Just attended the MoE training to deliver the DT &HM support packages so I am now officially available to schools for the new digital strands; computational thinking, and designing and developing digital outcomes. One of my schools in Napier has been approved for MoE funding for this and we will be starting very soon. Happy to talk if you want to explore the options, or get some help writing the funding proposal.

We had seriously good fun last week in Stratford with 27 Teacher's Aides from 7 schools coming together for professional learning.  We learned more about our roles, some useful strategies especially around simplifying the way we give instructions (that's where the blocks came in :) and using video to self reflect and shift our practice.  We finished the afternoon with some first steps programming using Duplo, blocks and paper.  Not a computer in sight.  I'd love to see your schools now that these amazing people are back in their classrooms with all their enthusiasm.  

Here's just some of the feedback:

• Amazing. I would say every TA should be in encouraged to do this.
• It was my first time at one of your workshops and I enjoyed it.
• Really enjoy working with and meeting the other teacher aides, and learning new strategies from them and Heather.
• Good motivation to continually do better
• Learnt a lot about myself and teaching style
• Hands on activities are great
• Great, funny and informative
• Great mixing with other schools.
• Great to hear different strategies and ideas to add to my 'kete'

​Thanks everyone.  Go well.

Senco Workshop on the 14th March in Napier is postponed due to a clash with other meetings on the same day.  

There's a great programme for this workshop on the 14th March.  We have an RTD (Deaf) joining us so that's another strength we are able to now add to our group.  I'm going to have a focus on working with your Teacher Aides effectively this time. I've been running sessions with them lately and know that you can have a real influence on helping to make the best of this precious resource in your schools.  I also though we could have a dip into the new digital technology material with an Inclusive hat on. A thinly disguised bit of play based fun - oops, learning! 
Please spread the word, the more people we get to these sessions the greater the networking opportunities. 
​Cheers, Heather