🔥 warming up, cooling down

Question - This is a non-fiction text, why do  you think the author begins with a narrative about Freddie on page 2?

Answer - Maybe to hook the reader in,  or to give the reader a summary of the information that they are about to read.

A white shirt, or clothing reflect the sunlight. Therefore keeps you cool.

Black clothing absorbs light, so black tops would absorb sunlight. Therefore warming your upper-body.

🐯 auckland zoo trip

On the 4th of April 2014, which was a Friday, Glenbrae’s students from rooms 10, 9 and 7 went on a school trip to the Auckland Zoo. The reason behind this trip was because of our inquiry, which is, ‘Survival in the Wild’. After a hectic bus ride we senior students were escorted into the zoo, by a few zoo keepers.

When we finally arrived to our substitute classroom we sat down in rows on the provided steps and on the green fake grass. We met three adroit instructors, who introduced themselves, and gave us a brief summary of where and what, they were going to be teaching us. They talked about the different enclosures we were going to be visiting, which were the high country enclosure, the forest enclosure, and the night enclosure.

The first enclosure that my class and I ventured into was the high country enclosure, but even before we wandered into the enclosure we learnt about skinks. After the instructor finished his mini lesson we had to all clutter into a small cage-like rooms, that was very airy since the walls had what seemed to be holes in them. The door that we had just walked in was closed, and the other opened revealing a beautiful scene.

A small river streamed beside us as we walked in, plants, rocks, bushes and trees masked the enclosure. A short but not too short wall was located just before the ‘garden’ preventing visitors from slipping in, and getting injured or hurting the native birds. Three vibrant colorful birds named kea swooped around the enclosure like they had no worry in the world. After that interesting enclosure we went to the next enclosure. The forest enclosure !

Finally reaching the enclosure, we repeated the process of cluttering into the cage-like room, closing the door, opening the other door, and stumbling out. As soon as we stepped into the enclosure we were greeted to a lush forest, and a path that looked out of place, the sounds of birds tweeting echoed throughout the enclosure. We investigated the trees, and called out when we sighted a bird or a tree/plant that we knew the name to. At that enclosure I learnt that a bird named Kereru, could last 6 hours without pooping.

Next we went to the night enclosure, where the instructor talked about a moth that stayed in a hole of a tree for 7 years, then coming out for a day, only to die. Then we repeated the process of entering the cage-like room, closing the door, and then exiting for the third time. The enclosure consisted of small bushes, and a stream, with a large translucent tank filled with massive eels swimming in it. After that we investigated the inside, where we were able to look for kiwis. At the night enclosure I learnt that eels lays their eggs close to Tonga and then return to their home, when the egg has hatched it swam to where their parents without even having to be guided.

After the night enclosure we met back at our substitute classroom, where Lennyx thanked the three intelligent instructors. We then filed out of the room one group at a time, we then walked to the band rotunda where we scattered around in our groups and ate. After we finished eating we were able to explore the zoo without designated groups.

My favourite animals that I saw were the sea lions, the tigers, and the red panda. Visiting the Auckland Zoo was awesome, and I learnt a lot of facts about native animals, and plants/trees. All in all it was a great experience, and I hope in the future I will be able to visit, again.

Well done, very descriptive piece of writing.

🔨 the hatchet

How did you react to Brian’s thoughts and actions? Do you think he is sensible or unreasonable?

I didn't really react at all, but it was quite dramatic when the plane crashed. I think that Brian is building up false hope to forget about the terrible accident and the mess he is in now.

What lesson does Brian recall from Mr Pepich, his English teacher? How does that lesson help Brian as he sits beside the lake?

Brian had a teacher named Mr Pepich who was always talking about being positive, thinking positive, staying on top of things. Pr Pepich’s listen gave Brian motivation, and a lot of hope.

Evaluate and Connect

Sometimes Brian’s thoughts go back to an earlier time, when he was with his mother. What effect do these “breaks” have on the story.

The “Breaks” answered my questions about ‘the secret’ it also answered my questions why Brian was going to visit his father who was living in Canada, and why his parents are divorced. The “Breaks” helped me understand Brian a little bit more.

Are Brian’s reactions to the pilot’s death and the crash realistic? Does Brian seem like a real thirteen-year-old boy?

Brian’s reaction to the pilot’s death was quite surprising actually, I thought he would have freaked he did but he also got back into his right mind and thought up a plane that kind of succeeded. Brian doesn't’t seem like a thirteen-year-old boy, he seems to mature about everything and he’s always got a plane for everything, if that makes since.

🏊 life jacket

Today we learned how to put on a life jacket, and where and when to where it. We were in partners, it was me and Ilalio. A life jacket needs to be tight, we also learnt how to put on a life jacket when in the water. We should always wear a life jacket when on a boat.

📐 maths daily practice

1 8 . 0 3 . 1 4

Today I learnt how to add fractions, on nz.ixl.com. At first I was confused, but at the end of it I understood. Even though I knew how to add the fractions, I still got some wrong. I only had five minutes so I wouldn't know if I could do better, until tomorrow.

Tupapakurua Falls Track

A hike is when you go for a long walk in a forest, woods, or the wild. The track that Mr Chen supposedly followed is called the Tupapakurua Falls Track. The track is better for more experienced hikers because the conditions be muddy and or slippery following rain. Before you even think about walking out into the wild you have to be well equipped encase of any change of weather or you stumble of track and get lost. You will need to be wearing warm clothing, you can wear layers in case it gets hotter or colder. You can never go wrong with an extra jacket, bring a bag so it’s easier to walk about. Wear sturdy comfortable boots or shoes, food and water because you never know how long your hike will take. Also you could bring glasses, sunscreen, and a first aid kit is a must.

The walk will take about 4 to 5 hours, and 11 km return from Fishers Road parking area. To be safe, tell a friend or family member when and where you will be going, and when you should be back. To be extra careful check the weather forecast the night before you leave and the morning you go on your adventure. Also do not take shortcuts if not on map you may think, ‘That way would be shorter, and a time saver’. At the end of the day your safety means more than some shortcut that might end up you being lost, or severely injured.

To read more click this link - (Tupapakurua Falls Track)

Bio Poem - Chanel

Chanel

Gamer, High-Spirited, Easy-Going

Lover of Food, Cartoons, and Animals

Who wonders if she’s telepathic

Who fears someone close passing away, darkness, heights

Who feels euphoric to work on her Chromebook

Who is able to work independently, help others, speak confidently

Who would like to go on a journey to Rarotonga, meet Harry Styles,

eat ice - cream everyday

Who dreams the world would be made out of candy