it's OK if you think I'm babyish), but I also like biking and stuff like that. What are your hobbies?
I am an animal lover. I used to have a mouse called Cutie, then one called Angel. Before my little bother was born, we had a cat called Peanut. Do you like animals?
I am New Zealand European, but I had an 18x great grandfather that was Scottish, and a king also! I am also a bit of other stuff. What country are you from?
My family are Christians, and we go to church. What religion are you?
I love watermelon, pineapple and other fruits. I am lactose intolerant, so I can't have dairy. What foods do you like?
I think I've said enough for now. I can't wait to hear from you!!!
Yours Sincerely (just wanted to be proper)
Diana Pulman
What: I learnt that you need to ask questions to get answers.
Why: We did this to get to know other people.
Next: Maybe not put so much info!!!
Term 4: 'Managing Self'
What: I learnt that I am good at managing myself.
Why: We did this to help us understand what we needed to get better at.
Next: Two goals I want to achieve this term are: keeping my desk tidy (unlike my extremely messy bedroom) and not fidgeting with things on the mat. I hate sitting still, and I'm a very messy person, but hopefully I'll improve this term!
What: This is my maths test off Smart Kiddies. I got 9/10.
So What: I got one wrong because I put the 5 first, not the 0.
Now What: I need to make sure I have written the answer, not something random!
For reading this term, we have been learning to comprehend. Comprehending is lots of different skills that help you read. Things like visualizing and prior knowledge help you.
My group has been reading The Secret Garden. It is about a girl called Mary. I found it interesting and easy to read because Mary is about my age and sometimes feels quite lonely like me. I would call it a mystery and I like mysteries. You never know what's going to happen.
The strategies that have helped me the most are all of them. I have always used them, but I have improved on all of them. I always have a movie in my head, and lots of questions. I am always using what I already know, and I read between the lines to find clues. I am making predictions and saying what I like and don't like all the time. Eg: In The Secret Garden, I can see Mary talking to the robin. I am wondering whether she will find the garden or not. I am predicting she will. I love all the gardens and wish I was in them.
I need to get better at asking questions. I am always making predictions, rather than just wondering what will happen and waiting to find out.
The books I will read next term will be: fantasy, adventure, mystery, growing up, animal, christian, and maybe a bit of fighting. I want to read them because they hook me in - literally!
How To Make Chocolate Coated Grapes
Chocolate coated grapes are nice treats, and easy to make. You can make one or two, or heaps. They are great for special occasions, or just for a snack. Follow these simple steps to find out how to make them.
You need:
Grapes, any colour, as many as you want
Chocolate, plain milk, dark or white, a big block for 30-45 grapes
What to do:
If this is done correctly, you should have a plate full of grapes with an outer layer of hard chocolate. You don't have to use grapes. You can use other fruits, like strawberries and other berries. You can put toothpicks in for easy and healthy eating.
You need:
Grapes, any colour, as many as you want
Chocolate, plain milk, dark or white, a big block for 30-45 grapes
What to do:
- Take any stalks off grapes. Put them in a bag in the freezer/fridge for 10-15.
- When the grapes are nearly frozen, put some chocolate in a microwaveable bowl. You need 1 big block for 30-45 grapes.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute periods. Stir in between. Do this until you have a thin liquid.
- The grapes should be cold, and a little hard. Roll them in the melted chocolate and put onto a plate with baking paper. You can half coat, or fully coat in chocolate.
If this is done correctly, you should have a plate full of grapes with an outer layer of hard chocolate. You don't have to use grapes. You can use other fruits, like strawberries and other berries. You can put toothpicks in for easy and healthy eating.
What we did: We made chocolate coated grapes to sell at Market Day.
How we did it: We got the stuff and froze the grapes. Then we dipped them in melted chocolate and put them in the fridge.
Why we did it: We did it because flax baskets were too hard.
We are Group 7.
To get some market research, we went around with our prototype and got people to eat them. We wrote down all the feedback and separated the good from the bad. Then we tried with frozen ones, and got the same people to test them. All of them preferred frozen grapes. Then we had everything we needed, so we did our finished product.
During Market Day, I was working full time. We sold lots of grapes. We had it 4 for $1.00 at first, but then we changed it to 5 for $1.00. Later we made it 6 for $1.00, but then we put it down to 50c for a napkin or a paper cup. It was lots of fun. I really enjoyed seeing people enjoy what we made. Maybe I'll be a checkout operator when I'm older!!!
This term, I have achieved ALOT.
1. Handwriting. For Handwriting I have made it neater, and it has improved alot. I need to put more effort into the pictures.
2. Te Reo. For Te Reo, I have learnt more, and I am using it more. I still need to learn more.
3. P.E. For P.E, I have wanted to do it more. I need to try a little harder to do the things.
4. Sign Language. For Sign Language, I have learnt heaps more signs, but I still need to concentrate more.
This is my Te Reo that I did with Samantha.
We are saying:
Sam: How are you Diana?
Diana: I am tired. How are you Samantha?
Sam:I am very hungry.
My next step is to understand what people are saying. (I had to ask Sam what she said)!!!
Lucy, Adam, Diana, Emma and Oliver.
What we did: We got our recipe from LC 14. Then we organized who would bring what. After that we made the play dough. We halved the recipe, but kept putting flour and oil in. Then we mixed it all together.
So what? We halved the recipe, but it was too sticky. We added more flour, but it was too hard. We added more oil, and it was perfect texture!
Now what? There's not much we can do to perfect it anymore, but maybe we could of worked together better, and all contributed. Otherwise, we could make a money making business out of our LADEO PLAYDOE!
Congratulations to the winning team - Ladeo Playdoe. You have a pizza flavour to choose!
Here are some photos of the winning team enjoying their prize. Well done, Lucy, Adam, Emma, Riva, Diana and Oliver. You all worked really well together and Diana - you showed some excellent leadership skills! Keep it up.
These are some comments from Mr Herring. We won!!! The Hawaiian pizza was delicious. I got two pieces!!!
These are my Google designs. There is a beach theme, a NZ theme, a information theme and a what Google is about theme. My good copy is going to be my what Google is about theme.
This is my good copy
These are my goals for Term 3. I hope I achieve them. If I do, I will be really happy.
Dear Parent / Caregiver
Dear Diana
Term 2 was great! I had tons of fun and learnt lots of things.
My goals were to get better at fitness, improve on the beep test, and learn some more signs. Guess what? I achieved all of them! Now I actually want to do fitness sometimes, unless I'm reading of course! Plus I don't get puffed as easily. I got 3.8 instead of 3.6 on the beep test, and my shoe didn't fall off! (It was a different pair). I learnt tons of more signs from Jackie, and now I'm signing the alphabet without even knowing it!
Because I'm fitter, I now sort of enjoy games, and I take part a bit more. Seeing as I know more signs, I'm talking to Lucy all the time, and teaching Blake to say "I love sausages!"
Next term, I will put more effort into fitness and do it when I don't have to. I will also keep signing and learning more signs. I can't wait 'til next term!
I've done great work, and I'm really impressed. Keep learning and having fun.
Take care, great work, well done and goodbye.
From your good friend,
Diana
This is my hand writing sample for Term 2. I didn't do very well. It is a very funny poem.
Somthing I did do well was my border. It has different kinds of animals.
My next step is probably making it neater.
These photos are of our project. The bottom two are of our tri board and the top one is our plants. Going clockwise from top left: Seed Raising Mix; Sand; Mud; Compost.
The thing I enjoyed most about our project was when we got to go to Massey University to see one of Mr Herrings friends about plants.
Our team, consisting of Dionne, Kate and I, were really good at getting our work done, even though we had an occasional fight.
On the matrix, we could get better at nothing, because we think we were expert on everything!!!
Our social action went well. We decide to make a walkway for the school with native trees. When we talked to Mrs Peck about it, she showed us that we already have one, it's just that people don't know about it. So we will probably raise some money to make a proper walkway, not just dirt and grass. We might also try to raise lots of money to make name labels. It could go for years before it is completed, but we will start it.
This is my writing sample for Term 2. It is about our science project. I got level 5 for surface features and level 4 for deeper features.
I didn't know there was a level 5! It must be pretty high!
My next step is in deeper features. It is to support ideas with a range of ideas and data. I also need to use a metophor or simlie lanalogy.
In Term 1 I started on level 55 on the basic facts ladder. Withen 5 weeks, I had gone up 3 steps and finished the whole ladder. I can't improve next term because I've finished!!! Helping Alex helped me succeed because I taught myself the answer while helping him.
For spelling, I started on level 30 and went up 3 steps. I am now waiting to be tested on level 33. Nothing has really helped me succeed. Next term, I would probably do stuff at home, not just at school.
Award Courtesy adrianbruce.com
Your 2nd draft of the 'Oil and Water' explanation showed very clear evidence of the basic criteria, Diana. You have the introduction and conclusion, some good ideas and you've ordered the ideas logically.
I would like to see you structuring your explanation with paragraphs and adding more detail. You could do this by making sure that you've covered many of the WHs.
These are my macro photos I took on camp. The first one is... the carpet in the hall at Camp Highland Home. And the second one is... the edge of my glasses! I learnt that a macro photo is a photo of something close up. I took lots of really good pictures. Next time, I would try harder to get focus before taking the photo.
This is me and my family. From left to right. At back: Mummy, Blake, Daddy. At front: Misty (my rabbit), me (Diana), Joel.
This explanation explains why some liquids mix and some don't.
Firstly, some do mix because they are the same density. Oil is denser than water so it floats on top. They are immiscable.
Immiscable is like when you are playing on the playground. There are girls in one corner and boys in another. They don't want to mix with the different gender, just like the oil.
But you can make them mix. Just put salt in. Salt will push the oil down to the bottom. But when the salt dissolves, the oil floats back up to it's friends. We tried it, and it looked like a lava lamp.
Now you know why some liquids mix and some don't.
This is how the hole appeared in Doug Robinson's paddock in Invercargill. One night, Giant Jump-a-lot couldn't get to sleep. So he decided to get up and, well, jump on the clouds. When he jumped on a rather small cloud, (1m wide and 40cm deep), it fell out of the sky and made the hole. Then Giant Jumpalot jumped and the cloud flew back up. Giant Jumpalot landed back on the cloud and went up with it. Then he went back to bed and fell fast asleep straight away. Because of all the pressure that was put on the cloud, it filled the hole up with rain water. That is how Doug Robinson's hole appeared.
This is why some liquids mix and some don't. As you know, some liquids do mix. It all depends on the density. Oil is denser than water, so it floats on top of the water. They are immiscable. That's like when you're playing on the playground at school. There is a group of girls over there and a group of boys over here. They just want to be with their friends. It's the same with the oil. It doesn't want to mix with the water. That is what immiscable means. But there is a way to make them mix. If you put salt on top of the oil, it will get pushed down to the bottom of the water. But when the salt dissolves, the oil goes back with it's friends. It looks sort of like a lava lamp. That is why some liquids mix and some don't.
I need to: use paragraphs
What happened:
When I entered the room with Dominic, I sat down, facing the computer. I asked for Holiann, but she was at dancing, so her best friend Carly came up. It was 4:00pm in Alabama. We asked each other questions, and it was so fun! I was so excited!
Conversation:
We had a really good conversation, because we gave great answers and asked great questions. I think it was great. Next time, I would actually take turns asking questions.
I learnt that it can be difficult working out the average with lots of numbers. I made the graph really well. Next time, I will try to get the graph right first try. It shows that the boys improved and the girls didn't. Boo-hoo!!!
I remember my most thrilling moment, sitting on the mountain of metal in
I wrote this in writing explorers.
What did Sir Ed do?
As you know, he climbed Mount Everest, but that doesn't make him a hero. What he really did was: served people in need; built schools and medical clinics and many more. He was always helping poor people in Nepal. Even though he was a New Zealander, he cared for people around the world.
Where did Sir Ed live/become a hero?
Sir Ed was a New Zealander, but after he climbed Mount Everest, he spent lots of time around the world raising money for poor people, especially the Shepras. When he came down Everest, he went through Khumjung village, the hometown of most of the Shepras. A few years later, an elderly shepra came to him and said "Our children lack education." So that's where he became a hero.
When did Sir Ed become a hero?
Probably when he started raising money for the Shepras. He must have been their hero! Or maybe when he helped build the schools and medical clinics.
Who helped Sir Ed?
His wife Louise and Tenzing. His wife encouraged him and boosted him. Tenzing was always doing the same. Plus, probably the Shepras, by needing him and being so nice to him. No wonder he wanted to help them!
Why did Sir Ed help the Shepras?
Because it was worthwhile, and it gave him more satisfaction than a footprint on a mountain! He also never felt sorry for them and never tried to impose projects on them. There were just to many requests to say no!
How did Sir Ed succeed?
Sir Ed succeeded in climbing Mount Everest, but he also succeeded in being a great person by caring about people and helping them.
Which H.O.Ms did Sir Ed use?
Definitely persistance in climbing Mount Everst, and taking responsible risks. When helped people, he listened with empathy and understanding.
Conclusion:
Sir Edmund Hillary was a kind, caring man, who never gave up and thought of others before himself.
Dear Diana
How was Term 2?
I hope you got better at your fitness Before you kept getting puffed. I hope you improved on the Beep Test and didn't lose your shoe again! I really hope you practised heaps.
How was sign language? Did you learn any more signs? I hope you did, 'cause now you can talk to Lucy and be understood, as well as understanding her. Plus, you can teach your family some signs.
Well, overall, well done, great work and goodbye.
From your good friend,
Diana
For the PAT Maths test, I got two wrong, one in Number Strategies and one in Geometry and Measurement. Lots of people got them wrong. They were numbers 31 and 37. I got stanine nine. That is the best you can get.
What a great term you've had, Diana! I've been impressed with your self directed style of learning and your extremely high level of independence. You have started to grow in your leadership skills and recognising your strengths as a learner.
I am looking forward to seeing you begin to pass on your skills to others and publish your more of your writing on your efolio. Keep up the effort!
I have learnt about and enjoyed learning about how to make an efolio. I learnt how to embed as well. I really enjoyed it because it was so easy. Mr Herring helped me at first, but now I'm a wiz and can do it by myself really quickly ( as long as the computer is fast!!!) Another thing I enjoyed was learning about lots of graphs and when to use them. I already knew about most of them, but I worked out by myself how to use an Area graph and a Stem and Leaf graph. I didn't get that much help from anyone in working out how. I enjoyed it because I had always wanted to learn about them, especially Stem and Leaf.
Next term I want to get better at adding detail in my recounts, because I don't add that much detail. I try to though. The only person who could help me would be myself.
View Larger Map
This is where I walk when we go down to the Manawatu River.
This is my graph. I have definitly improved my gutterboard skills. Before I could barly get ten!!!
I was selected for a special maths project, where we had to make a flow map to help people work out what graph they need. I like the fact that it had something to do with maths. I learnt about stem and leaf graphs, area graphs and gliffy. This is the finished product! I hope it helps you!!!
We had to change the background to make it look more interesting. We also added more pictures and information. I like the colour of the new background.
