I’ve now lived in New Zealand for 4 weeks. I can’t believe how fast the time has gone! I’m starting my 4th week in school, only this week and 2 more weeks left, it is just flying by. By the end of the week, I hope to have more control. Next week my ISU supervisor is visiting and I will have full control. I’m not sure if I will have total control because of the way they do their grouping. In the class there are 7 reading groups and 5 math groups. They what us to have the best experience and if we didn’t feel comfortable taking control of all the groups, they don’t want us. Handwriting and writing are often given as direct instruction. This week, I am starting to take control of these.
This past weekend we stuck around town to help with the school gala. The school gala was a fundraiser very similar to any I’ve seen. Each classroom had a station. Some sold baked goods; there was a white elephant table, fresh produce, a raffle, food stands and face painting. The three of us helped with face painting, so glad I took a semester of Design school! Sunday when David returned with the van, the girls drove up to Queenstown. It was raining all day but we were really hungry for Chinese food and decided we could do some shopping as well. We didn’t know where we were going but my senses lead me directly to the shopping center. Grandma Jeannie would be so proud!
I thought I’d let you in on some of the differences I’ve discovered during my first month in New Zealand.
School
It’s very interesting to see the differences in the school systems. The major difference I notice is the schedule. Almost all instruction is given during the morning. The days go by so fast. I know I’ve said the schedule in the past, but I really believe it makes for a successful class. The students have Math (they call it Maths) in the morning, followed by brain food and fitness. It’s a great break to allow the students to run off energy but also give them energy if that makes sense. After brain food we have reading groups. I’m still discovering how to manage the groups. After reading is morning tea. I am really going to miss morning tea. Even if you don’t drink coffee or tea, it’s just a great break from the classroom. I often come back very refreshed and ready for writing. It usually goes by very fast and I can’t believe it’s 12:20 and lunch. After lunch, most direct instruction is done. We have computer, PE, Music, Art, Moari (native language) and even Religious Education. Students parents can choose not to attend. A member of the community comes for 40 minutes on Friday to teach the students, it’s been interesting to see in a public school classroom.
Grouping
I haven’t yet seen many math groups, Mrs. Kruse often gives a short basic facts lesson and then gives the groups different worksheets depending on their specific learning objective. Mrs. Kruse leads the lesson very similar to what I’ve seen/been taught back home. She does not give the students algorithms and asks them to explain their thinking. This seems very beneficial because of the age difference in the class. Some students have been in the class for two years now and some this is their first year. The year 4s (8 year olds) are great leaders for the year 3s (7 year olds). I would be very interested to be able to watch the 7 year olds grow over 2 years.
Reading groups, although they are hard to plan in the beginning, really run smoothly after understanding the students’ as readers. The only problem I’m finding difficult is allowing enough time for each group. I find myself focusing on one group, which takes time from others. I hope by the end of my 6 weeks I can develop some skills in this area to bring back with me to the states. I know this will help specifically in a special education classroom.
Dental Therapist
This past Friday I learned something very interesting compared to any school in the states. Each school in New Zealand has a Dental Therapist, a fancy name for a dentist. It is a government-funded program that allows students to have work done on their teeth, when needed, at school. She doesn’t do anything to big, but checks cavities and seals their teeth. I’m unsure if she can fill cavities, I believe she can if their not too large. She’s there if needed for an accident on the playground. It’s my understanding that they are trying to limit the therapists in the area. Our dentist is now beginning to take students from area schools. Although this isn’t as convenient, it still is a great program for these students who may not have gone outside of school.
General
I know when I arrived I listed some difference I’ve noticed. I thought I’d add to the list.
-Almost all sinks have 2 handles, one for hot and one for cold. I still really haven’t figured out how to wash my hands with ‘warm’ water.
-Supper is called tea.
-Cooler is called chilly bin
-Swimsuits are called togs.
-Most bridges on the roads are one lane. They aren’t long, you just have to see if someone is coming and whoever has the right away can go.
-I don’t know if I’ve seen a 4 way stop. All intersections are round-a-bouts. I’ve really feel I’m mastered them!
-Everyone is so soft spoken.
-Weather is unpredictable. In Iowa if it’s raining in Ames, it’s more than likely raining in Des Moines. In New Zealand, if it’s raining in Alexandra, it could be sunny in a town 20 minutes down the road. I’ve given up watching the weather in the morning; I just wear layers.
-Almost all stores and restaurants play American music. I was honestly surprised to see everyone dancing to ‘California girls’ in the bar.
-We were asked if all school is America were like “American Pie”. Embarrassing.
-Almost all shows on TV are American. There are several NZ or Australian dramas but Glee, American Idol, Desperate Housewives, Big Bang Theory, and even America’s Funniest Home videos. I don’t know why this surprises me, but I didn’t expect to be able to watch American shows.
-Students are expected to travel after graduation. I have 7 year olds that have traveled much more than I have.
I’m out of ideas right now, I will continue to write them down and they arrive. Thanks to everyone that’s been reading. I’ll try my best to continue to update once a week ☺. Enjoy your week!
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