Week One: In the Beginning (1800-1870)
Cool Kiwi Fact #1: Did you know that the Māori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa? Loosely translated this means ‘land of the long white cloud.’
Day 1: Arriving in New Zealand…
Activity 1: The First Settlers
It is widely believed that the first people to arrive in New Zealand came from Polynesia. Most historians believe that they landed in New Zealand over 700 years ago. Although they were originally from many different countries, these settlers learned to live together and, eventually, formed their own distinct culture known as ‘Māori.’ Māori have their own language, traditions, and culture.
Follow this link to read a short story about a famous man in Māori mythology – Maui. On your blog, post three facts that you learned about this interesting man. What other stories have you heard about Maui?
Activity 2: Setting Sail
The first settlers to come to New Zealand must have been really brave! They had to leave their original homes and sail thousands of miles across the ocean on a special boat called a ‘waka’ to reach New Zealand.
Imagine that you were on board one of the wakas. On your blog, write a short letter to a friend telling them about your voyage to New Zealand. In the letter be sure to tell them how you feel about moving to a new country. If it was me, I would have felt really nervous…
Bonus Activity: Waka Ama
To this day, the people of New Zealand still use waka. Instead of using their waka to transport them from one place to another, they sometimes use waka in special events and in sporting competitions such as Waka Ama. Both boys and girls compete in Waka Ama boat races.
Watch this short video of a Waka Ama race. On your blog tell us whether you would like to be in a Waka Ama race one day. Why or why not?
BONUS POINTS: 10
Waka Ama :
I would hardly not like to do this kinda sport because by the looks of it when I was watching the video it looked like you need so much energy & strength to push to help your teammates It also looks like I very challenging thing to do.
Hey Claudia,
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading your thoughts about Waka Ama and I would have to agree with you. Also, I didn't see a response to Activity 1 & 2 which I thought was strange.
Well anyway, keep up the great work!
Aaliyah
Hey Claudia,
ReplyDeleteI have just finish reading your wonderful work. And all I can say for now is that it is absolutely outstanding. I would love to see more of your wonderful work.
All the best:)
Lily
Hey there Claudia, thanks for making a great start to the Summer Learning Journey. My name is Billy and I am looking forward to blogging with you this summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honest opinion about whether or not you would participate in the Waka Ama. I have to agree with you, I don't think I would enjoy it much either. It seems like it would take a lot of energy and strength and wouldn't be much fun.
Do you play any other sports?
I can't wait to read your answers for the first two activities. Let me know if you need any help or check out your one of your friend's blogs.
Thanks and Merry Christmas,
Billy
Kia ora Claudia,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Emiely (pronounced “Emily”) and I work alongside Billy at the Summer Learning Journey!
Waka Ama racing is definitely a sport that requires a lot of energy. I haven't been part of a Waka Ama race before, but I was just kayaking yesterday and I imagine it being quite similar. I woke up this morning and my arms, neck and especially my shoulders feel so sore and tight!! I think if you did training for kayaking or Waka Ama racing your body would be able to develop more muscle and it wouldn't hurt so much anymore. in saying that, I don't think it's the sport for me.
Do you enjoy playing any sports? What do you like to do in your spare time?
It is great to see you have made a start to the Summer learning Journey. I know the Summer Learning Journey team have enjoyed reading and commenting on your blog. We can't wait to see what else you will blog!
Noho ora mai,
Emiely :)