School Journal Level 2 November 2020
PDFs of all the texts in this issue of the School Journal are available online as well as teacher support materials (TSM) and audio for the following:
| Audio | TSM | ||
| Articles | Orca – The World’s Largest Dolphin | ✔ | |
| The Kōrero of the Waka | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Story | The Way to Play | ✔ | |
| Poem | He Toi Whakairo | ✔ | ✔ |
| Play | Don’t Forget to Vote | ✔ |
Look inside this issue
Orca – The World’s Largest Dolphin
by Ingrid N. Visser
This article shares information about orca and the research conducted by the author (Ingrid Visser runs the Orca Research Trust). It looks at how and why she carries out research and what is known about orca. It also covers some of the threats to their habitat and what we need to do to protect them. The article includes a text box about the various names given to orca and another with advice on how to act around orca should you encounter them.
The Kōrero of the Waka
by Keri Welham
Te Waka Rangimārie o Kaiwaka is a 25-metre waka at the entrance to Kaiwaka School in Northland. The waka welcomes people to the school and is also enjoyed as a kapa haka platform, a play area, and a quiet place to sit. The focus of this article is on the whakairo (carvings) of the waka, which tell stories about the Kaiwaka area and the school community. The article includes a profile of carver Tim Codyre, who speaks of the rich and changing traditions of whakairo.
The Way to Play
by Bernard Beckett, illustrations by Scott Pearson
When Room 6 wins the competition to design the school’s new playground, they are really excited. However, when it comes to deciding on the design, differences of opinion emerge and the students have to work through the conflict to come up with a design that will suit them all. This story provides an opportunity to introduce and discuss the acceptance and celebration of difference.
He Toi Whakairo
by Kelly Joseph, illustrations by Isobel Te Aho-White
This poem is about the art of whakairo, linking to the article about the Kaipara School carved waka in this Journal. It shows that a theme can be explored in various ways using different text forms. It also provides a model for poetic writing on a topic. Students will be able to think critically about the art of whakairo by making inferences and finding specific information. They will also be able to identify and evaluate the language features and structures the author has chosen for her particular purpose. It includes a glossary of te reo Māori terms used in the poem and a pictorial glossary showing four whakairo patterns.
Don’t Forget to Vote
by Simon Cooke, illustrations by Beck Wheeler
This is a humorous play featuring the characters from “Let’s Vote on It” (SJ L2 May 2020). It’s based around the importance of voting so that you can have your say. The citizens want to replace the king – a vote is held, but the king forgets to vote and loses the election as a result. Plays provide opportunities for students to develop their oral language and performance skills. They will also be able to use the characters’ actions and dialogue to make inferences and interpret the play’s main message.
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