Nate Sextus's Portfolio

During week 4 of Term 1 our school value focus is determined by individual classes. In my class, we choose to select the value of 'responsibility'. Through selecting this value we discussed the importance of being responsible for our own gear (such as water bottles, stationery etc). As a class, we also linked the importance of this value of 'responsibility' to learning, whereby students understood (through the weeks process of talking about responsibility) that by staying focused and on top of little things, they can have more student agency on their own learning. Using the Value system in our school was very meaningful as if it is applied to all areas around the school, it becomes their own. They will see it more, and be more aware when they are and are not following it.

1-6/02/16 First week of teaching at Huntley: Using Stage 6&7 Multiplicative and Addition Tests for Math; and using the Burt Spelling Test, Probing, and Gap Analysis to see where they are sitting in regards to NZC levels. From this point I discussed results with colleagues and mentor to differentiate appropriately.

Students and Staff of Huntley School participated in the school wide haka in respect for our nation’s culture. Huntley has a normal academic day while other schools are closed for the public holiday. However, in true Huntley fashion, staff and students took this as a learning opportunity to engage in the meaning of Waitangi and the Moari culture. As you can see in the picutre below, myself and other staff took part in learning our Haka, involving our selves in the use of te reo and Maori war dance.

REFLECTION To change teaching practice we must change our beliefs and values. To change our beliefs and values we must reflect on what we currently believe and think. Reflection takes two (or more) drivers: To encourage us to continue To force us to be honest To suggest alternative interpretations To prevent us from getting stuck REFLECTIVE 1. What do I do? (Describe) Undervalue another’s opinion at times. 2. What does this mean? (Inform) They think I don’t respect them or they think I know better. 3. How did I come to be like this? (Construct) Just an attitude developed from life experiences 4. How might I do things differently? (Reconstruct) When someone comes to me in different situations empathize, so they realise you understand what they are saying, so then you can move on to help them. Moving them from thinking emotionally to rationally