At the beginning of each ‘Discoveries’ session,

the students are exposed to a particular teach-

ing focus. Kiara became very interested in the
focus that showed the students how to fill in a
‘concept map’. Kiara wanted to fill in a concept
map on dinosaurs. She also wanted to use the
computer program ‘Encarta Kids’.
Kiara was soon able to navigate her way around
the ‘Encarta Kids’ program and found the dino-
saurs section. With some assistance she was
able to find six facts about dinosaurs that she
could write on her concept map. Kiara took
three sessions to complete it.

Kiara was very proud because she was able to write smaller in
the boxes than she could usually do. At first she found it dif-
ficult, but it got easier.
Kiara shared her facts to the class (prompting other children
to have a go at filling in their own concept map on a topic that
interested them). We then used Kiara’s map to model to the
class how to make a Powerpoint Presentation. We made a sim-
ple presentation as a class, then printed it out like a book for
Kiara.

Kiara enjoyed illustrating her book about dinosaurs. She

was able to confidently read every fact about dinosaurs
that she had found on ‘Encarta Kids’.