Within our circle of influence.

Abstract

Two teachers working in Year 0-1 classes at Manurewa South School a decile 2 school in the Manurewa area of Manukau City, Auckland, share their voyage of exploration around their own circle of influence. In this article the research team including Bronwyn Blair, a facilitator from the University of Auckland, worked through a cycle of needs analysis and assessment, reflection, practice and reflection, and evaluation of 12 students targeted from their lasses. The five and
six-year-old students were experiencing behaviour and/or learning difficulties. The team explored teaching social skills while also focusing on raising literacy achievement. Practice interventions included a mix of changed teacher behaviours, practice, and planning in the areas of literacy and social skills for the targeted children. Pre and post-data were collected to guide and evaluate teacher planning Teachers later became involved in school-wide development
sharing their ideas and process.