The kiwi

I am learning write sentences about a New Zealand animal.
Listen to my writing!

October Newsletter

Welcome back! We are looking forward to a busy and exciting Term Four. This term our focus is report writing. The children will be researching different countries and writing about them. To start with, we will be looking at the special features of New Zealand then the children will choose a country of interest to research.

New students
A warm welcome is extended to Fatima and Dan who started school last term. These students have joined the ESOL programme.

Change of hours
This term Judith and Glenys' working hours have changed. Judith will work Monday 11.45am-2.15pm, Tuesday 9.45am-3.00pm, and Wednesday 9.00am-2.15pm. Glenys will be teaching ESOL all day Tuesday and Wednesday, and Thursday 9.00-11.45am. The latest version of the ESOL timetable is displayed in the ESOL classroom windows.

Parent Talk Time
It is wonderful to see new families coming along to our Parent Talk Times. All parents are welcome to join us on Wednesday mornings 9.00-9.45am in ESOL 1 (blue room).
Our topics for Term four are:
20 October (Week 2): National Standards and the English Language Learning Progression reports.
3 November (Week 4): Class placements and giving information to teachers.
1 December (Week 8): Social event and farewell to leaving families

Cultural Parent Meetings
We are looking forward to catching up with you all! Meetings for the cultural parent groups will be held on the following dates:
27 October (Week 3): Japanese parents
10 November (Week 5): Chinese parents
24 November (Week 6): Korean parents

Meetings with ESOL teachers
The ESOL teachers will be contacting parents of children who started on the programme during Term 3 and 4 to discuss your child’s learning and his/her participation in the ESOL programme. These meetings will be held during Week 5 (8-11 November). If other parents want to discuss their child’s progress at ESOL, please feel welcome to contact your child’s ESOL teacher and book a time.

Using the school crossing
For the safety of your children please remember to cross Clyde Road using the marked crossing. When doing this it is important that you wait until the student monitor has lowered their arm before you start walking.

Blog
Have you seen the latest postings on our blog? The children have recently added comments about our Arts Week activities. Check us out at http://fosesol.blog spot.com

Please remember that we value contact with parents and caregivers. If you have any questions, concerns (or compliments!) about our ESOL programme please feel free to contact us.

Chinese plates

Today we painted a Chinese plate. We painted branches with white paint. Then we put gold paint in a flower shape. We put dots in the middle of the flower. I enjoyed it because I learnt about another country. Ji Won

Today we painted a Chinese plate. The plate was used for serving guests tea. The plate was red for good luck. I liked painting the branches because of their wiggly shape. So Won

Today has been fun because we painted Chinese plates. We used red paper and white, gold and black paint. We painted the branches with white and the flowers with gold paint. We dipped the back of the brush in black paint to make the circle in the middle. Tomorrow we will draw around the outside with vivid. Stephanie

Chinese tea trays

Today we made plates. These plates are from China. They have flowers on them. You can put your drinks on them to celebrate. They are made out of shells and wood. I liked doing it because we got to paint. Michael

We were painting from China. We were cutting the circle. We were putting flowers on it. Samuel

First we cut a circle. We put white paint to make a branch and tree trunk. We were so careful drawing a flower with three circles on it. We put on flower spots using the back of the brush. We touched carefully on that flower. I liked doing it because I like painting. Jake

Chinese tea trays

I liked painting the branches with white paint. Jason
I liked doing the golden flowers on the branches. Yea Jin
I liked the golden flowers on the branches. Laiba

Making a Chinese tea tray

Today we have been painting a tree on a plate and it was a flower plate. The flowers were gold and the trunk was white. The dots were black. Raphael

Today we were painting on a red plate. We painted a Chinese tree and the trunk was white. The leaves were gold and black. I like to paint and it was exciting. David

Making a Chinese tea tray

I liked painting the flowers. Thomas
I liked painting the tree. Hayley
I liked painting the inside because you just needed to do a dot. Eunseo
I liked painting the trunk. Andy
I liked cutting the circle with scissors. Marcus

Painting a Chinese tea tray

I liked painting the gold. Lennart
I liked painting the black dots. Bing Da
I liked painting the black dots. Fatima
I liked making the black spots. Dan

Planting a daisy

On Wednesday of Week 7 the ESOL people planted shrubs in the ESOL garden. I planted a daisy with Raphael. First I pushed the bark off the weed mat. Bark is hard. Next Mrs Anthony cut the weed mat. We had turns to dig a hole. The soil was wet. Next we took the daisy out of the pot and put it in the hole. Last we put dirt over the roots and put bark on top of the weed mat. Bark is dark brown. The daisies smell good.

Planting a Hebe

In Week 7 Orange group and Yellow group planted hebe and daisy plants in the ESOL garden. First we pushed the bark back until we could see the weed mat. Then we cut the weed mat in a cross with scissors. Under the weed mat there was dirt so we dug a hole in the dirt with the metal trowel and we put the dirt in the bucket. Then we took the hebe from the pot and spread out the roots and we put the hebe carefully in the hole. Last of all we put soft soil into the hole and pressed it down hard. Next we folded the weed mat on top of the dirt. Then we put the bark over the weed mat. I enjoyed planting because it was interesting and my Mum likes gardening too. Next time my Mum is gardening I will help my Mum. The hebe's colour is my second favourite colour so I like hebes. I want to do planting again because it is fun to do gardening work.

Planting a Daisy

On the first of September So Won and I planted a light purple daisy in the ESOL garden. First we pushed the bark back then we cut the weed mat with sharp scissors. After that we dug a deep hole until it was deep enough to fit the plant in. We took the plant out of the plastic pot and spread the roots out so it didn't go in round. Next we covered the roots with wet dirt and folded the weed mat back. We covered the weed mat with hard bark. Daisies are my Mum's favourite flower and they are a pretty colour. Purple is my favourite colour too.

Planting a Daisy

On Wednesday our ESOL friends planted daisy and hebe plants in the ESOL garden. First we pushed the bark back and we cut the black weed mat with old scissors then we dug a deep hole and carefully put the plant inside. We covered the roots with wet dirt and pressed it down. Next we folded the weed mat. Then we took the daisy out of the plastic pot and put the daisy in the hole. The last thing we did was cover the weed mat with bark. It was fun because my favourite flower is the daisy and the colour is pretty.

My sleepover

On Monday I went to Fun Club. We made some bags and we played Guess Who? Then I went to pick my big brother up from school. At night my Mum, Moiz, Ibrahim and me had a sleepover at Rohaan's house. Five days we stayed there. We went under the table because there was an earthquake. It was very boring under the table.

Making a car

On Tuesday I went to Kids First and I made a car out of wood and nails. It was cool because the big girls helped me make it. I painted the car with blue and red paint. I took it home and put it on the table.

My day

In the weekend I practised my piano and I did Christmas songs. After that I played on my Nintendo and played Super Mario on my Nintendo. It was night time and we had some dinner and we had some rice and meat. I brushed my teeth and we slept all together because I was scared of the earthquake.

Planting a hebe

Thomas helped me put a hebe in the ESOL garden. We pushed the bark away. Mrs Anthony cut the weedmat. We dug a hole. We put the hebe in the hole and we pushed the dirt on the top of the roots. We pushed the soil down and we folded the weedmat back. Then we pushed the bark on top. I liked digging the dirt.

Planting a hebe

I planted a hebe in the ESOL garden. First we pushed the bark away and Mrs Anthony cut the weedmat. We dug a hole and put the plant in then put soil on top of the roots. We pushed the soil down and folded the weedmat over. Last we pushed the bark over the weedmat. I thought gardening was fun.

Planting a hebe

I planted a hebe in the ESOL garden. First I pushed the bark away then Mrs Anthony cut the weedmat. Next we dug a hole in the soil with a trowel. Then we took the plant out of the pot and put it in the hole. Andy helped me. We put the dirt on top of the roots and we folded the weedmat back down. Last we put the bark over the weedmat. The hebe looks round and green.

Thinking of you all after Saturday's earthquake

A warm hello to all our ESOL families,

A quick post to let you know that I have been thinking about you all during the past few days.

Our family has been very fortunate as we have had no significant damage to our house. It has however, been a frightening time, with broken ornaments and shelves falling over. The stories on the news have shown some amazing images and I have marveled at how people are able to help each other in difficult times.

I am sure that when you return to school you will all have a story about the earthquake to share and I really look forward to seeing you next week.

Remember you can make a post here if you wish.

Thinking of you all,
Judith

ESOL party

On Wednesday we had a ESOL party at the village. We had food and games and we shared our          work. My favourite games were Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Pass the Parcel.  I had fun because I like to play games.

The ESOL party

On Wednesday I went to the ESOL party. My mum and Anna came too. My favourite game was Pass the Parcel because I won some stickers.We ate some yummy food. At the village we had a fun party with our families. I liked playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey because I have played it before.

When I went to hospital

Last Friday I went to hospital. I was snoring every day so I had my tonsils out. I played the Playstation sometimes in the morning and at night. When I went back home, I cried because my throat was sore. I couldn't eat sharp things because then I would get a bleeding throat.

The ESOL party

On Wednesday our ESOL people had an ESOL party to celebrate our friendship unit. First on the programme was the speeches. I said "We chose an ESOL friend to make a paper chain for. On the chain we wrote what makes them special." Next we played games. I liked playing musical chairs. I got 2nd and I also liked silent ball. I was a champion.

The ESOL party

Yesterday our ESOL friends had a party. First we welcomed our parents. Second we split our ESOL friends into two groups and we played games. We played six games and my favourite was the egg and spoon race because our team won and I didn't drop the ball. It was fun. Later we showed our work to our parents but my mum went back to her house when we finished our games. Then we had our morning tea. It was yummy. I ate lollies, chips and rice cake.

The ESOL party

On the 25th of August we had an ESOL party and our parents came. We welcomed our parents then played some party games. My favourite game was Pass the Parcel because I got the lollipop last. I also liked the egg and spoon race too. We shared our work with our parents then ate some morning tea. A lot of the people didn't eat the cake. It was fun at our ESOL party.

The ESOL party

Yesterday was the ESOL party. It was in the Village. First Mrs Williams sorted out the groups then we played some games. My favourite game was musical chairs because it had music and it had my favourite song. The adults joined in the games too. After the games we shared our work with our parents. Then we ate morning tea. My favourite food was the cake and chips. I had a great time at the ESOL party.

The ESOL party

To celebrate the friendship unit we had an ESOL party yesterday in the Village. At the start we welcomed our parents. Then we played fun party games with our parents, friends, Mr Sibson and Mr Stokes. While the ESOL teachers got ready for morning tea, we shared our work with our parents. Lastly we ate the yummy food that we brought. I enjoyed the party time and I liked all the things I did at the ESOL party. My favourite game was musical chairs because I like that game and it is fun to play.

Celebrating Friendship

Yesterday the ESOL students, parents and teachers had a party to celebrate their learning focus on Friendship. The children described what they had been learning in their ESOL lessons then we all played a variety of party games. The children shared their workbooks with their parents and we finished the party by having morning tea together. We had a fun time and it was lovely to see so many parents joining in the games!

The ESOL party

Yesterday it was the ESOL party. We were celebrating our friendship. The egg and spoon game was my favourite because I beat my sister.

The ESOL party

Yesterday in the Village we had an ESOL party. My favourite game was musical chairs and at the ESOL party we had some food. I ate Korean food and had some juice.

The ESOL party

I went to the ESOL party. It was in the Village. My Mum came. She brought some Korean food. My favourite game was musical chairs because we had to skip around the chairs. I ate some cake and some lollies.

The ESOL party

We had an ESOL party in the Village. My Mum came too. My favourite game was pin the tail on the donkey because you had to wear a blindfold and pin the tail on the donkey's bottom.

The ESOL party

I liked playing pass the parcel. I got a lollipop.

The ESOL party

Yesterday I went to the ESOL party. I liked playing the egg and spoon race. We used a tennis ball for the egg.

The ESOL party

On Wednesday I went to the ESOL party. My favourite part was musical chairs. Samuel was the winner of Pass the Parcel and he got some stickers.

The ESOL party

Yesterday I went to the party. I liked the musical chairs game.

The ESOL party

I liked the musical chairs game. Mum Mum played too. We had a fun time.

Numbers

Today I worked with Mrs Williams on my Maths. I am learning to recognise the digits 6,7,8 and 9. First we made groups of blocks to show each number. Then we ordered the numbers and practised counting forward and backwards. Last we played dominoes.

Using the thinking hats to sort adjectives

Today we sorted adjectives which describe people under three thinking hats - red, yellow and green. It was great to have Jake part of our group for the first time too!

July Newsletter

Welcome
A warm welcome is extended to Bing Da, Eunseo and Hayley who started school last term. We also welcome Jake who has started this term. These students have joined the ESOL programme.

Change of hours
This term Judith and Glenys' working hours have changed. Judith will work Tuesday 9.45-3pm, and Wednesday 9-12.30. Glenys will be teaching ESOL Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning. To reflect these new hours and also the changing needs of our students, our timetable has changed significantly. Please see the latest version on the ESOL window.

Term three topics
The focus of our learning for Term three is self esteem, friendships and report writing. You can support your child's learning by discussing their special qualities and the qualities of other family members. We plan to give your child specific skills to assist them with making friends, being a good friend and inviting friends to their home. This will be celebrated with an ESOL party planned for Week six. Look out for your invitation in Week 4.

Japanese parents meeting
Our meeting for Term 3 will be on Wednesday 4 August at 9am in the ESOL room. Please put this in your diary and tell any other Japanese parents who do not receive this newsletter.

Parent Talk Time
We are thrilled to see so many parents regularly joining us for ESOL Parent Talk Time. Please remember we start at 9.00am sharp with the content of the session. This is particularly important when we have visiting speakers.
Our topics for Term three are:
Wednesday 28 July: Week 2 - Independent Learning (Visiting speaker Toby Stokes, AP)
Wednesday 4 August: Week 3 - Japanese Parents meeting
Wednesday 11 August: Week 4 - Heath services for primary school students (Visiting speaker Public Health Nurse)
Wednesday 25 August: Week 6 - ESOL Party
Week 8 - No Parent Talk Time
Wednesday 22 September: Week 10 - Code of Practice from students, social, planning Term 4

Blog
Have you seen the latest postings on our blog? We have recently uploaded videos of some groups retelling Narratives! Check us out at http://fosesol.blogspot.com

Books with audio CDs
To help your child develop their oral language skills it is important for them to hear correct models of English. One way to do this is to listen to stories on CD. We have a box of book and CD sets in the library specifically for ESOL families to issue. Your child can borrow these in their library time or at lunchtime. Parents are welcome to visit the library to borrow books either before or after school, not during class time. There is a limit of two book and CD sets per family.

Maths websites
At our Week 8 Parent Talk Time we shared a couple of great maths websites. The web addresses for these are www.arcademicskillbuilders.com and
www.numeracy123.com.

Please remember that we value contact with parents and caregivers. If you have any questions, concerns (or compliments!) about our ESOL programme please feel free to contact us.

Kind regards,
Judith Anthony and Glenys Williams
ESOL Teachers
judith.anthony@fendalton.school.nz glenys.williams@fendalton.school.nz

Lennart's house

Today I read a book about a house.
Then I talked about my house.
Listen to me!

The fox and the crow

Listen to us retell the story of the fox and the crow!

Lennart's rabbit

Today I made a rabbit at ESOL. I used a book on the computer to help me.

The Fox and the Crane

We have been learning about Narrative stories. For this retell we decided our goals were to use at least
- 5 different sentence beginnings
- 5 conjunctions
- 4 adjectives and
- 2 similes

To hear the story of The Fox and the Crane, click on Ryan's recording for the beginning and Ji Won's recording for the ending.

The fox and the crow

Crow and the fox

I learned about stories at ESOL this term.
I am using puppets to tell the story of Crow and the fox.
I am being the clever fox.
He is clever because he tricks the crow and eats the meat.
Next time I will use sentence beginnings.

Golf

On Sunday I went to golf with my Dad. I needed a golf club, some blue tees and some white balls.
First we teed up and we started. I swung my golf club and hit the ball hard. I had four shots to get the ball into the hole.
After that we played another seventeen holes.
My Dad won because he is a good player.

Mercury and the Woodman

Our language topic is Narrative. We are learning to tell stories using different sentence beginnings and conjunctions. We are learning to describe a characters using adjectives and similes.

We listened to the story of Mercury and the Woodman then we made stick puppets of the characters. We retold the story as a group. Here is the video of our retell ...

The Fox and the Crane

We are learning to retell stories using different sentence beginnings and conjunctions. Today we read the story of The Fox and the Crane. We retold the story with a partner using puppets.

"I enjoyed the puppets because it was fun." Yea Jin
"It was great that we got to have turns doing both parts." Rohaan

"We made the story up." Laiba
"I did some talking with the puppets." Jason

The Fox and the Crane

We are learning to retell stories in the correct order. Today we read a story called The Fox and the Crane. Then we put the pictures in order. Next we worked with a partner to retell the story using puppets. We had lots of fun.

Rona and the Moon

Rona's children could not go to sleep in the dark. The children wanted a drink of water and the moon was shining so Rona walked along the bumpy path to the spring. Suddenly the moon hid behind the clouds. Rona tripped over and she got angry at the moon. She shouted "You're a silly old moon." The moon got angry so he caught Rona and the moon pulled Rona up to the sky. In her hands there were a bucket and a tree. Now Rona lives in the moon and her children can only see her when it is a full moon.

Rona and the Moon

It was night time. The moon was shining. Rona walked to the spring to get some water for her little children. The naughty moon was hiding behind the cloud. The sky was dark and Rona fell down. Rona felt sad. She said "You are a silly moon." The moon caught Rona and pulled her up into the sky. Now she lives in the moon.

Rona and the Moon

Rona went to get her children some water from the spring. The path was bumpy and the moon was shining in the night. Suddenly the moon hid behind the cloud. Rona fall down becuase the sky was dark. Rona felt grumpy. "You are a silly moon!" said Rona. The moon pulled Rona up in to the sky and now Rona lives in the moon.