A Bucklands Beach Primary School (BBPS) classroom was buzzing with excitement when they were learned a printed copy of their book would be kept as an archival manuscript in the Howick Room at the local library.
As part of a school-wide focus on the introduction to the New Zealand history curriculum, BBPS students have been learning about historical Howick, a nice tie-in to the upcoming Howick 175 anniversary.
For their project-based learning, Room 14 wrote and illustrated a 32-page hardcover book called 26 Trips to Historical Howick.
The book is a collection of creative stories about time travel to Howick in the past, based on their learning throughout the term, in which every student contributed a story.
Students wrote about experiencing an event in Howick in the past before returning to the present. Room 14’s teacher Jacinta Howie told the Times the concept of writing for a book that was going to be published gave the students an authentic purpose for their writing.
“Students were motivated and engaged in the project and for those students who find writing a particular challenge, it was really exciting as a teacher to see their enthusiasm for writing ignited,” Howie says.
Last week, Room 14 had a special presentation at the Howick Library to donate a copy of their book. Students were invited to the Howick Room where their book will be kept.
“It has been a very positive experience for them to have their work recognised and valued beyond the classroom and for them to give something back to their community. I was so proud of them all,” Howie says.
