Instructional Series
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Welcome to the English medium literacy instructional series teaching and learning resources for years 1 to 8.

- Gold
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- Red
- Green
- Yellow
- Orange
- Turquoise
- Magenta
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- 1
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- 5
- 3
- 8
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- 2
- 1
- English
- Social Sciences
- Science
- Health and Physical Education
- Technology
- The Arts
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Learning Languages
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- None
- Nature of science
- Living world
- Nature of technology
- Statistics
- Geometry and Measurement
- Planet Earth and beyond
- Technological knowledge
- Physical world
- Material world
- Number and Algebra
- Technological practice
- Gather and interpret data
- Use evidence
- Critique evidence
- Engage with science
- Interpret representations
- Articles
- Stories
- Poems
- Plays
- Activity
- Comic
- Kākano | Seed
- Tupu | Seedling
- Māhuri | Sapling
- Rākau | Tree
- Consonant digraphs
- Consonant patterns
- Initial and final blends
- Long vowels
- Short vowels
- Single consonants
- Complex morphemes
- Tense
- Vowel digraphs
- Contractions
- Syllable types
Search results
1187 items - Showing 1021 - 1030
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Old Tuatara
by Joy Cowley
drawings by Clare Bowes
This very “New Zealand” text features a tuatara who appears to be asleep but who is, in fact, waiting to catch a meal. It has strong links to Fantail, Fantail (shared).
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The Race
by Feana Tu’akoi
illustrated by Marjorie Scott
During a family outing to the park, Vika challenges her mother to a race. Mum discovers that roller-blading at speed is not easy, and teeters and sways before finally ending up in the pond! Vika’s excitement and confidence contrasts with Mum’s faltering progress.
Red 1
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Locked Out
by Julie Ellis
illustrated by Trevor Pye
The family in this story faces a predicament that will be familiar to many readers – they have locked themselves out of their house. Luckily, a small window has been left open. Dad, Mum and big brother try to fit through, but with no success. Finally, the smallest member of the family comes to the rescue and solves the problem.
Red 2
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Rain, Rain
by Joy Cowley
illustrated by Nina Price
This is a clearly sequenced, poetic narrative about a family tramping through the bush in wet weather and then setting up camp. Despite the rain, the children are clearly having a great time.
Red 2
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Late for the Race
by Dawn McMillan
illustrated by Ali Teo
Everyone is ready to start the bike race except for the bossy and demanding Princess. The Queen helps the Princess gather the things she needs – but this is one time the Princess will not be allowed to wear her crown.
Red 3
This title is also available as a NZ Sign Language e-book on iTunes and GooglePlay
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Shoes for the King
by Dot Meharry
illustrated by Philip Webb
In this humorous narrative, the King has some trouble deciding which royal shoes to wear. Students will enjoy making connections to their prior knowledge of the King from the shared text The Hole in the King’s Sock.
Red 3.
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Are You Ready, Rosie?
by Vanessa Hatley-Owen
illustrated by Jennifer Cooper
In this humorous narrative, Mum is trying to make sure that Rosie is getting ready for school while Rosie is quietly organising herself. As they are about to leave, they discover that Mum is not so well prepared.
Yellow 1
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Going Camping
by Elizabeth Pulford
illustrated by Samantha Asri
Two brothers, Sam and Josh, decide to “go camping” in their garden. Although it’s lots of fun during the daytime, Josh is not so keen on the idea of staying in the tent when it gets dark. Students will be able to make connections to times when they have felt anxious or worried, and some will make connections to their own experiences of camping.
Yellow 3
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Purr-fect!
by Dot Meharry
illustrated by Peter Campbell
This moral tale about a beautiful but vain and gullible bird and a clever cat has a dramatic ending that is sure to stimulate lively discussion.
Yellow 3
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Grandpa’s Birthday
by Dot Meharry
illustrated by Rachel Driscoll
It’s nearly Grandpa’s birthday, and the family decide it would be a good opportunity for a big family party. This text describes how they get ready and what happens at the party.
Blue 1