Starting our CONFLICT Inquiry

Today we started the 'Inquiry Process' with our conflict topic. 

This process has four steps, 1) form a question  2) find resources  3) interpret the information you find and 4) present your findings. The focus is on the SKILLS the students will use, rather than on the facts they will find out. 

We formed groups and made some questions, tomorrow we will narrow these down to just one question per group to investigate. 

By the way we saw more action with our Praying Mantis' this afternoon. I'm afraid we only have one left now..the others have been devoured by the 'mummy'. It was great to watch though!!!

Quality "wordwork" in our Literacy Time

Today we had two proud boys complete the word rhyme wheels. Perhaps the first in class to do so!?

Well done Ali and Ryder.

"learning to hear, say, read and write rhyme are a vital literacy skill"

Praying Mantis Vs. Weta

Today we observed and discussed the NZ Weta. Many of us had never seen one up close before. It led to some interesting discussion and many questions.

Can you spot the weta in the picture below??

We also wondered who would 'win' in a conflict between the weta and our big praying mantis. We were so interested we even took a vote on it!!

I wonder who will be right? What do you think will happen in the insect farm tomorrow!!!???

P.S. if you are wondering... below is how large a giant weta is:

Conflict in Nature

This term we are inquiring into 'Conflict' as a topic.

Of course this relates to war and ANZAC Day at the moment, and we are looking at this in class this week.

BUT, the kids have also been captivated by the insect farm I have started this term. We have some Praying Mantis, Spiders, Fruit Flies, beetles and a Weta in the insect farm.

Today was very exciting as we saw some live CONFLICT in the insect farm!! The large female praying mantis was eating the small male.

We all looked in wonder!! Wow, what a creepy but amazing thing to see.

See the video's below and look closely, like a scientist. (PG rating!!!)