Fire Truck Origami

Wednesday (01/08/2012)

a)      Fire Truck.

l       After going through some vocabulary wordlist, we did an origami of Fire Truck.

l       Each kid was given a rectangle red paper. They fold it to make a square. Then, they cut the excess paper. Next, they unfold and fold the paper into half to get the middle creased line. Next, kids made 2 long triangles on the lower part. These will be the wheels.

l       After that, they turn the paper the other side. Fold the top down till the middle creased line. Next, fold a small triangle at corner angle. Fold it another time. This will be the driver’s window.

l       Next, kids pasted the openings with double sided tape so that they are firm.

b)      Decoration.

* Kids drew parts of a Fire Truck onto the origami paper. Example: the driver, the rescue dog, the ladder, the water hose, the axes, the water tank, the siren, the engines and the wheels. Not forgetting the headlights and the emergency number”999”.

Fire Trucks

Monday (30/07/2012)

a) Riddles.
* I am big,I love red,Iclimb up to save people in high buildings, I go....."Eeeww....Eeewww....Eeewww....", Ilive in the Fire Station. What am I?
* I go fast at emergency, I have 4 wheels or more, I have ladders on me, I put out fire with water. What am I?
Answer: Fire Truck.

b) The Emergency Procedure.
* When someone calls the Fire Station at 999 or 994, an operator will answer. He will ask for the address of the fire occurence. Then, it would ring the alarm as to alert his fire fighters who might be sleeping at night or doing their duties at day time. Theyu would immediately changed into their uniform with helmet and wear their boots. 
* Next, they would hop into the truck. Kids asked will the fire truck runs out of petrol. Firefighters are always cautious at checking their trucks and equipment to be in good condition. 
* Then, upon reaching the spot, they would look for the water pump so that they could connect to the hose and squirt water to put out the fire. In some situations, they pumped in water from lake, pond or river.

c) A Fire Truck.
* I drew a huge Fire Truck on the whiteboard. We learnt the different tools carried on a Fire Truck.
* A Fire Truck may have 4 or 6 wheels depending on its size. It has got sirens, headlights. I carries a long ladder. It has got long water hoses. It has got tools including axes, big metal scissors cutter, rope and etc. Firefighters also wear a mask and breathing equipment to protect themselves.

d) Song: The Fire Truck Song.
* Kids loved this song.

Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck 
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Hurry, hurry, turn the corner
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Hurry, hurry, climb the ladder
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Hurry, hurry, squirt the water
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Slowly, slowly, back to the station
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Transportation Craft

Thursday (26/07/2012)

a)      The Design.

* We discussed a few shapes of types of transporations. I drew them on the board. Half of the kids have brought boxes from big to small for this craft. They have to design their transport first. Then, paste them together. Then, only take the sate sticks to measure the steel of the car wheels. Next, they cut the cardboard wheels. Although they were quite hard, most kids surprisingly could cut them including Yu Xi. The others, I helped them to cut. We need thick cardboard wheels in order for them to roll.

The Monster Motorbike.

Monday (23/07/2012)

a)      The Monster Motorbike.

l       After Wushu lesson, we immediately got hold of our Wushu teacher so that he could share about his bike. We then discussed and make comparisons to Teacher Yap’s normal motorbike.

A normal motorbike. * RM5 per full petrol tank. * It has manual starter using foot energy to start the engine. * Only a piston; thus not that powerful. * Smaller battery and engine. * A smaller seat. * The tyres are not narrower; sufficient for the motorbike’s weight. * Teacher Yap has a container at its back seat to keep her helmet.

A Monster Bike. * RM18 per full petrol tank. * It has automatic starter. * It has 2 pistons in its engine; thus more powerful. * It has bigger battery and engine. * The seat is bigger and more comfortable. * The tyres are broader and more stable. * Wushu teacher wears a covered helmet and a fluorescent vest for safety measure. * Its headlight is bigger.

b)      Motorbike (Motorcycle) Evolution.

l       The early bicycles were known as Boneshakers. 1885 marked the first motorbike invented by Daimler. It looked similar to a bicycle except that it has a small engine powered by petrol. However, most of it was wooden made. Thus, it wasn’t comfortable and its engine wasn’t that of good quality.

l       In 1900, Thomas motorbike included a motor which improved the motorbike journey.

l       The 1918 motornbike was more popular because the engine was easier to maintain.

l       The 1920 was Indian Daytona Twin and was one of the fastest racing motorbikes at that time.

l       The 19306Harley-Davidson was the favourite monster motorbike because of its design and comfort.

l       Other bikes: Indian Chief which had a bigger passenger seat by the side, Motorcross motorbikes and also scooters which were favourites among ladies.

A Motorbike Tour

Friday（20/07/2012）

a)      Trishaws.

l       We learnt and observed trishaws from around the world. There was China Trishaw, Malacca Trishaw, Penang Trishaw and Singapore Trishaw.

l       China Trishaw has 2 big wheels with a person to pull in front. The puller stand in front of the passengers. The Penang Trishaw rider sits behind the passenger, He gets to ride the bicycle trishaw. The Melaka and Singapore Trishaw bicycle is beside the passengers.

b)      Motorbike parts.

l       We were so happy to borrow Teacher Yap’s motorbike. Hers is Modenas, a Malaysia product.

l       Parts included: handle, steering, brake, signals, choke, gear, oil accelerator pedal, wheels, chain, tyres, petrol tank, plug and the motorbike stand.

l       We compared it to both cars and bicycles. Basically, a motorbike is similar to a bicycle with engine.

c)       Riding a motorbike.

* I rode on the motorbike fetching the kids! They really thought it was a superb ride!

Volkswagen Beetle Car.

Thursday (19/07/2012)

a)       Vocabulary Recap.

l       We recapped words that we have learnt. As we read, sometimes kids would ask the definition if they have forgotten about it. Among words: transportation, car, bicycle, petrol, Proton, Perodua and etc.

b)      Picture Drawing: Beetle Car.

l       We didn’t really have the time to draw a Volkswagen Beetle Car. Kids asked if they could learn to draw it. Thus, I drew a big VW Beetle Car while the kids observed. I labeled the parts with kids’ help. By this time, most kids were confident at sketching this picture. In fact, at times; when I don’t draw that nicely; they would comment on my picture. They would also tell me if I could improve on certain parts! It’s really fun drawing with kids!

c)       Play Time!
* We discussed on changing the playground into a street play! First, we thought of making road dividers. Hiro suggested small chairs. Then, we thought that benches would be better! Then, we thought of names of buildings including shopping mall, petrol station, mechanic workshop, hospital, restaurants, Police Station and etc. Kids also suggested the school fountain to be Genting Highlands. Next, kids chose the roles they wanted to be. Some were bicycle riders, some were car drivers, on e was a thief, some operate shops while some were the traffic police. 
* We arranged the items at the playground and of course, kids just loved this play!

A Sedan Chair

Wednesday (18/07/2012)

a)      Vocabulary Recap.

l       We read words that we have learnt. Among: car, racing car, sports car, wheels, tyre, honk, wiper, brake, handbrake, hood, engine, battery, unicycle, bicycle, tricycle, Tandem bicycle and etc.

b)      Why Bicycle?

l       We brainstormed the functions.

1)      For sightseesing.

2)      To carry people and things as a transportation.

3)      For sellers to sell things.

4)      For exercising.

5)      For charity purpose. Some people cycled around the country or a long distance to collect donation for a good cause.

6)      Bicycle racing.

c)       Sedan Chair.

l       In the past, when wheels weren’t invented yet, people use a carrier or rather known as “Sedan Chair” to carry Kings, Queens or even brides.

Shawn: How did they carry?     Wei Lok: Is it heavy?

l       They attached long wooden poles to the chair or carrier.

Yee Xuan: How about if it is too heavy?

l       Well, more people need to carry the rider then!

d)      Game: Sedan Chair.

* 3 people needed for this game. 2 stronger people squat and hold each other’s arms. The third person would sit in between their arms. He or she has to be lighter! The kids discussed among themselves of who they want to lift! Teams that have got problems required my assistance. Well, Yu Xi and Jia Jia are really strong. They were able to lift the 6 years old! …….phew! 

Bicycle History.

Wednesday (18/07/2012)

a)      Racing Car.

l       Rei brought 6 racing cars and kids got so excited that we decided to have race in the classroom. I used masking tape to draw starting and ending lines. They were little mechanical car race. This means that they have got little springs within the toy car. Kids would have to pull the toy reversely or backwards before waiting for my cue to release the car. The force in the spring causes the toy car to race forward. The car which reaches the Ending line will be the winner!

b)      Wei Lok’s Proton Book.

l       Wei Lok shared with his class his thick “Proton” book. It introduced the founders and important people behind this successful company. It introduced our ex-Prime Minister, Tun Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Kids could remember him from our Merdeka lesson. The book introduced the factory and assembly system in Proton. There were doors attched to the car body. Some used human skills while some using robotic skills. It introduced the ranges of Proton cars from early 1990s till today.

c)       Bicycle.

l       Kids differentiate types: Unicycle – a wheel, Bicycle – 2 wheels, Tricycle – 3 wheels and Tnadem Bicycle consisting more than a cyclist. It could have 2 / 3 / 4 seats and even more.

d)      Bicycle History.

l       It was really interesting as we learnt about this history.

1)       The Walking Machine – totally wooden. The purpose was just to stroll in the garden and couldn’t go far.

2) The Velocipede or Boneshaker – metal wheels but still didn’t go far.

3) The High Wheel Bicycle – The front wheel was much bigger than the back because it allowed bicycle to go further. However, people fell off easily and hit their head. It introduced brakes.

4) The High Wheel Tricycle – This was introduced to allow ladies to ride as they wore dresses. This bicycle introduced gears and steerings.  

5) The High Wheel Safety – This time, the back wheel was bigger than the front. Yet it caused problems.

6) The Pnuematic-Tired Safety: This would look similar to today’s bicycle. It introduced the soft tyres to absorb the pressure; thus ensuring a more comfortable ride.

8) The Kid's Bike- A kid’s bike which also introduced battery to allow kids to ride easier.

Let’s cycle!

Monday (16/07/2012)

a)      Bicycle parts.

l       Firstly, we read the words. To recognize them, I brought in 2 bicycles belonging to Rei and Yu Xi. Kids were so excited that they shared their experience while discussing about the parts.

l       Parts: handle, brake, bell, pedal, chain, tyre, wheel, basket, passenger seat, light, gear and also counted the number of wheels.

l       Both the bicycles have got 2 big wheels and 2 small wheels. Asking kids why. They answered for balancing.

T: How does a bicycle move? Does it have an engine?

Kids: Use legs to pedal.

l       Right, energy comes from our body, the faster we pedal, the faster the bicycle goes. However a cyclist must be careful when they cycle as there are not many bicycle roads in Malaysia yet. We have to cycle by the road side preferably wearing a helmet as protection.

l       We brake to stop. We change gear when going up a hill. We don’t pedal when coming down a slope. We ring the bell as a precaution to people or vehicles as a warning. We do not ring or honk for nuisance! If the chain falls, it should be repaired. If the tyre is lack of air, go to a bicycle shop to pump in the air. Lights on bicycles are chanelled the energy by dynamo batteries. Mountain bikes usually only have reflector to reflect lights so that cyclist can protect themselves.

b)      Let’s cycle!

l       The yellow bicycle is higher while the purple is lower. Thus, kids chose the bikes they preferred to cycle on. However, after 15 minutes; they swapped around. Kids really enjoyed themselves. Xing En and Wei Lok needed lots of encouragement! Wei Lok was so happy when he managed to cycle a round!

l       Then, kids have competition among 2 groups. However, we had to do it in the school hall as it was raining outdoor. Kids had fun! It’s more of cycling for competition!

The Racing Car.

Friday (13/07/2012)

a)      Film: Hailey

l       This film featured an old VW Beetle car named Hailey. It looked old but it’s actually a superb racing car. It introduced the parts of VW car to kids and kids learnt about the life of a racer. It obviously is challenging but totally risky. Thus, the racer has to protect herself or himself by wearing a helmet and proper uniform. Kids got the chance to see the cars race in a racing circuit. Phew! It really takes teamwork to change the 4 tyres during the lap rest……within 6 seconds!

l       Kids loved this film because Hailey was an automatic car that could interact well with the racer. The computer technology was able to make it looked like an interactive cartoon car. Its adventures really captured the hearts of the kids as its humorous yet knowledgeable. Example, we learned that we can substitute a car spare part with another of the same brand.

l       In the afternoon, we had quizzes on the film and kids were very observant throughout the film!

b)      Song: Crossing The Street.

Look both ways, when you cross the street.

Here's the reason why.

There might be a car or bus or a big truck zooming by.

Look both ways, when you cross the street.

Look both ways, when you cross the street.

Look both ways, don't move your feet.

Till you look both ways, when you cross the street.

Look both ways, when you cross the street.

to the left and to the right.

Look both ways, when you cross the street.

hold a grown-up's hand real tight!

Look both ways, when you cross the street.

Look both ways, when you cross the street.

Look both ways, don't move your feet.

Till you look both ways, when you cross the street.

c)       Dot-to-dot: A Racing Car.

* We went through numbers from 1 until 80. The worksheet consists of numbers until 75. Most kids connected the numbers independently with little prompting. Then, they coloured the racing car.

Heavy but easier!

Wednesday (11/07/2012)

a)      Car tyres comparison.

l       Teacher Pik Xia was kind enough to lend us her Proton Wira car tyre. I took my spare tyre. At first kids compared. My tyre belongs to Perodua MyVi. Of course, MyVi tyre is smaller than a Wira as my car body is smaller and lighter. Proton Wira is about 14 inches while MyVi 13 inches. My car would be unsuitable to take in 14 inch as the wheel gap for MyVi is too small!

l       Kids compared the tyre tread and the broadness of the tyre. They tried lifting the tyres. Obvioulsy MyVi tyre is lighter. Some kids could actually lift up the Proton Wira tyre by themselves…..woh!

b)      Moving the tyres.

l       Kids queued to think of a way to move the tyres from front to back. Immediately they asked me if they could roll….haaaa! That’ll be the easiest way. Surprisingly, kids could roll the bigger tyre easily compared to the smaller one.

l       Conclusion: We discussed the process. The big tyre is heavy but easier to roll. That shows stability as the tyre surface is braoder.

c)       Racing Car.

T: Do you think a racing car has small or big wheels.

l       Kids said “big”. In fact, bigger and broader than Proton Wira.

Jia Xun: Bigger tyres allow them to drive very fast.

l       Alex Yoong is our famous Malaysian F1 driver while Michael Schumacher is the famous world F1 driver from Germany.  I’ll talk about Alex tomorrow due to time constraint.

l       Racing cars have to be driven on racing circuits. Because they speed so fast, it’s very crucial top change their tyres as they wear off very quickly! The racer would stop for a while and the his mechanic team takes about 6 seconds to change all the 4 wheels…….woh! That’s awesomely quick!

l       It’s a thrilling but dangerous sport! You have to be very skilful and brave to a be an F1 racer!

Let’s push the car!

Tuesday (10/07/2012)

a)      a) Car Safety.

l       A good and safe car depends on a few factors which include airbag, safety belt, good tyre tread, brake and handbrake. In the event car crash happens, airbag will pop up and protects us. Safety belt prevents us from being injured. Good brakes enable us to brake for emergency. If the car breaks down in the middle of the road, we have to get people to push the car to a safer place while waiting for a mechanic.

b)      Transportation Functions.

l       We discussed and kids came up with these answers.

l       To carry people, things and animals from a place to another. To go for holidays. To sell things such as ice-cream van. To have fashion display. For sports such as car racing. For emergency.

c)       Car push.

l       Objective: Wheels have allowed us to push the car easily. Steering and brakes play an important role. The kids at first thought that it would be difficult but it wasn’t so especially when they pushed in teams. Handbrake is the reason why cars don’t move or slide.

d)      Car tyre.

* I painted my tyre with black paint. Kids printed a paper to the tyre tread. It’s interesting as kids get to see the patterns.

Tyres.

Monday (09/07/2012)

a)      Tyres.

l       Tyres are made from rubber. Other rubber products include: erasers, mats, gloves etc.

T: Why do we need tyres? Why do drivers need to change new tyres?

l       We tried relating to kids feet. When they are wet after shower, kids tends to feel slippery on the floor.

Hiro: That’s why we must wear good shoes that have got good shoe tread. When shoes tread gets thinner or is finishing, it’s safer to replace them with new ones. Otherwise, it would be dangerous.

Jia Xun: Tyres allow the cars to be driven safely on the road.

l       Thus tyres with poor tread will be dangerous.

b)      Rubber.

l       Tyres price range differently depending on its sizes and brands. An average tyre causes RM300. Tyre is made from rubber which is tapped from rubber trees. Kids learnt that a rubber tapper leads a challenging life and we have to appreciate their hard work.

c)       Experiment: Tyres.

l       Kids assisted at assembling puzzle mat. 3 cups were prepared whereby 1 covered with plastic representing smooth tyre tread. The 2^nd. cup covered with plastic spread with butter representing smoother surface. The 3^rd cup covered with rough cardboard paper representing a new tyre tread.

l       Kids push the cups and cups that go furthest represents weak tyre treads. Most of the time, kids voted the 3^rd.cup as the best tyre tread.

Our Transportation Craft

Friday (06/07/2012)

a)       Car Logo.

l       The Objective is to guide kids identifying different cars and the country it was manufactured in.

l       There are so many cars. I showed kids some car logos. Among: Perodua, Proton, Hyundai, Volkswagen and also Ferrari. Toyota, Nissan and Honda are from Malaysia. Mini Cooper is from Britain. Ferrari is from Italy. Volkswagen and Mercedez Benz is from German. Hyundai is from Korea. Volvo is from Sweden.

l       Kids were given a homework worksheet to draw their car logo as well as recognizing their car plate number.

b)       Transportation Craft continuation.

l       Kids got into their groups. Again, we recapped parts to make for today’s activity. These included siren, wheels, plate number, logos, tow steel, headlights and etc. However, kids wouyld have to discuss among themselves of task segregation. They have to think of how to do and inform me so that I could give them the necessary materials.

l       Overall, they were mostly serious at teamwork. A few needed my guidance. Example: Xing En, Wei Lok,, Xiang Wei needed prompting and some guidance on what they could do to help their team. Then, they got better.

l       Each transport siren was  different but the class said they liked the ambulance special siren. The kids also liked Tow Truck steel tow. The kids also thought that fire truck was beautiful as they had 2 boxes attached together. Police car made their siren first and inspired the other teams.

l       Most errors were not able to stick the accessories strongly to the transport boxes because they used cellophane instead of double sided tape.

l       Ambulance and Police emergency number is 999 while Fire Brigade is 999 and 994.

Police craft: Badge and handcuff.

Wednesday (04/07/2012)

a)      Land Transportation.

l       We recapped the types of land transportation that we had learnt. These included:

-          Cars: mini cooper, normal 4 door-car, 4 wheel drive car.

-          Truck: small lorry, petrol truck, cement truck, tow truck, fire truck.

-          Bulldozer, tractor.

-          Taxi, police car, ambulance.

-          We compared Malaysian taxis to Thailand taxis as Wei Lok wore a t-shirt of it. It’s known as “Tuk Tuk” and smaller and cute. Malaysian taxi has got a sign on the car roof saying “Taxi”. We use Proton cars as taxis.

b)      Discussion.

l       The kids and I are going to make different vehicles. The kids decided them to be a police car, an ambulance, a tow truck and also a fire truck. The kids discussed amongst themselves which car they want to make. Most kids wanted to make a police car so they had to negotiate. Finally, we had 4 happy groups. We are doing that tomorrow.

l       The objective is to encourage team work, creative thinking as to decorate it to look alike the real cars as well as learning the various car parts. It would boost their confidence at making smaller car craft later. Kids are reminded to bring small boxes or containers for making land transportation craft.

c)       Police craft: Badge and handcuff.

l       Kids drew a badge and decorated it and pasted to a cardboard. This badge is like their Identity card which proves that they are genuine police.

l       Then, I added a big paper clip to the back of the badge; so that kids can clipped to their clothes.

l       To make the handcuff; kids were given 2 pipe cleaners or we called wire threads. They bend each into a circle. Then, they attached both together. They labeled it with their names.

l       The school has a got a few sets pf police toys including guns. However, we have discussed the functions of guns together in the class. Police only use guns when necessary. Police are also punished if they misused their guns. As the kids were playing in the class, they created their own storyline and they learnt compromising by sharing the toys. Shawn even asked if they could make their own summon book.