Walking the Length of NZ

How Many Steps?

We have been very fortunate to be involved in a some cool learning experiences that have been designed by School Kit. Earlier in the year it was Get NZ Writing and in Term 3, we participated in a Mystery Hangout with Pitt Island School.  

Towards the end of Term 3, we began another kit called, Walking the Length of New Zealand.  This kit has a health and mathematics component which has encouraged us to think about how we can use different types of activity to increase our daily steps.  Now that we have measured our step, tested different step apps, recorded steps around areas of our school and calculated the average kilometer walked on a day; we are ready to invite our family community to 'step out' with us on Friday of week 3 to 'Walk the Length of New Zealand'.

Click on the link below to check out our learning,

link to learning

Mathematical Mindsets

Maths Problem Solving

The words, 'growth mindset' feature regularly in our daily conversations at Sunnyhills School. We talk about using a 'growth mindset' when we are learning - especially when we are in the 'learning pit'. With a 'growth mindset', we don't give up. Instead, we say, "I'm challenged and am having trouble understanding this new learning, but I won't give up."  In maths, the 5Stars will be referring to this way of thinking as 'Mathematical Mindsets'.  Jo Boaler - Stanford researcher, professor of math education, and expert on maths learning - has studied how students learn maths. then developed practical strategies to help all students enjoy and succeed in maths.

The 5Stars will be developing their 'mathematical mindset' thinking during group problem solving sessions. It is here that they will need to collaborate and share their thinking with one another, so that everyone in the group understands the process. There will often be often be more than just one way to solve a problem - written, visual and with materials. I can't wait to see how they all develop as mathematicians throughout the year.

Here are some photos of the 5Stars developing their 'mathematical mindset' capabilities while designing a graph (more about that later):

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Mandy, Stella, Sophie, Alexander, Grace, Emma, Joshua, Raymond, Jacob, Arad, Henry, Jerry, Max, Clyde, Kobi, Chadd, Tony, Joseph, Lucas, James,