Instructional Series
Welcome to the English medium literacy instructional series teaching and learning resources for years 1 to 8.
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- English
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- Non-fiction
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- Poems
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Search results
64 items - Showing 11 - 20
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King and Country
by André Ngāpō
illustrations by Andrew Burdan
This fictionalised story is based on the controversial issue of Māori fighting for the British Empire during the First World War. Students will need some knowledge about the history of our race relations and, in particular, the colonisation of Aotearoa by the British.
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Hatter’s Gold
by Renata Hopkins
illustrations by Matt Haworth
This historical fiction story is set in the West Coast mining town of Blackball in the early 1900s. Laurie, a twelve-year-old boy whose father is a coal miner, tells the story. When the miners go on strike, Laurie realises his family won’t be able to afford the new boots he needs. Laurie sets off to find some gold. Instead he finds a fatally injured old miner (a “hatter”) who opens up the possibility that there are more options than mining.
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Return of the Moa?
by Quinn Berentson
Could moa really be brought back from extinction? This high-interest article considers the scientific and ethical issues related to the de-extinction of moa and other species. The ethical conundrums are explored using a “for” and “against” format, and further details are supplied in a humorous “how to” section. The final section puts forward several other contenders for de-extinction.
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The Great Barrier Reef
by Sarah Wilcox
The Great Barrier Reef is very beautiful – and threatened. This report describes the Great Barrier Reef and explains what coral is. It also outlines the threats to the reef from climate change and its “evil twin”, ocean acidification.
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Tuto'atasi The Struggle for Samoa's Independence
by Damon Salesa
The people of Sāmoa celebrated fifty years of independence in 2012. This article tells the complex story of colonisation and decolonisation that saw Sāmoa controlled by Germany, and then New Zealand, before finally securing self-rule. The former rulers enforced unpopular laws and punished dissent harshly. In addition, thousands of Samoans died of influenza as a result of poor quarantine practices under New Zealand’s rule.
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In the End
by Mal Peet
“In the End” is a fictional recount of the Martha Mine strike, told by a soldier in the First World War who was living in Waihī at the time of the strike. This complex layering will be challenging for some students, but the rich poetic language and colourful expression should be engaging for many readers
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War in Waihi
by Mark Derby
“War in Waihī” recounts the events that took place in Waihī in 1912. The article places the “war” in context, providing background to the conflict that happened when miners demanded safer working conditions. The mining company, supported by police and politicians, resisted the demands of the miners’ union and ultimately used violence to break the strike.
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His Own War – The Story of Archibald Baxter
by David Grant
“His Own War” is a biography of Archie Baxter, a New Zealander who refused to join up and fight in the First World War. His objection to fighting was based on strongly held convictions, and he paid dearly for them.
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The Squash Club
by Hinemoana Baker
This poem reflects on her childhood memories of waiting for her father while he played squash. In short stanzas, she recalls the sights, feel, and smells of those times.
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