Fame

 Term 2 2021

We are looking at famous people. How do people get famous? What are they famous for? What helps them along the way? What challenges have they faced?

This term I am introducing tamariki to a range of people all famous for various reasons. The aim is to allow children to learn about someone in their area of interest, and to illustrate the perseverance, hard work, determination, motivation etc that is often behind fame. 

We have looked at famous New Zealanders (who ARE all those people on our money?) We looked at Kate Sheppard's determination to make a change to allow women to vote. The picture below is from Maria Gill's wonderful book on the subject.

This week some groups looked at people who have become famous for doing good (think Mother Teresa, Bill Gates, Fred Hollows, Malala Yousafzi - humanitarians and/or philanthropists). We read Malala's book 'Malala's magic pencil' and talked a bit about her bravery standing up for what she thought was right and how she had to deal with people who wanted to silence her. Yes, she was only 15 when she was shot for speaking up - luckily she lived to tell the tale. She is an inspirational young woman.

This term the year 3-6 students are doing a research project on a famous person of their choice. They have access to many websites with examples of famous people to choose from. Most of them have chosen who they would like to study and are currently researching them. They can then choose how to share their research - poster, slide show, diorama, video etc. I plan to have an evening where year 5&6 students can display their research for parents to come and see.