week 3

   Today the boys worked on their drafts from the template Simon gave them last week. Unfortunately not all the boys turned up today. Although those that did really enjoyed the session.

   Nicholas asked us to move into groups that we had for the footy tipping two weeks prior. Funnily enough all the boys look the same and I started to panic. I couldn't remember who were my boys, but they remembered me and came over with big smiles. I was truly excited to be working with them.

  The boys task was to extend on their ten sentences to create a short story. I was to mentor them and prompt them to extend on their sentences. I asked the boys if I could read their sentences while they were thinking about their story. Both boys had written about being at the footy with their dad and their mother absent. One of the sentences asked the boys to add in an object. One of the boys wrote about a cow in the tree. I thought it was humorous and asked him if he would share his story with his mate. They each read each others sentences and laughed when they realised they were constructing similar stories even though they were sitting at opposite sides of the room the week before. Boys have a big interest in sport.

   The boys felt comfortable enough to pass their draft to me so I could read it and help them think further. It felt really comfortable for all three of us. I think the boys felt they were really achieving. One of the boys read his story out to the rest of the boys. He looked very proud and Nickolas praised his efforts.

   After the drafting Nickolas read some of the book out loud to the boys. Suddenly he asked me to continue. I was surprised at the notion but thoroughly enjoyed reading out loud to the boys. Reading out loud to students has always being an enjoyable task for me. I really get a kick out of sharing stories with kids, sometimes they understand the story a bit better and become more engaged.

   Lastly, we continued our footy tipping for the final round. There was lots and lots of laughs and debates. There were even times we had to do paper, scissors, rock, to decide. Coming up with the 'why' was easy because often this was what we were debating. 

  Before we new it the bell had gone for recess. Orienteering is on the agenda for next week. Hope it doesn't rain.

  

week 2

   Simon Higgons the author of 'The Island of the White Spear' came to Thomas Carr especially for the boys today. He presented in a Japanese fighting costume with a large Samurai Sword. He introduced himself and proceeded to embark upon his story and how he became a writer among many other traits.

Simon Introduces himself in full costume.

Simon performs in full costume for the boys. 

To take a photo was extremely hard. The room was so quiet the small click of the camera sounded like a door slamming.

Simon's talk was so engrossing and enthralling at times he bought tears to my eyes.

  Simon was once a Murder investigator and a Private Investigator. He was beaten down by the unnecessary violence and crime, he gave it away and travelled to Japan to study Judisu. His journey and experiences were conveyed to the boys and teachers in such heart felt passion that no-one stirred nor took their eyes from Simon. He proceeded to enlighten us with a small demonstration of the sword. After doing this he explained that the Japanese were gentle people of wisdom and valued being educated. To be taught was a privilege that was greatly sought in Japan. Age is no barrier.

 The boys with their books 'The Island of the White Spear' By Simon Higgons.

The boys creating the shell of their story while Simon reads out one sentence at a time.

   The students were thoroughly engaged, Simon had them hooked. After the get to know you session Simon moved on with his PowerPoint 'How to create a story'. The workshop had now started and the year eight boys were totally engaged, so was I.  Within minutes these year eight boys who were disengaged in the classroom were writing a story. Actually the shell of a story.

Simon signs the boys books and stamps them with a personally made Japanese Stamp.

August 24 2011 Day One

Today was the launch of the Ball Project. Last night I was emailed the itinerary for today.

Outline of BALL Project for Wednesday, 24^th August – 9:00 to 10:40

1. Welcome and Introduction/photos - ( 5 minutes)

2. NMFC players talk about their experiences at school - ( 5 to 10 minutes)

3. Students ask NMFC players questions – ( 10 to 15 minutes)

4. NMFC platers sign student copies of “Island of the White Spear” (5 minutes)

5. NMFC players, mentors and students go onto oval for a kick/photos - (20 to 25 minutes)

6. NMFC players depart at 10.00

7. Students and mentors move back to the Info Centre - (5 minutes)

8. Students and mentors complete football tips - ( 30 minutes)

Nikolas Brudenell

Head of English

LiteracyCoordinator
I hardly slept threw sheer nerves. I signed in this morning and Nikolas was at reception very happy to see me. Butterflies were doing flips in my stomach. I must mention I am quite new to the school and was only asked to join the project two weeks ago. I was aware that it was intended for a small group of year eight boys to help develop and implement an interest in literacy. I was informed that North Melbourne football players were giving the boys some information on their time at school, a couple of excursions were planned and I was asked to help mentor the students. Sounded great until I seen the itinerary. I don't know anything about football and feel slightly foolish trying to inspire boys with something I have little knowledge about.

I set up the room and in walk three North Melbourne players, slightly shy but very fit and handsome looking. Soon after the boys stroll into the room, my heart is pumping so hard through sheer nerves... the players are introduced and take a few minutes each talking about their experiences at school. They were nervous...I had to smile.

The boys had their book 'The island of the White Spear' signed by the NFC players.

 The year eight boys had question time then we walked out to the oval to kick the ball. Stunning day, blue sky's with a light spring breeze.

Thirty minutes later back to the library and the boys are moved into four groups of three. Their task; as a group to fill out a footy tipping sheet with explanations of why the chosen team would win. What do I know about footy? Nothing! I looked at these boys and they looked uneasy. Quickly I broke the ice and told them I was a North Melbourne Footy fan, they laughed. We moved through the teams debating why each team had a chance of winning. The boys took on the challenge with a positive attitude and some really hearty laughs. Such an enjoyable morning very much looking forward to next week.