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.
Enjoy this short movie of Nevaeh’s term at school.
Ruma Tui has completed their fire safety learning. It ended with a visit from the Fire Brigade. After our fire safety talk with all the juniors, it was outside for a wonderful surprise. Nevaeh was so excited to see the fire engine at school. She had a close inspection of the hoses and pumps. Emergency vehicles have long been Nevaeh’s passion. We were worried she would not want to get out when she sat in the fire engine.
Then it was off to help firefighter Craig squirt the hose.
Nevaeh continues to excel with her music. She is using her left side more frequently and we are supporting her to play single notes with her left hand. Awesome work Nevaeh, you are a star.
Along with Andy, we are working on building Nevaeh’s vocabulary. As we walked yesterday lunchtime I asked Nevaeh if she enjoyed her music session with Marilyn. To our surprise, Nevaeh said “Yes.” She knows how to access this on her device, as well as no, and all finished. We added a child’s voiceover to make it more like Nevaeh’s voice.
It has been a wet week at school. Yesterday we waited patiently for Marilyn to invite us into our music lesson. It is hard to sit but we are getting better at staying still until the door opens. Nevaeh waits patiently while Marilyn has her turn before echoing what she has heard on the piano. We hear Nevaeh singing as she is playing familiar tunes. ‘Pepeha’ is by far the favourite, but we get parts of ‘Ode to Joy’, ‘Jelly on a Plate’ and ‘Bingo’.
Together we had a quiet afternoon. Nevaeh rested in the bean bag and played with her balloon. She turned to reach behind her to get it, then tapped it on herself, enjoying the rhythm that she came up with. We then enjoyed some of the new resources that had been dropped off. We have some ‘Spot’ books and a new posting activity.
When reading ‘Lunch for Greedy Cat’ Nevaeh spontaneously said: “Here you are.” She turns the page at the appropriate time, know when you have read the last line on the page. You have a great memory Nevaeh.
Hey, ho it is off to town we go. What an exciting trip!
First up was the town library, Nevaeh loves her stories, so the library is always exciting. It is great to see Nevaeh accessing the furniture and being able to sit and enjoy a story. She is extending the time she can sit quietly and now sits long enough to enjoy a story, or two.
After the library, it was off to the Stafford Street Store. Having different locations to navigate is important. Nevaeh can easily access the supermarket but the store offers an opportunity to explore closer spaces. She walked unassisted and resisted the temptation to touch things on the shelves. Well done!
There was a passing visit to the Ambulance Station next door and the Fire Station in the next block. The bright yellow ambulance could be viewed through the doors. A fire engine was parked outside on the driveway so there was an opportunity to get up close. The Fire Service will visit the class, as part of the Firewise programme. This will allow Nevaeh to meet the firefighters in their uniforms.
Part of our community visit programme includes emergency organisation visits. Our goal is to build awareness and familiarity with people who help us.
It is obvious by the look on Nevaeh’s face she had a great time.