Instructional Series
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Find Literacy resources at Tāhūrangi - Literacy.
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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- Nature of science
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- Engage with science
- Use evidence
- Articles
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26 items - Showing 21 - 26
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Huia
by Bill Manhire, illustration by Rachel Walker
This item complements the article about coprolites in the same Journal, providing a more emotive response to the idea that extinction is permanent – and often caused by the actions of people. The poem might be called a mōteatea – a lament.
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Power from the Sun
by Maggie Twaddle
This report describes the use of solar panels to make electricity and includes an example of a school that has been using solar power since 2008. Students from the school share what they have learnt about solar power, including the fact that solar power is a form of renewable energy.
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Designed for Good
by Philip Cleaver
The New Zealand environment has been badly affected by introduced pests such as rats, stoats, and possums. “Designed for Good” follows the process of developing an effective and humane trap to reduce these pest populations. The article tells the story of the project, from the first “That’s it!” moment through to the production of thousands of traps, which are now in use throughout New Zealand.
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Lost in the Bush
by Serie Barford
The style of this graphic text will appeal to many students, and the humour will engage their interest. The story concerns an urban school group on a trip to the bush. The children are told the rules of the bush and set off to complete their worksheets.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
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Black is Back
by Rangi Te Kanawa
Te Papa conservator Rangi Te Kanawa uses her knowledge of traditional dyeing practices, science, and scientific experimentation to preserve fibres in textiles that have been dyed using iron-tannate black dyes.
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Bird of the Year
by Iona McNaughton
In this interview, Megan Hubscher of Forest & Bird talks to Iona McNaughton about the Bird of the Year competition – why it started and how it helps keep New Zealand native birds safe. Students can read about some of the past winners of the competition in an accompanying article, “And the Winner Is ...”
Gold 1