Thinking Critically about what we see online

Taylor's Hunger Games Description

As goosebumps start to bloom out, I can feel my body shaking with terror. I ask myself ‘What should  I do?’ The blazing sun shone upon my bow an arrow. The cornucopia was calling my name to go and grab some items. The countdown starts...10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5…  I see the tributes looking at me as if they are going to kill me first… 4, 3, 2, 1… The loud voice sings out  “Let the hunger games begin!”

Tributes are running to the gear as they put people in their minds to make up who will they kill first.  The wind blowing towards me, telling me to run. My heart pumping fast. As I looked at the career tribute from district 2. I turned around and I run as fast as I can to the trees.

I can see my chance of survival. I see trees, bushes and I could catch a glimpse of a lake.  This makes my hopes of surviving go up.

I can hear a tribute’s leg go splat! A career tribute had cut it off with a sword that he had got at the cornucopia. As far as I was, I could catch a little glimpse of bold, red blood. I start running faster and faster until I find a tree that was just right.  I take my sleeping bag out and buckle myself in. As thirsty as I am I allow my eyes to close and I go to sleep.

Darwin's Description - Inspired by The Hunger Games

A mist of terror fills our eyes while our brains visualise death... What do I do? The sun shining on my back and I see the light reflect off a sword ready for me to grab. The countdown starts. I see the tributes looking at me as if they are going to kill me first. The cornucopia teasing me to grab resources.  The booming voice sounds out “LET THE HUNGER GAMES BEGIN!”

Tributes sprinting to the equipment as they put people to their deaths. I feel the blood of the tributes shattered to pieces. The wind blowing against me leading to a career tribute from District 2. My heart pumping fast as I glare at him I feel his power ruining my mind. I turn and run.

I hear the crack of a tribute’s neck breaking.  An arrow shot straight to another tribute’s neck running beside me. I hear the blood pouring down her now crooked neck. Splash!  

I can see my chance of freedom.  Trees and bushes.  I see a water resource - a lake.  This makes my hopes of survival rise.  If I could just get there without getting noticed.

I take one last look behind me.  Dead tribute bodies spread everywhere.  I see a bow and arrow.  I grab it with my shaking hands.  Time to hunt.

Sione's Description - Inspired by The Hunger Games

Wolves getting ready for the bloodshed. Fright crawls up their spines like tiny parasites. I can’t shake the fact that I will either die or survive.  

I feel my heart pounding inside of my tightening chest. Missiles of sweat drop from my forehead. We scatter in all directions.  A man spits a warm, crimson-red substance at my face before he dies.  A jagged knife the source of his death.

My eyes can’t believe what they are witnessing. I smell bloody carcuses freshly killed by a fellow tribute.  Body parts blown up in every direction you can think of.  The fumes of the dirt  and gunpowder engulf me like a tidal wave.

I hear screams coming from the opposite the way I am running.  Are my ears deceiving me? Is this really what I am hearing? I don’t care. I must keep running. Past the other tributes and the pool of blood. Hearing those innocent teeanagers killing each other makes me angry. I hate these torturing battles that go on for days, all for the entertainment of the Capitol, but alas, I must keep running.

Through the forest I shall go between the trees and through the bushes. A frightened boy I am, yet strong and agile.

Bella's Cyber Smart Poster - Using Google Draw for the First Time

Here is Bella's Google Draw creation, encouraging others to think about what they post online.  Remember:  Words travel fast!

Kini's Cyber Smart Poster - First time using Google Draw

Today we learnt about how word travels fast online, and how anything we share can be taken out of our control.  We had to use Google Draw to put these ideas in a visual form.  This is Kini's Google Draw creation - check it out!

Room 8 and Room 1 Together for Tuakana/Teina Day!

We had the BEST day turning trash to fashion with our buddies as part of Tuakana/Teina day.  Check out this slideshow of photos!

Taylor's First GoAnimate Creation - SMART MEDIA

Here is Taylor's first entertaining and informative cartoon about Smart Media that he has created using GoAnimate.  Enjoy!

Cyber Smart Media by taylor47knfnm on GoAnimate

Arapeta's First GoAnimate Cartoon Creation

Today we learnt how to use GoAnimate as a tool for sharing learning.  It was so fun!  Here is Arapeta's first attempt.  His cartoon is about Recycling.  Check it out!

GoAnimate.com: You Know :) by arapeta376bmxz

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Sione's Smart Media Tips

Sione shares a few tips for how you can be SMART with media online.  You can't always believe what you see!

Waste Management Strategies - Brainstorm

Toolkit - Tuesday 11th of June

Room 8's Metaphoric Symbols

Room 8 were learning about Te Whare Tapa Wha and relating it to their own life experiences.  We were also learning about metaphors and how we use metaphors to represent other things.

Room 8's challenge was to create their own 'Whare Tapa Wha' metaphoric symbol that would help them remember the four elements of positive living:  Taha Tinana (physical), Taha Wairua (spiritual), Taha Hinengaro (mental) and Taha Whanau (social).

 Check out these photos from the class presentations!

Tri-Kids 2013!

This week, Room 8 took on the challenge of participating in Tri-Kids.  A mini Triathlon where students got to train, practice and compete together.  We had so much fun, and were very tired at the end!

Check out our photos taken throughout the experience.