Instructional Series
Welcome to the English medium literacy instructional series teaching and learning resources for years 1 to 8.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- English
- Social Sciences
- Science
- Health and Physical Education
- The Arts
- Technology
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Learning Languages
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- None
- Articles
- Stories
- Poems
- Plays
- Comic
Search results
155 items - Showing 41 - 50
-
A Bit of a Laugh
by David Hill
Two brothers laugh about a friend who is mad about science. When their great-grandfather quizzes them about their laughter, he recalls a young man he and his friends laughed at during the war. The boys are astonished to learn who the young man was, and the great-grandfather’s final comment reflects the theme of the story: respecting others and their differences.
-
Namu and Waeroa
retold by Ross Calman
“Namu and Waeroa” is a pakiwaitara – a traditional Māori story that offers an explanation for natural phenomena or for why something is the way it is. Some pakiwaitara are located in more than one different iwi, but they often have subtle differences that reflect their local environments. As well as explaining natural phenomena, they also often impart tikanga or cultural understandings, and they may also warn about the consequences of not adhering to tikanga.
-
Te Namu – the Nuisance Fly
by Ross Calman
This article may look like a story at first glance, but the dramatic illustration helps to introduce an informative report on the sandfly – and the reason it is such a nuisance to humans. The report gives some facts about how humans in Aotearoa New Zealand managed problems with sandflies in earlier times. It then explains where sandflies are found, why they bite, their life cycle, the reason why their bites are itchy, and how to prevent bites.
-
What a Disaster!
by Katie Furze
The container ship Rena went aground near Mount Maunganui in October 2011. This article describes the impact of the event
through the eyes of a young girl. She uses information from the news as well as her family’s observations to describe the damage done to the beaches and wildlife. -
Kūtai
by Ross Calman
As a companion piece to “Kūtai Fritters” from the same Journal, “Kūtai” provides information about the origins, guardians (kaitiaki), uses, and habitats of this shellfish, which could once be found in many parts of New Zealand.
-
Kūtai Fritters
by Charlene Mataio
In this simple fictional recount, a young Māori boy, Kalani, describes an event that will be familiar to some students: gathering kaimoana with the whānau. The story demonstrates important aspects of the relationships within the whānau, including respecting elders and sharing of knowledge and tikanga (cultural concepts) associated with gathering kaimoana. The story illustrates the passing on of knowledge and experience from older whānau members (Koro, Dad) to the next generation.
-
Dances of Sāmoa
by Toleafoa Avauli Peter Setefano
This article describes three well-known dance forms from Sāmoa. The article is accompanied by colourful, high-energy photos of students from a Porirua primary school performing the slap dance and the sāsā. The article features some of the history of the dances and it also provides opportunities for an in-depth exploration of the relationship between the heroes of the dances and the stories that each dance tells.
-
Living Fossils
by Sue Gibbison
This article describes tuatara and how they are bred in captivity. Photos, including X-rays, and a glossary provide support for students as they learn about this fascinating animal. Some of the concepts may be challenging for students, particularly “living fossils”, extinction, and X-rays. Also, the article contains mixed text types, although these are clearly signalled through headings.
-
Uncle Tino
by Jane Davitt Va‘afusuaga
“Uncle Tino” is a deceptively simple story about Samoan twins, Jessie and Jonas, who are embarrassed by their exuberant uncle who has recently arrived from Sāmoa. The lively story is woven through with Samoan concepts and values as Jessie and Jonas gradually change their attitudes toward Uncle Tino. The story reinforces the idea that cultural knowledge and skills are “cool” and worthy of respect.
-
“Our Hero” – the Story of George
by Sue Gibbison
“George was a small dog with a lion’s share of courage”. This article tells the true story of how George bravely risked his life to save five children from an attack by two large, fierce dogs. The injuries he sustained could not be mended and he was put down by a vet, but his story lives on and spread far and wide.
Literacy Online home
