HAL PD

During Term 1 we had term long PD dedicated to Healthy Active Learning Support, this was facilitated by James. The main aim of the PD was to focus on wellbeing and get learners active in a fun way through the use of games. 

Hauora is a Maori philosophy specifically targeting the health and wellbeing of New Zealand societies. Hauora is split into 4 domains physical wellbeing, mental and emotional wellbeing, spiritual wellbeing and social wellbeing. These domains create the four walls of a whare. All domains are necessary to create strength and symmetry.

During our PD meeting several games were demonstrated that we could take into the classroom. This included a Pasifika mirroring game, Cone Stack and 22 Skidoo. These were easy yet effective games that required a small amount of PE equipment and minimal planning. They would make great daily fitness games for the morning or even brain breaks throughout the day. They were all targeted at making fitness both fun and beneficial as oppose to a burden. 

I believe this PD has had a very positive effect on both the students and myself. As a class we are all enjoying our daily fitness sessions and the students are getting visibly more fit and active.

Talk Link

 One of the students in my class have been on a Talk Link trial for the past few weeks. The app allows him to communicate with others and teaches him how to say words correctly. I have seen a very positive change in this student as his confidence has grown and his speech have improved. He is now adding endings to words and making an effort to say words clearly. 

This student is now engaging in class discussions and participating in everyday tasks. He is building friendships with other class members as they are using the device with him. He understands that the device is used to help him communicate. He has grown so much since the start of the year and it's so great to see. I believe this device has made a drastic improvement on his communication, relationship building and confidence.