Instructional Series
Welcome to the English medium literacy instructional series teaching and learning resources for years 1 to 8.
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Search results
168 items - Showing 21 - 30
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Is That an Earthquake?
by Alan Bagnall
illustrated by Jennifer Cooper
A young boy wonders anxiously whether the movements and noises around his home could be an earthquake, and then, suddenly an earthquake does happen. The story incorporates a recount and an explanation and is told entirely through dialogue. There are safety instructions inside the back cover.
This title is also available as an e-book with NZ Sign Language vocabulary on iTunes and GooglePlay.
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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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In the Bush
by Dawn McMillan
illustrated by Martin Simpson
While Dad and Harry are walking in the bush, a stick lands on Dad’s arm – or at least that's what Dad thinks. Harry looks more closely and realises that it’s a stick insect. When the stick insect starts to walk up Dad’s arm, Harry carefully puts it onto a tree.
Red 3
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At the Market
by Dot Meharry
illustrated by Samantha Asri
When Oscar’s family arrives at the market, Oscar and his little sister are excited to see some balloons. But when Oscar wants to go and buy one, Mum tells him he needs to help her with the shopping. Despite this setback, the story ends happily. Students will have met Dad and Oscar before in A Starfish for Oscar (Red 1).
Yellow 2
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Taonga
Written by Kiwa Hammond
Illustrated by Adele Jackson
When Mahi and her cousin Hani go to Nan’s house after school, they tell her about their school project – to write about something that is a taonga to them. After talking with Nan, both children realise what they will write about.
While this story has particular relevance to Māori students, many students will identify with the ideas of whānaungatanga (special family relationships) and taonga (a treasure or something that is special to a person).
Orange 2
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A Place to Sleep
by Andrea Foot
illustrated by Fifi Colston
Puffin, the farm cat, is looking for a warm, quiet place to sleep. It’s too noisy inside, but he can’t seem to find a suitable place outside either. After facing challenges from various animals, including a dramatic encounter with some cows, Puffin finally manages to find just the right place.
Green 3
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New Zealand Birds
by Bronwen Wall
This report describes the characteristics of some endemic New Zealand birds. As well as reading this book for interest or to support specific curriculum topics, you can use it to build students’ awareness of the features of non-fiction texts.
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Audio listing the names of each of the birds followed by its call is available below:
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Two Tiger Tales
retold by Barbara Beveridge
illustrated by Caroline Campbell and Ali Teo
This book contains two folk tales in which tigers are outwitted by smaller animals. In “The Clumsy Tiger”, a tiger asks a cat to teach him to become quick and clever. The tiger learns fast, but there is one thing the clever cat realises he shouldn’t teach him! “The Competition” describes how a small but clever frog is able to scare away a tiger.
The two stories are available as individual audio files for download:
Purple 1
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The Story of Rona (from Night is a Blanket)
retold by Fran and Leon Hunia
illustrated by Murray Grimsdale
This text is a retelling of the dramatic Māori legend of Rona and gives an explanation for the markings that can be seen in the moon. You could listen to the audio for support with the pronunciation of the Māori vocabulary.
Gold 1
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Dad’s Snore
by Heather Lovich
illustrated by Donovan Bixley
In this humorous narrative Dad’s snore is affecting everyone in the household. This text is available as a big book, and there is an audio version online.
This title is also available as a NZ Sign Language e-book on iTunes and GooglePlay.
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