A New Math's Challenge to Start 2021

 We had a new Math's challenge that we worked on this week. 

How could we equal all the numbers from one to twenty using four 4's. We could use any mathematical sign. We couldn't use three 4's, or even five 4's. We had to restrict ourselves to exactly four 4's.

We got really stuck until Mr. Waller showed us factorial 4's. Factorial 4's are recorded like this 4! 

4! = 4 x 3 x 2 x 1

4!= 24

Here are our answers...

1. 4 - 4 + 4 ÷ 4 = 1

2. (4 ÷4)+(4÷4)= 2

3. (4+4+4) ÷ 4 = 3

4. (4 - 4) x 4 = 0 + 4 = 4

5. (4 x 4) + 4 = 20 ÷ 4 = 5

6 (4 + 4) ÷ 4 = 2 + 4 = 6

7. (44 ÷ 4) - 4 = 7

8. (4 x 4) - (4 + 4) = 8

9. (4 ÷ 4) + (4 + 4) = 9

10. (44 - 4) ÷ 4 = 10

11. (4! + 4!) - 4 = 44 ÷ 4 = 11

12. 4! - (4 + 4 + 4) = 12

13. 4! - (44 ÷ 4) = 13

14. (4! ÷ 4) + (4 + 4) = 14

15. (44 ÷ 4) + 4 = 15

16. 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16

17. (4 ÷ 4) + (4 x 4) = 17

18. (4.4 x 4) = 17.6 + .4 = 18

19. 4! - (4 ÷ 4) = 23 - 4 = 19

20. 4! + 4 - (4 + 4) = 20

After we completed this challenge, we had a go at doing the same thing with five 5's.

Lots of creative problem solving and collaboration took place in this Math's challenge.

Kiwi Can

We love our Kiwi Can session each week. Mr Matau and Miss Falanitama help us with making good decisions about the way we treat other people and interact with each other.  Kiwi can is run by the Graeme Dingle Foundation. You can find out more about what this wonderful foundation does to support our community here.

We love Kiwi Can. It is always fast paced and the learning is supported by games and activities. Our focus is always on social skills and trying to be the best person we can be.

The game this week were Circle Races and Snakes. The head of each snake had to try and remove the tail of the other snake. Most times, one snake broke apart and was disqualified.

Keep it up Mr Matau and Miss Falanitama. You are both awesome, even if Google doesn't know how to spell your names.

Swimming Lessons

Every Monday morning at 9.00am, we go to the Papatoetoe Sports Centre for swimming lessons. Whaea Pauline picks us up in the mini bus.

When we get to the pools, we get into three groups. Each group has their own instructor. Our instructors get into the water with us. They can show us what we need to work on to improve our stroke. They can support us if we need a bit of extra help.

It is a great way of learning how to swim. It is a shame that not everyone in the class brings their togs each Monday and make the most of this valuable time.

The Water Mannequin Challenge

Last term we had a go at a mannequin challenge in the swimming pool. It was harder than we anticipated...