Nevaeh has really been enjoying her time at RDA this term. She loves a good trot, and has been getting quite cheeky with her new flag fixation. We’ve even bought her some flags for school 🙂 Nevaeh shows excellent core strength and posture, and is quite a pro in her saddle. Thanks to the lovely folks at RDA, especially MaryAnne and Sue for their time each week!
Nevaeh has been enjoying her time in the pool with Sam this year. Bouncing, singing, and resistance training through the water keep her highly entertained. She especially loves when Sam sways her back and forth while moving down the pool- she finds it very calming and soothing, and gets really peaceful and regulated during these moments. Thanks to Olivia for taking me each week! A highlight for sure.
Nevaeh had a great week last week, and enjoyed some drawing time, RDA, and lots of music (just the way she likes it). At her music lesson, she is getting more confident playing both Mary had a Little Lamb and Pepeha independently. A highlight was using animal cards to do some matching- Olivia would set out a set of cards, and Nevaeh would look, find the matching card, and lay it on top of the other one. Very clever. Next we’ll look at early numbers with a similar matching game. Thanks for a fun week team!
This year I have a new ORS teacher named Miss Cunningham. She loves music as much as I do, so we’ve decided to have weekly jam sessions on Tuesday mornings. Miss plays guitar and sings, and I listen closely to play along on either the drum, mini piano, or xylophone. I move to the music, and sometimes try a bit of singing. Miss Cunningham is really impressed with my musicality and sense of rhythm.
If you have any musical requests, we’d love to know! We’re learning new songs each week.
Nevaeh has been in Tūī for three years. Here is a short presentation of some of the things that she has done during this time. We have really enjoyed having you in Tūī Nevaeh, and it has been a privilege to witness all the learning that you have done during your time in class. I am sure that you will come back for a visit and pop in to see what Tūī is doing next year.
Add a heading by Olivia & Mrs Fearn
Today was the last riding and music days. Thankfully it was fine. It seems like there have been so many rainy Thursdays this term. During music Nevaeh played Ode to Joy and Pepeha. RDA had a Christmas flavour. Students decorated themselves and the horses. Nevaeh was taken with the little green elf. She carefully examined it before the elf was placed on Lucy’s neck. You can see from the first picture how excited Nevaeh was to be on a horse again.
Nevaeh was excited to get to music this week. She jumped across the room with joy. Her fingering of the keys is getting much better and when reminded Nevaeh will use her left hand. Today she did especially well playing Colours Shine and Playground Fun. In her formal lesson, she played her favourites Pepeha and Ode to Joy.
Before lunch, Nevaeh went back to the music room to lay with Jackie. She practised ‘Chopsticks’, her new favourite song.
Swimming didn’t happen this week, but here are a few photos from last week’s swim. Nevaeh is so confident and happy in the water.
Wednesday was a great day. Nevaeh is happy to be back in the pool with Sam and Alex. She squealed when Jackie picked up the life jacket from the sensory room. Nevaeh was echoing what was said to her.
At the pool Nevaeh had us all in fits of laughter. Out of nowhere, Nevaeh shouted out clearly ‘Shark Attack!” It was in context and she enjoyed hearing all of us chuckling. She loves it when she gets a positive reaction
We were pretty tired on Thursday. As always we enjoyed our music lesson with Marilyn. We will work on learning Chopsticks to integrate both hands when playing. When playing Nevaeh is mouthing the words and uttering sounds as she plays. We believe she is trying to sing along. This is so exciting.
RDA was cancelled because it was wet, so we had a quiet day in the sensory room listening to music and reading stories.
It was another wet Thursday… Nevaeh started her day in class by amusing her peers with a constant stream of chatter, mainly “Stop the clock you are amazing.” The class supported her communication efforts by smiling and giggling.
so instead of RDA Alex and I took Nevaeh to the library. We arrived just in time for the end of Storytime. Nevaeh enjoyed listening to the session although a bit put out because someone else was sitting on the red chair. Both Alex and I shared stories with Nevaeh and she chose a couple of books to bring back to school. A toddler wearing a bright jumper attracted Nevaeh’s attention. Nevaeh carefully watched as the toddler moved around the space. She was genuinely pleased when the child said hello.
We then did a message at the Possum Shop. Nevaeh enjoyed exploring the texture of the blue and red rabbit fur blankets. Interestingly she was not so keen on the texture of the possum fur, although it may have been just because it was not so brightly coloured. We made a selection to use in the sensory space at school. Nevaeh will be able to explore these in her own time.
The sun has arrived, and now we are back at school. It is the last term and it will go quickly. Today we went riding for the first time in ages. Nevaeh hopped on Lexi like the pro she is and mimicked us saying “Hands on the saddle.” What a cheeky wee sparrow. Alex and I swapped sides, which went much better, she allowed me to hold her hand and tapped on her helmet.
We had music over the lunch break because Nevaeh was pretty exhausted. She may not be used to all the fresh air she has had this week. I was impressed with the lovely raised hand she showed while playing. You have taught her well Marilyn. Nevaeh played quite a large chunk of Ode to Joy by ear. You are a very talented young lady. 
Before heading out the door we had a fashion show. Jackie’s puffer jacket is Nevaeh’s newest favourite thing. It was funny to watch her preening in the mirror.
It was lovely to catch up with you today Nevaeh and let’s
hope the fine weather is here to stay.