Instructional Series
Welcome to the English medium literacy instructional series teaching and learning resources for years 1 to 8.
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16 items - Showing 1 - 10
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Keeping Our Stories Alive
by Lana Lopesi and Grace Teuila Evelyn Iwashita-Taylor
This book explores Samoan tatau in two parts: the first part is an interview with tattooist Tyla Vaeau and the second is a comic that retells how tatau came to Sāmoa. The interview with Tyla explores her Samoan culture, how she became a tufuga tā masini (electric tattoo artist), the process and practice of tattooing, and the significance of being a woman working with tatau. The comic retells the origin story of how tatau – and in particular the malu – came to Sāmoa through Tilafaigā and Taemā. The book links to the article “For the Ancestors”, published in School Journal, Level 3, November 2019, which recounts one woman’s experience of receiving her malu.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
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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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Stop/Go
“This item has been removed from the catalogue. A review found that the issue contains a story that perpetuates racial stereotypes. We regret any offence which may have been caused.”
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The Desert Kaupoi
by Ariana Tikao
This is the true story of her Uncle Tony’s exploits in the Māori Battalion during the Second World War. This story of his war experiences gives a fascinating insight into the kind of person her uncle was, the qualities that led to him being awarded the Military Cross, and the life of a soldier in the Second World War. The story is told as a recount, using excerpts from his diary and historical photographs. It also includes a brief description of the players and events in the Second World War. Rich illustrations depict life in the desert and some dramatic moments on the battlefield.
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Just Kidding
by Marisa Maepu
This story gently and implicitly explores the theme of bullying and provides opportunities for students to consider strategies for dealing with similar situations. Told through the eyes of a narrator, it portrays the tensions between Henry and Sefa but also focuses on the importance of maintaining personal integrity. The decisions taken by Henry and Sefa can be compared and discussed, with some analysis of the consequences. The story also deals with the responsibilities of those noticing bullying behaviour around them.
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The Bittern
by Diana Noonan
The Bittern has been adapted as a graphic text from the story of the same name in School Journal 3.1.09. Both versions tell the story of Henare Kāretu, who, in an effort to protect the habitat of the bittern, refused to drain the wetland on his farm.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
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The Bullet
by Sarah Penwarden
“The Bullet” has been adapted as a graphic text from the story of the same name in School Journal 4.3.08. In both versions, the story is about a boy who is bullied in his new school and faces decisions that could change the course of his young life. The graphic text format is more accessible and engaging, and provides multiple opportunities for readers to access the sophisticated themes and abstract ideas of the original story. The illustrations use a gritty, raw style that highlights the sense of danger and risk. The text offers opportunities for students to build on the key competencies of managing self and relating to others.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
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Once a Panther
by Victor Rodger
illustrated by Michel Mulipola
This fictional comic is based on the true story of the Polynesian Panthers in 1970s New Zealand. Inspired by the Black Panther Party in the United States, the Polynesian Panthers were a group of young New Zealanders who wanted to tackle the widespread prejudice faced by Pacific communities. Once a Panther encourages the reader to reflect on the positive change the Polynesian Panthers created and the ongoing legacy of the dawn raids for Pacific communities.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
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Endurance
by Paul Mason
This book recounts the incredible survival story that followed Ernest Shackleton’s failed attempt to cross Antarctica in 1914. After his ship, the Endurance, was trapped and later crushed by ice, Shackleton and his crew were stranded on the ice for five months before travelling in lifeboats to Elephant Island. A small group then sailed on to South Georgia and trekked through glaciers and over mountains to eventually find help.
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Frogs
by Paul Mason, illustrations by Michel Mulipola
Frogs is a graphic text that tells the story of Tane, a boy struggling to survive in a world where drastic environmental changes mean that humans need to protect themselves from the heat of the sun. Tane is forced to scrounge for anything he can sell to charge his chip, and his search leads him into dangerous territory, controlled by a gang known as the Mutts.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
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