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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- Turquoise
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25 items - Showing 1 - 10
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Simi Helps
by Feana Tu‘akoi
illustrated by Samuel Sakaria
Simi's family is preparing an ‘umu and Simi wants to help but nobody has a job for him. As he sits under a tree thinking it’s not fair, he notices there is no smoke coming up from the ‘umu. When he alerts Dad and Papa, they realise the fire has gone out and that they needed his help after all.
Yellow 3
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Helping at the Marae
by André Ngāpō
illustrated by Phillip Paea
When Nikau and his whānau help out at the marae, Nikau discovers that his little brother, Tama, has his own ideas about how he can help. Helping at the Marae has particular relevance to Māori students, but many students will identify with the context of helping grandparents and working alongside other family members.
Blue 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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The Gardener’s Maze
by Dot Meharry
illustrated by Ali Teo
In this humorous narrative, the gardener designs and builds a maze in his garden with help from a friendly hedgehog! This text is a companion text to The Gardener and the Scarecrow (Blue).
Green 2
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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
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Māui and the Sun
retold by June Melser
pictures by Cliff Whiting
This is a retelling of the legend of Māui’s successful campaign to slow the sun. Lively dialogue helps to develop characterisation and encourages expressive reading.
Purple 2
#LFH
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Extraordinary Earthworms
by Sean O’Connor
photographs by Aaron Beck
This report reveals some surprising facts about earthworms, but its focus is on how earthworms improve the soil and help plants grow.
Gold 2
#LFH
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Isobel’s Garden
by Maria Hansen
illustrated by Andrew Burdan
This is a true story set in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes. When William and Sam kick their ball over the fence and go looking for it, they find themselves in an overgrown garden. Isobel, the owner of the garden, explains that her family have left Christchurch because of the earthquakes, and she has no one to help her keep it tidy. The boys and their mum help her out, but it’s a huge job, and they call in the Student Volunteer Army.
Turquoise 1
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Fleeb Makes Scones
by Yvonne Morrison
illustrated by Josh Morgan
When Dad buys a robot to help with the housework, Nate and Rose are very pleased, but Mum thinks a robot is unnecessary. After getting the new robot to make scones, the children and Mum both change their minds!
Green 2
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Swimming Lessons
by Emeli Sione
illustrated by Jenny Cooper
Pati and Tusi enjoy their swimming lessons and are keen to learn to “float like star fish” and get a new sticker on their certificates. When they show Dad their stickers they are surprised to find out that he has never learned to float, but they come up with a helpful suggestion.
Yellow 2
#LFH
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