Heather is currently studying teaching at the University of Waikato- these are her thoughts on the Poetry Book launch held at Puketaha School by Sheena & Louise recently:
Being a third year teaching student, the thought of being responsible for a classroom full of children next year is both a slightly terrifying and exciting prospect. One aspect that adds to the pressure relates to supporting their literacy development. We are bombarded with news reports that tamariki are falling behind, they are struggling with literacy. We hear about and experience on placements the diverse needs of learners in our classrooms. We know about the struggles families are facing to sustain mortgages while raising their children - let’s face it, many of us are in that boat too. We know how challenging it can be to access support for our most vulnerable learners. The teaching profession is full of challenges and yet we know that it is a worthwhile, valuable endeavour. And on top of all that we know that one of the biggest indicators of learners’ success is due to the effectiveness of their teachers! So no pressure … lol!
So knowing all that, we can recognise the importance of filling our kete and being as prepared as we can be. Going along to the poetry book talk definitely helped fill mine with easy, practical and engaging ways to better teach poetry to our learners. The adaptability of poetry, combined with its often smaller size helping learners approach it with an attitude that it is more easily achievable, highlights the value that can be gained through the explicit teaching of poetry within the classroom. Not to mention it can be fun!
Sheena and Louise gave an engaging, interactive and enjoyable presentation that made successful outcomes for our future learners that much more attainable. It was great to be in a room with many other enthusiastic educators that are committed to doing their best for our tamariki. It was also great to be walking out feeling better equipped to bring this element of literacy into the classroom and it was fantastic to know I wasn’t going to be assessed on it! Overall it was a great way to avoid the many assignments waiting for me at home and in fact the information gained even helped me with one! There was such a practical, logical approach presented that makes me look forward to putting this knowledge into practice.
