This term, Room 4 learned about the Tamaki River. Before creating the map above, Room 4 learned where the Tamaki River is, the tributary arms of the river, the history of the river, and where the name Tamaki River comes from.

Then, we divided the class into groups to complete a life-sized map/artwork of the river. Each group had a special task to complete, and everyone ended up helping to finish each task.

One group used a Google Earth map to help them draw the river as accurately as possible. They also painted the river and the roads and added sand next to the river. Khontoi and Yaya then created Maungarei using bits of green and dark green paper to give the mountain some volume.

Another group created the labels for the places on the map. They used Explain Everything to type the names of the places, making sure to use capital letters, as they are proper nouns. They decided on a font and different coloured shapes for the background.

The third group made the words Tamaki River for the map. They first drew them with pencil, then coloured them with a special design to match the river. They laminated and cut out each letter.

The fourth group made the tops of the buildings. The group had to look at making different-sized shapes and colours to make the map ‘pop.’ This turned out to be a big job, and the whole class helped in the end to finish all the buildings. They also drew the two bridges on the map.

The fifth group made the trees, boats, and fish in the river. They used YouTube to look up ways to fold a paper boat and enjoyed this part the most.

The last group had to write facts they had learned about the Tamaki River. The teacher helped them type their sentences, ready to print. They then decided to give them some color and laminated them.

Overall, Room 4 learned how a big idea can become achievable if they all work together. They are so proud of what they have made and have enjoyed receiving compliments from other teachers, Mr. Johnston, and visiting students.

Well done, Room 4!