Friday, February 27, 2015

Student Engagement! A+

As I reflect on the past week in our Makerspace classroom, I can't help but smile. From my little year 1 students to my older year 6's, the level of engagement is exciting. I think we are onto something great! Nothing profound, just a bit of off-cut lumber, and an opportunity to explore and challenge student learning. Squares, prisms, pentagons, right angles, waka engineering, and design. The de-construction process is underway with my seniors as they square off against wooden crates, intent on up-cycling and giving these old dilapidated wooden structures a new lease on life. Cooperation and problem solving is rampant! With student engagement an obvious presence in this classroom, this year is looking incredibly promising. Bring on week 5!

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Team 1 Explores The Concept Of Squares

MakerSpace Classroom..."The Journey Begins"

Hi, and welcome to my blog. My name is Ted Barks and I am currently teaching at Point England School in Glen Innes, Auckland, New Zealand. I have been given the wonderful opportunity of leading our MakerSpace classroom and I am still coming to grips with this space and what it will look like for our school. This blog will work as a journal of my journey as I inquire into my personal teaching practise and explore how I can most effectively use this space with our students. As you can well imagine, this first term has been full of start-up challenges, and I'm sure these will continue for some time yet. This said, each day is better than the one before and I am incredibly excited for the year ahead. I trust that this journal is the beginning a great story. A story of great adventure and amazing learning that is embedded in problem solving projects that allow for cognitive engagement and reflection at all age levels.