Children: Ali Teacher: Rouzi (Anar) Date: 26 Feb 2014 Ali, I have noticed over the past few

weeks that you are very interested to know about different insects and animals. Today, while I was watching children playing by the swing, you came to me with full of excitement and exclaimed, I found something on the slide! We went to the slide and looked at it together. I saw there was one big insect which I did not know the name of and asked, Oh, Ali, what is this? You replied, That is a big fly and it is yucky! Nusayba and Ahmed then joined us. Nusayba stated, It is not a fly, it is a bug. I extended their observations by asking the tamariki Is it alive? - it is not flying away Ahmed said I think he likes us Ali smiled replying I think he is dead. Then I caught the insect, placing it in a small cup to allow the children to look at it closer. I encouraged tamariki to look at the wings and legs. I saw Ali and some other children were concentrating very hard, as they examined the insect. Then, they started discussing their observations. Ahmed stated it is mosquito, because it got a big mouth. Ali kept insisting it was a fly. Ali asked me what is this, teacher? I said I do not know, it does look like a fly to me, but, we could google it later. Ahmed said to me I just want to take it to home; I want to tell my family all about this. Ahmed took some small brunches to feed the insect. Ali looked like he was thinking carefully as he watched Ahmed trying to feed the insect, then informing him the fly is dead. Later you were very brave, choosing to touch the insect and look at it even closer. Next day, Ali, you again came to me said that you found a tiny spider in the corner of the slide. You went close to the spider and said The spider got a white tail. Yes, Ali I said that thing does looks like tail, but, if you come close to look at it actually the white things are the spider web.

What learning took place here? Ali, I can see you are deepening your knowledge and understanding around insects as you develop working theories of the natural world. At the same time you are making sense of the wider world around you, strengthening connections between home, centre and the wider world. I enjoyed hearing your conversations, as you demonstrated how you are developing your social skills through interacting and communicating with clarity and precision with your friends and teachers. As you continue to settle I am impressed with your contributions as you express your ideas. Pathways and possibilities We will continue to provide more opportunities to learn and extend our knowledge around this emerging interest of yours Ali. I plan to take an AKO approach, as I also deepen my understanding alongside you. Maybe we could explore the insect with a microscope or we could read books. What is your idea, Ali? Whnau voice Ali your mother reported that your interest around insects has been noticed at home as well. It is great to hear your sharing your interests and learning between home and centre.