Task 4
Responding to Rap point 3
Term 2, Week 7: week beginning 9 June, 2009
Read and enjoy the text, Respect – Encouragement – Action in order to respond to Task 4. During this week we will reflect on and respond to the following questions:
· Who has been a special person in your life? What do you admire about them? What do they believe in? How do they behave? How do they keep going when times get hard?
· What has your mentor seen in you? How have they encouraged you to be the best? What changes have happened because someone has believed in you?
· Is there someone you are mentoring or would like to mentor? Why?
· What are the qualities of a good mentor?
Post your class response to the rap blog once your teacher has approved the final message. You are welcome to blog in as individual students, but DON’T give us your surnames in your user names or sign offs. Please DO tellus your school name when you sign off.
The Planning & programming activities will help teachers.
Go to the Leave a reply at the bottom of this page to post your response. You will need to log in, post a response and wait for moderation.
May 13th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Dear everyone
You are welcome to blog in as a class group OR as individual students. Just leave your comment down the bottom, by clicking on Comments or Leave a Reply. Make a comment about what other students have written if you find it interesting or have learned something from it! Please DON’T use your surnames in your user names or sign offs, but please DO tell us which school you are from when you sign off!
This week we focus on the importance of people who care about us and believe in us. Our identity and feeling of belonging comes from knowing that someone believes in us – it just takes one person who cares to make a huge difference. Make sure you ask that person what they believe in and value and how they keep going through hard times. Tell us about your mentors – sometimes it’s a sports coach, sometimes it’s a big sister or brother, maybe it’s our nan – it’s someone who helps us to be the best we can be – to reach higher than we thought we could go. A mentor spends some time and can make a big difference in building our identity. Perhaps some of you are actually mentoring some younger kids right now? Tell us about this..
What do you believe a good mentor is good at doing? What changes have happened because someone has noticed your potential? I’m looking forward to hearing what has been happening for different students…
Cheers
Lizzie
June 9th, 2009 at 10:09 am
“My guitar teacher and my dad don’t care if I don’t get things right – they help me do it again, they don’t yell.” by Erinn
“Jeffery is my sister’s friend and he helps me when I have a hard time by dancing and he makes me giggle” by Shannae
“My dad helps me and tells me – after I play football he shows me what went wrong and my coach helps me improve” by Bradley
“My mum helps me when I am upset – she shows me that she loves my by giving me cuddles and talking to me” by Carlie
“My dad inspires me to achieve my goals playing soccer by cheering for me” by Sarah
“My dad helps me play football and helps me out with homework” by Daniel
“Alex is my soccer manager. He teaches me soccer and if I make a mistake he tries to help me fix it” by Blake
“I am a mentor for my nephew, Tate. I teach him how to clap his hands and say ‘Pop’” by Jacob
“I inspire my little brother. Last week I taught him how to ride a bike, do flips on the trampoline and play some guitar” by Ben
“I am a mentor for my little baby cousin Nicky. I help him swim up to the shallow end” by Jessica
“I inspire my baby brother Nicholas learn the alphabet. Now he sings it.” by Mikayla
“I am a mentor for my niece and nephew. I play games with them and teach them things” by Josh
We think the qualities of a good mentor are being nice, caring, kind, sharing, helpful, having patience and they must believe that YOU CAN DO IT!
by 5M
Belmont PS
June 9th, 2009 at 10:47 am
“My dad helps me with my art by making me feel proud and saying ‘That’s good and keep up the good work’” by David
“My dad tells me that it doesn’t matter if I don’t win because I still tried my best” by Kaitlin
“My Nan inspires me by letting me know I can do everything I want to in life” by Hayley
“My mum supports me in football by cheering” by Daniel
“My dad helps me with my drawings and soccer” by Tiarna
“My mum and dad encourage me by saying, ‘Don’t worry there’s always next time’” by Courteney
“My Nan helps me with all the things I can’t do” by Chai
Our mentors are people who care for us, help us, encourage us, look after us, inspire us, are nice to us, pick us up when we are down, let us know that life is our choice and they are people who think we will succeed.
5/6S & 6M
Belmont PS
June 9th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Hi rappers,
Year 5 students from 5/6 D here.
We read Daphne Bell’s piece in “Respect – Encouragement – Action” and then thought about our own respected mentors, and how they help us to stay strong in times of trouble.
Shehzil’s Mum and Dad tell her to be confident and brave. Her little brother was very sick when he was a baby and the whole family supported each other.
Sweden’s parents say, “Don’t give up”.
Gemma is a twin and her mum needed lots of support from her father, Nan and Pop.
Zach’s Uncle Jimmy Little is a famous Aboriginal singer and musician. He always says, “Believe in yourself.” At the moment, Uncle Jimmy is not well and the family support him through the tough times.
Todd’s football coach, Robert, says, “Never give up” and he trains us harder if we lose a match.
Tanish’s mum can’t swim but she encourages him to improve from the side of the pool.
Naeem’s mum and dad respect each other. They are role models for Naeem and his older brother.
Maddy’s parents ask her how the day went at school and give her good advice, such as “Keep trying”.
Brooke’s grandmother takes her shopping, spoils her with treats, and builds a special bond with her – even after she left chewing gum on the seat of Grandma’s new car. Brooke wonders whether this special bond they share will change when her little sister gets a bit older.
5/6 D students are mentors for some Stage 1 buddies for reading. They encourage their buddies every week to read by themselves, to be confident, and to try their best.
From 5/6 D @ Penrith PS
June 9th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hi rappers,
We are the best half of 5/6 D again, with more rapping to share.
We read Maureen Wenzel’s piece in “Respect – Encouragement – Action” and then thought about our own mentors, and how they help us to stay strong and build our identity.
Quayde’s mum and dad say, “Get tougher. Forget about it” when things go wrong.
Laura’s mum reminds her not to complain if she doesn’t like certain foods. “It’s healthy,” she’ll say.
Lachlan’s rugby league coach, John, points at each player, “You! You! You!” if we lose a game. If we fall during the game, my dad will say, “Don’t be such a Jess!” (a sook), which is an old saying from when he was a boy.
Blake’s dad once swallowed a piece of Lego when he was a boy, and it got stuck in his throat, so he knows what it’s like when times are tough. “He makes sure to spend time with us, and plays wrestling games with us.”
Amira’s mum tells her, all the time, about right and wrong, but Amira’s always on her best behaviour at school. At home she can be a bit lazy and her mum reminds her to help out.
Natalie admires her Poppy, who came to our school as a volunteer helper in Ms Stockton’s Kindergarten when Nat was still at pre-school. On the night of Natalie’s mum’s favourite TV show, they look after themselves at bed time so she doesn’t miss her show.
Stefan’s parents sometimes get angry with him and say, “Go to your room!”, but his grandparents fuss over him. Stefan’s Uncle Zeljko gets him out of the house by taking him to Penrith Plaza or a car show. Stefan admires how the family support each other.
All of 5/6 D students are mentors for Stage 1 buddies for reading. They encourage their buddies every week to pick a book they like, to read the same book often (until they are fluent), and to have fun with reading.
From the best half of 5/6 D @ Penrith PS
June 9th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Good day Belmont PS and Penrith PS rappers
These comments are absolutely fantastic! I am so interested in what you all have to say. It is very exciting that I can read your ideas with your names – that way, I am learning from all these people and all these stories we are sharing on this blog. Sharing stories is a very important way to build strength, understanding and a positive identity.
You have some excellent mentors who are putting in the time to be encouraging and to make you realise that mistakes are okay, it’s trying hard that counts! I can also see that so many of you are being mentors to younger children and that is really good – you are building their confidence in a way that they will NEVER forget. Just remember, it may feel like a small thing to you to help Year 1 students with their reading, or to be kind to a little cousin, but it is VERY important to them…
The best half of 5/6D focused on getting through tough times – and this is very important in building a strong identity – we are all going to face really hard times and we need some strategies for getting through. Being resilient means we can BOUNCE back after trouble comes – resilience is a very good quality to develop in life!
Cheers
Lizzie
June 10th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Hi rappers out there!
We are 5B Grasshoppers, with all the facts on “Respect – Encouragement – Action”. We read the interview with Daphne Bell talking about people she admires. We all decided that we most admire our mums and dads:
“Mum looks after me. She says to take care of things before they get worse.”
“Dad protects us. He says, ‘Solve it!’”
“Dad is always there to give a hand. He says, ‘Talk it through.’”
“Dad encourages me. He solves problems when times get tough.”
“Dad taught me to play football. He says, ‘Stay calm.’”
“Dad teaches me how to cook. He says, “Don’t get angry; talk about it.’”
“Mum says if I’m gone she will worry.”
“I admire my dad because he’s smart. He doesn’t tell us bad news until he has found the answer.”
“My mum protects me. She solves her problems immediately.”
“Mum looks out for me. She says, ‘Believe in yourself!’”
“Mum supports me. She likes to solve problems before they get worse.”
We are mentors to little sisters (reading), little brothers (manners), and a friend’s brother (kicking skills in football). Being a mentor makes us feel: proud; excited; great inside; and happy.
From 5B Grasshoppers @ Penrith PS
June 10th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Hi all you rappers out there!
We are 5B Besties, who read the interview with Maureen Wenzel talking about the university lecturer she admires. Here are our responses to the Rap point:
“Dad taught me to protect myself. He likes me to talk it out. In times of trouble he calls in an expert.”
“Mum taught me to cook cakes. She likes to get expert help.”
“Dad says ‘Always be strong. Believe in yourself. Try to forget your problems.’”
“My aunty/godmother tells me how to be good and how to behave. We can be strong through our family’s support.”
“Pop taught me how to barbeque. His sister died when he was ten but he doesn’t talk about it much. His wife, my Nan, is his strength.”
“Mum taught me how to use the washing machine. She calls in Dad when things go wrong.”
“Grandma teaches me not to answer back. When she had a stroke, she never gave up trying to learn how to walk and talk again – and she made it!”
“Nan taught me how to cook bacon and eggs. If she burns the food, she just throws it out and starts again.”
“Dad taught me boxing. He solves most problems around the house because he’s a handyman. He says, ‘If you fail, just start again.’”
“Mum taught me cooking – spaghetti bolognaise. When things get bad, she calls in the experts.’”
From 5B Besties @ Penrith PS
June 10th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Hi rappers!
We are 5B Bees, who read the interview with Daphne Bell in “Respect – Encouragement – Action”:
“Mum takes me to NRL training. If I hurt myself she just says, ‘Shake it out.’”
“My older brother, Sahand, taught me how to use computers and the Internet. If trouble comes he calmly checks the wires.”
“My mum taught me to clean up after myself. In times of trouble she has a nap.”
“Dad taught me to play basketball and ride a skateboard. He goes for a drive or plays on the computer to clear his head.”
“My older sister takes me to basketball when my parents are away. She likes to play with her Wii to forget her troubles.”
“My older cousin, Ying, taught me piano and air guitar. She says, ‘Do it again’ – until it’s right.”
“Mum says, ‘Stand up or yourself.’ Sometimes she has a cry and gets over it.”
“Mum takes me to ballet. She says, ‘Suck it up and deal with it!’ when things go wrong.”
We are mentors to baby sisters (counting, reading), kids in Stage 1 at Pedlar’s Fair (getting pretend tattoos), sisters (problems at school), cousins (teaching X-Box), baby cousins (Kindergarten games on the computer), brothers (using computers), and a mother’s friend’s daughter (counting).
From 5B Bees @ Penrith PS
June 10th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Good day 5B Grasshoppers, 5B Besties and 5B Bees
Love your work! 5B Grasshoppers really admire their parents as mentors in their lives. I was very impressed by the things which your parents say to help with solving problems BEFORE they get really big – that seems a very smart approach. I agree very much that being a mentor to younger kids makes YOU feel really good – as well as helping those children…
5B Bees, you read the Daphne Bell interview, as did 5B Grasshoppers – the thing I really like is that everyone who knows Daphne believes she is one of the most encouraging people they have ever met! The staff and students at Crawford PS where she works really appreciate her mentoring work. 5B, I Like your suggestions for things to do when times get hard – clear your head, do something active, take a nap, play with the Wii, have a cry and move on, OR suck it up and keep going – these are very practical tips, thank you!
5B Besties – thanks for your ideas. You read the Maureen Wenzel interview – I have so much respect for Maureen – she is the Aboriginal Education Consultant for Western Sydney and we have taught together in the past. She makes her lessons so interesting and practical!! You placed a lot of importance on being strong, starting again when things go wrong and calling in expert help. I really agree that it helps so much to have some support and some good ideas when times are hard – otherwise we can feel we are completely alone and we can get stuck in the same ways of thinking, with no new ideas coming in. So – people and good new ideas – they can help us a lot. You also point out the importance of believing in yourselves…
Great work, Penrith PS rappers!
Lizzie
June 11th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Hallo everyone
1)Our class had a discussion about people who inspire us or are mentors for us. We found out that our family and friends are really important in our lives. However some people in the class have been inspired by famous people. Some examples include George Gregan (Rugby Union player), Jamie Soward (Rugby League), Steve Irwin (animal activist) and Jim Carrey (actor).
2) Some of the ways our mentors have encouraged us to do our best include:
• Good advice
• Friendship
• Good role model
• Sense of humour
• Positive attitude
• Guidance
3) Our class feels that we have grown either emotionally, physically or spiritually due to the guidance of our mentors. These are some ways we have changed:
• Learnt new skills
• Increased our knowledge
• Provided us with opportunities
• Helped us mature/grow up
• Shaped us academically and physically
• Enjoyment and participation in a variety of activities
4) Our class feels that we are also mentors to other people in our lives, some of these people include:
• Little cousins – needed help with homework
• Role model – to teams we coach
• Older brother – needs encouragement
• Little sisters – help give them confidence
• Tutor – taught older sister how to play piano
• Friend – when parents broke up
5) As class we believe the most important qualities of a mentor are:
• Good behaviour
• Responsible actions
• Respect
• Patience
• Encouragement
• Passing on knowledge and giving advice
• Proud of what they do
• Recognising others’ abilities and encouraging them.
Cheers
Hogan’s Heroes,
Wollondilly Public School.
June 11th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Hi everyone,
The Year 5 students of 4/5 M read Maureen Wenzel’s interview in “Respect – Encouragement – Action”, and did some brainstorming in Circle Time about our mentors, how they encourage us, and how they cope with hard times.
“My older brother taught me to read. When he’s upset he just keeps away and maybe punches a pillow, then is able to rejoin the group. It’s like giving himself a Time Out.”
“Mum taught me how to cook. We have a family meeting if there’s a problem. We sit on the lounge and talk it out.”
“My teacher in Stage 1 was Mrs Brady. She insisted that I learn better manners. She never seems to have problems of her own, but she was very tough on me, and I’m glad I remember how to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ now. It makes me a better person.”
“My dad and Grandma taught me to read, and how to study for tests at school. When my grandmother is upset, she tries to forget her problems after talking about them.”
“My dad taught me how to play sports, like baseball. If he ever feels angry, he goes off to watch football on TV, and then he feels better.”
We like being mentors for the younger students at our school. We often help kids with no friends to find someone to play with at lunchtimes. When a new girl came into to our class, she was happy, but her little brother was very lonely, and so three of us went to be his friend. Being a mentor makes you feel happy inside.
From 4/5 M @ Penrith PS
June 11th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Hi Hogan’s Heroes and 4/5M – Love your work!
Hogan’s Heroes – I know what you mean about family and friends often being very powerful mentors. I notice you are inspired by some famous people too – I am also inspired by celebrities – particularly really good singers and bands. I’m going to see Simon and Garfunkel who used to be very famous – it will be interesting to see if I still find them a good influence…
I notice that you say that if a mentor has a good sense of humour and a positive attitude that’s a good thing – and that mentors provide new opportunities and help you grow. I think this is really true – it’s good to try new ways of doing and seeing things, so we don’t get stuck.
Year 5 students from 4/5M – You have really taken in what your mentors do when the going gets tough. Sometimes talking things out helps and I can see that sometimes people need to go away and be by themselves or to distract themselves by doing something completely different. Getting your anger out without hurting other people is quite a skill, isn’t it? I liked the story about your kindness to the new little kid at school – good on you for making him feel at home in a strange new place!
Cheers
Lizzie
June 12th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Hey Rappers!
Our mentor is Miss M, our 2/3 teacher. She runs our football and netball teams. Miss M has helped us to succeed in whatever we try. She has helped us to win many competitions that our school has entered. Miss M motivates us by telling us to have another go and making sure we don’t give up. When the teams lose a game Miss M tells us to cheer up because there is always another chance for victory. Miss M goes out of her way to help the school and to be a good role model.
From the P.S. Rappers,
Mount Hutton P.S.
June 12th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Yo what’s up rappers.
We read “Respect Encouragement Action” by Maureen Wenzel. We wrote about people who inspire us to do well in our life.
Billy’s mentor is Scott Prince because he motivates him to play rugby league.
Jarrod’s mentor is Tim Cahill because he inspires him to play soccer and they both love the sport.
Cooper’s mentor is his mum because his mum cares for him.
Taylor’s mentor is his family because they inspire him to do his homework.
Jordan’s mentor is Trent Barrett because he shows great leadership and never gives up.
That’s it from the Teddy Bears,
Mount Hutton P.S.
P.S. I know the Teddy Bears sound funny that’s because Mrs W told us to be the Teddy Bears.
June 12th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Yo Rappers this is the too cool for school kids,
We read an interview about Maureen Wenzel’s mentor. Our mentor is Mrs M. She says never say you can’t do it keep trying and do your best. Mrs M is always there for us when times get tough. Mrs M always is there to help us with maths, spelling and reading. She makes us smile when we’re sad.
She is caring, helpful, and nice and is also very funny. We have had fun this week
with our mentor. learning can be fun and challenging.
From the too cool for school kids,
Matt, Nathara and Madeline,
Mount Hutton P.S.
June 12th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Yo Rappers,
We are back again as the Fab 4 with a new member, Ben.
We wrote about our Yr 5/6 teacher Mrs W. who is fantastic. She teaches us lifelong lessons that we will never forget and enforces important rules so we never get side tracked. There are always highs and unfortunately lows but she is so great in many ways. Mrs W doesn’t bribe but she encourages us to try and succeed.
Mrs W sees the potential in all of us. She believes we have the potential to do anything we want. She knows if we are given a task we will always aim for a high grade. Mrs W knows we will always do things with an open and generous heart. She also believes we are capable of being responsible, whether we have known it for ages or only just realised.
We are all getting better at everything we do because of Mrs W’s mentoring. Many of our students have improved in behaviour.
Mrs W believes everyone can learn, there is good in everyone, you can do anything if you put in your mind to it, but if you say you can’t – the truth maybe you just haven’t tried hard enough.
Talk later
The Fab 4,
Mount Hutton P.S.
June 12th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Yo this is the Newcastle rappers,
Our mentor is Steve Irwin. He gives us encouragement to support wild life, help keep the environment clean and fresh. We have respect for him.
Even though he passed away he is a hero to us. We have to set goals and keep on going.
Travis, Blake and Dylan.
Mount Hutton P.S.
Hi Rappers,
This week our class is writing about our mentors. My mentors are my brothers and sister but today I will just be talking about one, my brother Josh. He tells me I am doing the wrong thing and gives me advice as a friend and supports me when I am down. My brother sees my full potential in biology and my positive attitude. He helps me to solve life problems.
by Lachlan, Roger, Tomas,
Mount Hutton P.S.
June 12th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Good day Mount Hutton rappers – love your work! It’s great to hear from you P.S. rappers, Teddy Bears, Too cool for school kids, The Fab 4 and the Newcastle rappers…
Hey, P.S. rappers – Miss M sounds like a terrific mentor! She is obviously right into sport, a good coach and someone who encourages people, even when they lose a game…
Yo, Teddy Bears – thanks so much for sharing who your mentors are, guys – I can see that you are really into sport and also for some of you, close family are mentors…
Yo, Matt, Nathara and Madeline – Great to hear from you! Is this Mrs M the same one that P.S rappers spoke about, or someone different? This Mrs M sounds like someone who is very helpful with lessons and someone who wants kids to feel cheerful…
Wow, Fab 4, Mrs W sounds awesome too – your school sounds like a great place to be, I must say! I am so impressed by the way that Mrs W sees the potential in all of you and by her belief in you…
Yo, Newcastle rappers – I’m with you, Travis, Blake and Dylan – I have so much respect for Steve Irwin – he really did give so much encouragement about the environment and what we can do to take care of it…
Good on you, too – Lachlan, Roger and Thomas. Love your work! Your brother Josh sounds a great person – it’s so good to have someone who can tell us when we are going off track, give us good advice and be there for us when times get tough. Josh sounds like someone who is a great mentor – encouraging you to be the best person you can be!
Cheers
Lizzie
June 18th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Dear Mrs Chase,
This is Year 5 of 4/5M. We just wanted to say thank you for your lovely message responding to our rap point.
From 4/5M @ Penrith PS
June 19th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Good day Year 5 of 4/5M at Penrith PS
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading everyone’s ideas – it is such a pleasure for me to learn from everyone about what they believe and care about!
Cheers
Lizzie
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
After completing the activities in Task 4 we compiled a list of advice that our families had shared with us.
1. Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.
2. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from you are special in your own way.
3. Keep your head strong when times are tough.
4. Be patient, kind, loving and open to change and differences.
5. Be positive and happy. Enjoy life.
6. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
7. What you put into the world is what you get out.
8. Build positive relationships.
9. Speak your mind (kindly).
June 22nd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
5-6V – Love your work! I just love this advice which your families have shared with you – what gems of wisdom there are in this list. If we all lived in this way, how much better the world would be…
I think some of the beliefs which are expressed here are VERY important for building a strong identity and a positive future for everyone on this planet…
Cheers
Lizzie
June 26th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
From Lisa –
The special person in my life has been my mother because she has always tried being positive in any hard times, caring and always brings laughter to the family.
My mother believes that by working hard, you can accomplish anything. She can get rather overprotective, but that’s because she cares about us. When times get hard my, mother would always state the positive things and what he should do to overcome the bad situations.
I admire my mother for her laugh, her will to look after our family so longingly, and everything she does for us. My mother always believes that we can accomplish anything by working hard.
My mother has always seen me as someone that works hard. Yes, I am mentoring my little sister the same why my mother does to me because I care for her the same way my mother does.
From Maryam –
The special person that I find special in my life is my mum. I admire her by the way she teaches me about almost everything.
When times get hard, she is always there to hold my hand and tell me that everything is okay even when they’re not.
My mother is quiet most of the time, but always answers my questions even when they don’t make any sense.
My mother sees me as someone that is quiet so she encourages me to participate in many things and work hard.
My mother has always made me feel confident and determined to do things with the best that I have.
I have one little sister and two little brothers that I take care of when my mother is not around. I teach them everything my mother has taught me.
Birrong GHS
June 29th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Good day Lisa and Maryam – Great to hear from you both!
Wow – you both have such fantastic mothers – I think that with mentors like these, both of you will grow up to have strong and positive identities. Thanks so much for sharing this with us – this has been one of the most detailed and fascinating postings on the rap…
Cheers
Lizzie