Building Connections Central Auckland Style

One of the key focuses for the Central Auckland RTD team this year, following on from 2020 and all the disruptions was on making connections.

This started off with a joint KIT Day with the West team, holding an NZSL fun day with a "Bear Hunt" theme. After watching the NZSL Bear Hunt video and practicing the signs and movements. We created our own Bear Hunt course and performance, using resources provided, e.g. cardboard tubes, blankets, sheets, etc. The performance was enjoyed by the Ko Taku Reo Preschool at Archibald Road. The students throughout the KIT Day enjoyed meeting up with their friends, making connections and learning new things.

Another time, some students went to the Pumphouse Theatre to watch a performance of Vivaldi's 4 Seasons Instrumental, accompanied by dancing and acting. They were able to meet the musicians and had the opportunity to touch and play the instruments. Everyone was enthralled during the performance which cleverly matched dance movements to the beat and tempo of the music.

During the Lockdowns, the team collectively set up Group Zoom sessions that appealed to both the younger and older students. The focus was on language, learning, critical thinking, social and emotional awareness, wellbeing, turn-taking and connection. The options included, beginner Te Reo Maori, listening games, how words work, mathematical challenges, Minecraft magic, NZSL games, NZSL storytelling, philosophy for children, singing, themed storytime, and Tongan Language Week. Students enjoyed meeting up regularly to learn and socialise together, to listen to the opinions and experiences of others and share their own ideas about diverse and fun topics. Over time the students learnt to take over more of the lead and conversations and the teachers stepped back. Going forward, the Central Auckland team hopes to find ways to continue building/fostering these connections between the students when they return to school and into the future.