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

- Orange
- 1
- Social Sciences
- English
- Health and Physical Education
- Science
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Stories
Search results
14 items - Showing 1 - 10
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Mum’s Octopus
by Don Long
illustrated by Gus Sinaumea Hunter
This dramatic personal experience narrative features Sione, the boy in Finding Mum (Green). Sione’s family are collecting mussels at the beach when Mum inadvertently catches an octopus! Mum and Dad strongly disagree about what to do with the unexpected catch.
Orange 2
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A Very Clever Possum
by Vivienne Joseph
illustrated by Christine Tate
This narrative describes how Mr Lees, a keen gardener, tries to save his favourite rosebush from a hungry possum by setting a trap. Night after night, the wily possum manages to get the food out of the trap and escape. Information about possums is included inside the back cover, along with comments from the author and the illustrator.
Orange 2
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One At A Time
by Sian Williams
illustrated by Elspeth Alix Batt
Ella won’t get off the trampoline, and Danny wants his turn. Mum has a rule that only one person is allowed on at a time, but Danny is tired of waiting.
Orange 1
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Mya’s Finger
by Susan Paris
illustrated by Elspeth Alix Batt
Lucy and Mya are friends, but Lucy feels terrible when she accidentally shuts Mya’s finger in a door. This seemingly simple narrative explores ideas about feelings and friendship and requires students to make connections to their own experiences.
Orange 1
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Rat and Octopus
retold by Tusiata Avia
illustrated by Fraser Williamson
Rat and Octopus, a tale common to many Pacific cultures, is retold here by Samoan writer Tusiata Avia. Students will enjoy finding out why Octopus has black markings on his head and why Rat and Octopus remain enemies to this day.
Orange 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
#LFH
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Greedy Cat and the Visitor
by Joy Cowley
illustrated by Robyn Belton
When Nan comes to stay at Katie’s house, she brings her little dog Poppy with her. Poppy wants to play with Greedy Cat, but Greedy Cat is not interested. His back goes up, his tail goes up, and his claws come out. How will Greedy Cat cope with this unwelcome visitor?
Orange 1
#LFH
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A Special Visit to Koro and Nanny
by Herehere Titoko
illustrated by Jennifer Cooper
In this narrative, Ani and her parents travel to the countryside to visit Koro and Nanny. Ani wakes up in the night and is frightened of the dark. Koro hears her calling out and comes to comfort her. He takes her outside to show her the stars and tells her they are kaitiaki – guardians to watch over her and keep her safe.
Orange 1
This title is also available as a NZ Sign Language e-book on iTunes and GooglePlay.
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My Name is Laloifi
by Dan Taulapapa McMullin
illustrated by Fifi Colston
Laloifi is starting a new school, and her mother explains that some of the children may have difficulty pronouncing her name. Laloifi’s teacher introduces a game to help the class learn to say her name correctly and ensure that Laloifi feels welcomed, proud, and happy.
Orange 1
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Stuck!
by Jack Gabolinscy
illustrated by Denise Durkin
Isabella has lost her tennis ball down a hole, and no one seems to be able to help – so Isabella comes up with her own clever solution.
Orange 1