Using a Compass to draw a Circle.

Drawing the perfect circle using a compass is not always as easy as it seems. Here are some tips about what not to do:

DON'T:

*Set up the compass so that the point is shorter than the lead of your pencil

*Hold the pencil as you draw; hold the top of the compass instead

*Press too hard or the radius of your circle will change

*Turn the paper, it is the compass that should turn on its point

*Allow the screw to be loose; this will distort your circle

Hope these tips will make your circle-drawing a happier experience!

When the Kehua Calls, by Kingi McKinnon.

Novel Study

This week we have begun reading a novel called, "When the Kehua Calls," by Kingi McKinnon. The story is set in New Zealand. What we have picked up so far is that it is a mysterious book about a boy who moves out from the city into his mother's ancient family house. We don't know much more than this yet, but this is how we think the story may unfold:

The spirit or ghost that has been seen by Rewi suggests that somebody in the family may die, and we think that the kehua may be the scary man that disappeared during Rewi's mother's childhood.

I guess we'll just have to wait to see if we are right.

Posted by Rhys and Christian

Geometry - Parallel lines

Here are some useful rules to help me calculate angles formed when parallel lines are bisected:

To find angle x - the alternate angles rule tells me that it is 37 degrees because alternate angles are equal.

To find angle z, the angles on a straight line rule tells me it is 110 degrees because angles on a straight line add to 180.

To find angle w, the angles in a triangle rule tells me that it is 33 degrees because angles in a triangle add up to 180.

To find angle y, the alternate angles rule tells me that it is 33 degrees because alternate angles are equal.

Am I right? Please comment if you have anything to talk about what my group is doing on geometry or to prove to me if I'm wrong on this problem. Posted by Anthony.

DARE

At the moment in the Wharite Team we have been doing a programme called DARE (Drugs and Alcohol Resistance Education). Its all about teaching us how to make sensible and safe choices, avoid certain drugs, the risks of taking them as well as many other things based around the topic of alcohol and drugs.

Yesterday our class discussed, in groups, why young people may take drugs. Here are some of our thoughts:

• Peer pressure
• Family members do it
• To hand out with the cool kids
• To rebel against parents
• Out of anger
• At parties
• To excel at sport
• As a stress reliever
• Ignorance
• To stop being bullied
• Like sheep
• To fit in
• Don't know the effects
• Pain killers
• To follow others
• To get high
• To feel better about themselves

What advice would you give to young people considering the use of drugs for any of these reasons?

Ashhurst School Basic Facts Ladder

Students in Room 3 have been working hard to advance their position on our Basic Facts Ladder throughout the year. Basic facts underpin all aspects of children's maths learning and determine their ability to progress in their maths. By the end of their 8th year at primary school, all students should have mastered concepts at Stage 7.

Super progress has been made to date by many students in our class, with a number of them having reached 'the top.' Ask your child where he/she is at.

New blog

Well, here goes! We're entering new territory in Rm 3 - the big wide world of blogging. New skills, new audience; who knows what's in store. Here's our school -Ashhurst School.