Today was my first day being at Swanson Primary School. New Zealand schooling looks quite different from American schooling so it was a lot to take in but I had a lot of fun. I am in a year 5/6 class, which is similar to our 4th and 5th graders. The students are a hoot and are just amazed that I am from America. We spent a lot of time together trying to figure out what New Zealand words and American words were different. They had a million questions for me and I had a million for them.
Our day is structured into 3 separate blocks. In the 1st block, we do maths and reading. Then, we have a break for 40 minutes. 10 of the minutes are spent having a snack for morning tea and the other 30 minutes are spent outside playing. The structure of their play is not what I am used to. Students are able to ride their scooters, play in the mud, run around barefoot, play with sticks, climb trees, etc. As long as students are back in the room when the bell rings and ready to learn (in clean clothes if they got dirty) the staff allows them to play as they wish during free play time. The second block of the day is spent with writing and administrative things, such as checking homework. The students then have another 40 minute break, 10 minutes for eating lunch and 30 for playing. We then have block 3, which is typically spent with content.
My first day was an adventure but I learned a lot and know that I am going to be learning the entire time that I am here!
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