Instructional Series
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Welcome to the English medium literacy instructional series teaching and learning resources for years 1 to 8.
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Search results
166 items - Showing 61 - 70
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First World War Mascots
by Philippa Werry
Many students will be familiar with the use of mascots by sports teams, but they may be surprised to learn that mascots have also been used in wars. This text describes mascots used by New Zealand soldiers in the First World War. Students may have some awareness of the First World War through Anzac Day commemorations and from events to mark its centenary in 2014.
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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.
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Water Worries
by Rachael McMillan
“Water Worries” combines explanations and persuasive arguments in a report that describes the serious water issues we face in New Zealand. The addition of a short procedural text tells how to make a water harvester at home.
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Kūaka
by Bronwen Wall
Every September, the kūaka, or bar-tailed godwit, flies more than 11 600 kilometres from Alaska to New Zealand, and each March to June it flies back again. This engaging article explores its remarkable migration – its departure and arrival periods, how fast it flies, where and on what it feeds in New Zealand, and how it manages to fly for long distances without eating. The article also offers a traditional Māori perspective on kūaka.
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His Own War – The Story of Archibald Baxter
by David Grant
“His Own War” is a biography of Archie Baxter, a New Zealander who refused to join up and fight in the First World War. His objection to fighting was based on strongly held convictions, and he paid dearly for them.
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Pōhutukawa
by Kate Boyle
This article explores different aspects of this New Zealand tree, including a description of its preferred habitat, the special features that help it survive, the creatures that live in or on it, and the significance it has for Māori. Students also learn that pōhutukawa are in danger from people and from possums – these trees need help to survive.
Gold 1
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The Journey
as told to Kiwa Hammond by Tumanako Taurima
Young Wilfred can be a rebellious godwit, but news that his family will soon embark on “the Journey” takes the wind out of his wings. After his family explain what “the Journey” is – their annual migration from Alaska to New Zealand – and a godwit elder recounts his heroic journey, Wilfred reassesses his attitude.
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Home: Stories from New New Zealanders
by Kate Paris
photographs by Stacey Simpkin
Home: Stories from New New Zealanders tells the stories of four Avondale Intermediate students who moved to New Zealand from overseas. Interviewed by their teacher, Kate Paris, the students share memories of what life was like in the countries where they were born (South Africa, Sāmoa, Pakistan, and Kenya), and they discuss what it’s been like adjusting to life in New Zealand. The article explores the issues in a simple and accessible way, incorporating clear narration with students’ quotes and striking photography.
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School Journal Level 3 November 2017
PDFs of all the texts in this issue of the School Journal are available online as well as teacher support materials (TSM) for the following:
TSM Stories No Fangs The Fantail The Matriarch's Tale Play The Village Beach Articles My Name is Rez ✔ New New Zealanders ✔ Stand Up: A History of Protest in New Zealand ✔ Look inside this issue
My Name is Rez
written and illustrated by Toby Morris
Rez Gardi was born in a Kurdish refugee camp in Pakistan and came to New Zealand as a young child, with her family. This graphic text is a memoir, looking back on her life so far. She is now a successful lawyer, a worker for refugees, and was the 2017 Young New Zealander of the year.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
New New Zealanders
by Adrienne Jansen
illustrated by Adrian Heke
This article introduces readers to a family who have escaped war-torn countries in the Middle East and have now embraced the freedom and safety that New Zealand offers. However, settling as refugees has its own challenges. We learn about the reasons the Kaka family had to move from Iraq to Syria, on to Lebanon, and then to New Zealand.
No Fangs
by Hera Lindsay Bird
illustrated by Fraser Williamson
"It was midnight in Transylvania, and Madeline was bored. She decided to go for a walk. The night was warm and full of stars, and sitting outside the wrought iron gates was a girl."
Stand Up: A History of Protest in New Zealand
by Dylan Owen
This article looks at a number of important social issues and significant events in New Zealand’s history, thematically linked around the idea of protest. The text is organised in chronological sequence from the passive resistance seen at Parihaka in 1881, through to the anti-TPPA protests in 2016.
The Fantail
by Steph Matuku
illustrated by Daron Parton
"It was the holidays. My sister Jojo and I were at our cousin Piri’s house. We weren’t doing much, just sitting around in Piri’s bedroom listening to music and arguing about everything and nothing – when this thing flew in through the open window."
The Matriarch's Tale
written and illustrated by Meshack Asare
"Once, somewhere in Africa, a small herd of elephants disappeared suddenly, without trace. It was a long time ago, but some people still remember this story. They believe that descendants from those elephants live among us."
The Village Beach
by Tanya Muagututi'a
illustrated by Josh Morgan
"We won't be able to hang out here much longer... There's a new building coming"
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