A Holiday To Remember!

WALHT - Writing = use the structure of a recount to share and experience.

I know this when I write a recount that informs/entertains my audience.

In the holidays, we went to lots of trips and fun birthdays, but I mostly enjoyed coming over to Nico’s house everyday because it is fun to play around with my friends and cousins Nico, Liam, Danielle and Niel. Sometimes we biked around the basketball court and the neighbourhood, but we especially enjoyed going to the downhill circle in Joe F Stanley St. In the downhill circle we sometimes watched the view of the sunset and the pukekos in the nearby swamp.

Once we reached to bottom of the road, we quickly return to the top to do it all over again, but it’s a hard step on the pedals! Once we come back to Nico’s house, we would take a break and either drink a glass of water, cola or raro. We lied around on the couch and beds like a bunch of lazy sloths. After that, we waited until it’s 5:30 p.m. so that we could go on the trampoline.

We can only go at that time because Nico’s parents were worried that we might be grilling like bacon under the sun. So when it is past 5:30 p.m. we could happily jump around in the trampoline tackling each other and playing basketball in their trampoline. However, one unlucky day, the bendy small thin poles that hold the net up broke and we couldn’t go on the trampoline.

Liam and I resolved this problem by climbing over the back fence to go and play on his neighbour Lozay’s trampoline. We only played for ten minutes and went back inside Nico’s house again. After an hour of playing on the computer and iPads, uncle Nick came back home and it was finally time for Danielle, Mamalo Niel and I to go home.

When I arrive home, I would play with my cat Panda and take a rest.

A sad and depressing yet exciting day!

In the holidays, my family, my other friends and I wanted to go to the snow in Mt. Ruapehu, but went to the Luge instead.

Everybody was excited so we all got up early in the morning at around at 6:00 o’clock.  My dad wanted to stay home because he wished to have some beer and food with his friends. I closed the door and we all started to put our food in a huge bag and our clothes in our own bags. We also had to bring a towel because we were also taking a shower in a Motel. We zipped them up and changed into our woolly and warm clothes so when we arrive there, we will still stay warm from the cold.

We put all our bags into the back of the car. All of the bags didn’t fit in the back, so we had to keep 2 bags in the back seat which was my brother’s and mine. My auntie bought 2 umbrellas in case it rained. I was seated in the middle at the back seat. My auntie was on the right and my brother was on the left. I was squashed that I had to lift my feet up. I found a comfy position, but I was also sleepy so I leaned on my auntie’s shoulder and fell asleep.

I got woken up when the car was going uphill. There was a kind of deep down cliff which made me feel scared for our lives so I looked away. After a while I smelt something very smelly like a car going through a dump yard. My sister decided to play the blame game and pointed the finger to my brother. I had to agree too because he sometimes doesn’t wash himself properly. All of us blocked our noses but I put my nose inside my shirt so I could still breathe. We kept blocking our noses until we found out it was just sulphur. My mum, auntie and I thought it was the gas, but my sister and brother thought it was a kind of metal kind of smell. We all just stopped blocking our noses and dealt with it.

Then a huge disappointment came when it rained heavily because we all knew that we couldn’t go to the snow. I asked my mum and she said that we would go up a rocky hill and the car might slip off the hill. After a while, we parked  at Mcdonald’s because all of us were really hungry. I ordered a frappe and forgot to order a cheeseburger. When I walked around, waiting for my order, every friend of mine was in a line. I felt like I was the only one who was the odd one out, so I just sat near a window and played on my ipad. I was playing ‘My Boo.’ I got really bored of just playing on my own. My mum came to me and led me to our table. My frappe was done and it was really icy. I had the flavour chocolate which was really tasty and delicious. I drank it slowly because I might have a brain freeze which can really hurt. But I was very  hungry and asked my mum if she had my cheese burger. She said that she didn’t hear me order a cheeseburger, so we went to the counter to get one. When they were done, we went back to our table to eat. When I took a bite, it was much better than the frappe. Suddenly, one of my uncles gave us three fries. One for auntie and me, the other for my brother and mum, and my sister. When I finished my frappe and cheeseburger, I was really full. I played on my ipad again but my brother snatched it off me so I quickly turned it off. When he turned it on, he can’t play with it because it needed my password. He was begging me to give him my password but I stubbornly refused because of the way he snatched it off me. When everyone had eaten their food, we all went back into the car and drove to a Motel.

I began to feel sick because of the sulphuric smell in the air. When we got to the motel, a man at the reception gave us the keys to our rooms.  We also got free milk and a free small cup of bubble bath liquid. We were staying in the room 207. Our neighbour was Ashley and to our right were strangers. Our room was nice. There was a television and 2 beds. When I sat on the blue couch, it almost tipped over. It was actually a couch that can be bent over to become a bed. When I went further, I saw small kitchen. Up ahead of the kitchen was a sink, a bathroom and a shower. I went back to the kitchen to check what was on the left. I opened the door and saw that it was a bedroom with a very large bed. Next to the bed was a blurry glass door. I opened the door and saw a jacuzzi. I couldn’t wait to go for a swim. I went back to the kitchen and saw some packets of coffee, chocolate drink powder and some sugar. I wanted to have some hot chocolate so I grabbed a cup and a plate, tore up the packet and poured the powder and boiling water into the cup. I added some sugar and milk before stirring it. I left it in the kitchen benchtop to let it cool down. I heard some of my friends outside so I went to them. There was tito Nick with Nico, Liam, and Carl. Tito Nick asked if anyone wanted to go to the Luge. I didn’t know what a Luge was, so I just agreed to go with them. He said I had to ask my mum if we were allowed. My mum said that we could come and I got really excited. We all went inside our car, but Danielle, Liam and Nico couldn’t go. I felt sad for them!

It only took 15 minutes for us to get there to the Luge.  There was a skyline that goes up a really tall hill. I remembered going into the Luge once, but I was scared of the skyline because I thought the ropes might break. Carl cooled me down when he told me that the ropes were indestructible. When I looked closely at the ropes, they were made out of metal so I believed Carl was right. I checked my height to see if I was higher than 135 cm. But luckily I was over 135 cm. Carl said it was kind of cheating because I was wearing shoes. My heart was pounding really fast because I might’ve been lower than 135 cm. I took my shoes off and checked again. I was lucky because I was just 135 cm. That was how high I had to be to ride on the cart by myself. I wanted to ride it by myself because, when I was 7, everyone except me was on the Luge, and I was sad. We took some photos on a fake cart that was held down on the ground. After that, my mum bought the tickets and we went inside. There was a line of people who were going inside the skyline. A lady who was part of the staff, took photos of the people who were inside the skyline. When it was our turn, we just waited for the next skyline to pass over. Carl’s family just speedily went into the skyline we skipped. When we went inside the skyline, it was really slow so the photographer had enough time to take a picture of us inside. After she took the photo, she waited again for the next people to go inside the other skyline. Next our doors and windows closed and started to speed up. After a while, we were outside of the building and high above the ground. I was really scared. I just tried to close my eyes or just look away. Soon, our skyline started to shake. I grabbed hold of the seat until we were there. When it was done, the skyline started to go slower because we were about to get off the skyline.

After we went off the skyline, we went inside a hallway that led us to a small shop. The first thing I saw were mud soap. I thought it would be very smelly, but it smelt like perfume. I tried to check some other items but it was time to go to the Luge. We went outside a door that was close to the shop. There were other food shops outside like jelly beans, coffee and ice cream.

We went up ahead to see what was there, and it was the carts. We went around to get to the luge. The fences were made of metal and the metal ropes were below it. We kept walking and walking until we got to a person who was in charge.  I took off my sweater because the seats were wet. I also had to take off my scarf because a sign said not to wear loose garments. When everybody were on their cart, I held on to the handlebars and wondered what it were they for. The instructor said to try and pull the handle bars only a little bit but not all the way. When I pulled it, it started to lift up the cart and started to move. I let go of it because I thought I might crash to the cart in front of me. I did it a little more and saw that it was actually safe because it was only slow. It was also controllable to go left or right. Next I slowly drove straight up but the cart was moving left. The cart was going into a line of people on their carts. I parked there for a while and waited for my turn. When my turn came, I was ready to pull my handlebars when he was doing a count down. As soon as he said 0, I zoomed on the tracks but I was also slow because I was on the scenic cart. The fast people were on the intermediate, but the advanced was closed because it was too slippery and could cause injuries.

While I was going fast, a sign said to slow down so I tried to let go of it a little bit. While I was slowing down, I saw a small kid riding on his own, crashed and he was stuck. I looked back to see what happened, and I saw my mum helping him. I couldn't stop because I was already far away from him. I was going faster and faster until I went downhill. There was a turn left sign and so I slowed down because it also had a deep cliff. I stopped and started, stopped and started again and again so I would make sure I was safe. Other people weren't afraid of the cliff so they rode fast past me. I then got cold and my hands were freezing. I thought I would let go by now but I was too scared. I held on tight and saw that there were more tracks to go. Next I saw my mum and I went past her. I was confused of how she got there. In the middle of the road, I saw someone’s cart. I dodged it by turning left on the track. I saw a lot of male adults yelling “WOO!” and going zooming really fast than the others. I knew he was on the intermediate because it was faster than the scenic. I just ignored them and went on. I then saw Jetro with his dad. They were enjoying the ride. When I went under a bridge, I saw that it was finally over. I drove slowly in a tight road where it was going to end. I was relieved that it was finally over. I accidentally stopped near where the carts were supposed to go. I tried everything I can and pushed with all my might, but the cart was too heavy I couldn’t even move it a cm far. Then a kind lady pulled it to the other carts for me. I wondered where the conveyor belt led the carts to. I looked to the right side to see where they were going. There was actually a chairlift with a metal hook below the chair  where the cart’s handlebars would hang on to the hooks and carried away to where the instructor man was. I had to be 185 cm to go on the chair lift by myself but I was too short. So I waited and waited for so long for mum. Finally she was in the tight road and put her cart into the conveyor belt. After that, three kids, 2 boys and a girl crashed and accidentally went to the full conveyor belt instead of the empty conveyor belt that were on the left. We went to the line of a few people for the chairlift. When they were done. It was our turn. We stood on the ground and didn't know what would happen. Surprisingly, a chairlift was behind my back so I sat down so I wouldn't fall when we were going up. My mum pulled down the pole that was behind the chair to grab hold of it. I finally calmed down and wasn't afraid of the chair lift anymore. I smiled and I was proud of myself because I finally conquered my greatest fear!

WALT - write a recount using descriptive language to make my writing more interesting.

I know this when I use action words and describing words appropriately and correctly in my writing.

Get ready to catch the ball!

WALT - write a recount using dialogue.
I know this when I use speech marks to start and end speech.

On a Tuesday afternoon, Room 6 went to play softball on the field. The class walked towards the coaches who were waiting for us near the trees to give us instructions. However, I just zoomed in front, all ready to listen. The coaches introduced themselves, their names were: Debbie and Santana. They asked us what sports we play. Most of my classmates chose basketball and soccer, but I was the only one who chose ping-pong (table tennis). 

First, they asked us what the triangle shaped mat was called. No one knew, but Aiden yelled out: "It's a home base!" We went towards the other mat that was different shaped. It was a square. Debbie asked what it was, and again, Aiden shouted out: "It's a first base!" Aiden knew all of this because he has played softball for 4 years. Everyone started to get the hang of the pattern. "How about this one? Everyone joined in, "Second base! The other one is a third base!"

Next, we were put into groups. I was in the second base and the other team was at the home base. I was actually proud because my friend was there: Greshka. When Debbie asked our team, "Who wants to go two times?" I quickly shot up my hand as fast as a gun shot, and luckily, I got picked. I was sort of good because at that time, I was energetic and hyper.

I was at the third of the line. I was jumping up and down and stomping on the ground. It was the feeling of excitement. The first person went, and I forgot to cheer because of all the adrenaline rush (sudden burst of energy) in my body. When the next person went, I was about to explode into shards and pieces. When the person was at the last base, he high-fived my hand and off, I ran. I felt as if I was faster than a speeding car.

When I came back, my lungs felt as if they were about to collapse and so I sat on the ground huffing and puffing and gasping for air. "Need... more.... OXYGEN!" Little by little, my body was getting pumped up again. I started jogging just to get ready. Just like before, I spread my legs longer so I would last a little bit longer on the air. When I came back, I was sort of frustrated because I wasn't fast enough to beat my opponent.

Then, they made our team go into 1 straight line facing towards the other team. In front of me, was Ingrid. I was a little bit confused because Philomena was in front of me too. "The person in front of you will have to be your partner! I made a confused face at both Philomena and Ingrid. When Debbie sorted our partners out, Ingrid was chosen to be my partner. Kevin, at the other end, didn't have a partner, so he was grouped up with Santana. 

After that, they gave the other team the tennis balls. They didn't look like tennis balls because they were too big and  shaped like base balls. Then they told us the basic techniques (moves). Debbie spread her fingers and placed her 2 thumbs together. "Can anyone tell me what this move is?" questioned Debbie. No one knew at first, but Aiden bravely shouted: "It's called a butterfly!" "Yes, it indeed is!" Debbie said. "Can anyone show me their butterfly?" I tried doing the same thing as she did, but I backed my hand a bit so the ball could land and won't fall off.

"Now try throwing it to your friend and let your friend try to catch it" Debbie told us. Ingrid and I needed some more practice, but we started to get there on the seventh throw. To test our butterfly catch skills, Debbie let us play 'who could throw and catch the furthest. The game rule was to throw the ball to your friend. You have to throw it to your friend, then he/she has to throw it back. If one of the groups drop their ball, they have to sit down because they're out.

Ingrid and I were prepared, but we failed at the first round because our throw was too low. We watched the other people throw, but someone's speed was too fast and it hit the ground. When people were backing a little bit more, it looks as if they were about to bump into the junior's playground! When the round finished, the winning group was Kevin and Santana. I applauded to them too loud and hard, that my hands almost turned red.

On the second round, we failed again because this time, we threw too high. After the round, the bell rang, but everyone begged to have one more round. We passed the first round, and Ingrid and I were actually proud of it. However, we had to walk two steps back. On the next round, we passed again! This time, we didn't have enough strength to throw the ball, so it hit the ground. We were sad again, but at least we got to the third round. New high score! I cheered in my head.

We had fun at softball, it was 40 minutes, but it felt as if it was at least 20 minutes or so because we didn't notice how fast time flew away when we were having too much fun.

What kind of swimming tricks can you do?

WALT - write a recount using similies and metaphors.
I know this when I use 'like...' to describe something or someone correctly in my writing.
One fine Sunday afternoon, the heat was high and it was a great time to go..... swimming! The sky was blue as my blue berry flavoured Gatorade in the fridge. My eyes were so heavy, that it felt as if they were weight lifting with my eyelashes. My arms and legs were weak and I felt really lazy to even walk a step. I decided to fill my stomach with nutella sandwich and a cup of milk with 3 ice cubes to get some energy. I went to my bedroom and found Panda. 

   Panada was taking a nap on the bed, purring and had his fur all over the place. I went into my parent's room and asked my mum, "When are we going to go swimming?" 

"In the afternoon", she responded. I sped up time by playing, Don't tap the spikes and Geometry dash on my iPad. I was feeling lonely since my older sibling doesn't like playing with me so I went into the hallway to go to Panda. I went to the bedroom and went up the bunk bed ladder. I sometimes made unexplainable sounds when I was tickling and petting Panda. 

   Finally it was 12:00 p.m! I dashed to get my clothes in the garage. I got my things and especially, my swim suit! When I was finished packing, I stuffed them into a plastic bag that I  took out from the pantry. We went into the car and drove to the swimming center. When I looked at a sign, it said that children 16 and under can go for free! It cost an adult $3.30 to go on the pool. My mum didn't choose to go to the pool but she chose to go to the sauna. She got a pink strip of paper around her wrist to prove that she could go into the sauna.

   Next, my mum wanted us to eat so that we could have enough energy to swim. We went into the cafeteria near the entrance and picked the table outside. When she opened the bag, it was pancit. I didn't like that kind of pancit because it was hard to chew so I took the meatballs and a piece of squid tentacle. I tried the squid tentacle, but it was hard to chew as well, just like the pancit. I opened up my can of Pepsi and took a few gulps of it. I mostly drank the Pepsi because there were only 2 pieces of meatballs. We all got full and packed up the food. It was finally time to change and go back into the swimming pool.   

   When I went into the changing rooms, I put the plastic bag on the sink counter so the plastic bag wouldn't be stepped on or get wet. I told my auntie that she had to take a little shower before coming into the pool. She didn't know how to so I had to show her how. I went inside the shower with my swimming suit and shut the door so it won't open. I took off my clothes and quickly put on my swimming togs. My clothes were wet but at least I got another set! I walked to the pool shaking and quivering from the cold. 

   My auntie said she would only go into the pool if it's warm. I went in the pool and the temperature was just right for relaxing. It felt as if I was in a paradise island. I swam around and put my head in the water. I tried opening my eyes underwater but it felt as if something has stung my eyes. I rubbed my eyes and closed them for a few seconds to make sure that the soreness was gone.

Then, I tried floating on my back while paddling. I tried it tons of times but water kept going into my nose or mouth. Sometimes when I tried to catch my breath, I accidentally swallowed the pool water which made me burp 2 times. I folded my legs and my arms. I was feeling quite lonely so I kept calling my auntie to come down to the pool every time but she replied the same answer in every one of my questions, "Not yet." I tried practicing every thing I saw in the late Olympics. I tried the backstroke but I kept going down the water and my hands wouldn't turn the right way. 

   After that, my auntie came out from the changing rooms and I was already bored so I just stood there like a statue but the water current kept pushing my arms and legs away. I just couldn't stand the water, it was really annoying. I didn't want to be pushed by the water anymore so I crossed my legs and my arms. I was sinking down the water and when my legs touched the ground, I felt an impact on my ear. I got up from the water and felt as if my eardrums were going to explode. "I better not do that again", I said to myself. I tried many experiments on the water like rolling under water and letting my body go on the water. I floated when my legs and arms were out, but when I took in one arm to my chest, I sunk. I finally knew that you float when you have equal weight on your arms and legs.

   After that, my fingers were turning white, wrinkly and old just like an elderly lady's fingers. My auntie was already changed and my mum was too. I was about to get out of the water but my mum thought I was still swimming, so she shouted at me, "It's time to change!" I got up the pool stairs and my body was really heavy. I went to the changing room and looked in the plastic bag. My clothes weren't there! I tried double-checking, but they disappeared like magic! The only thing we could only do now was to wrap the towel around me and go back into the car. I walked out of the changing room and to the entrance. A few people were staring at me and I felt embarrassed. 

We got into the car and put the towel on the seat so I wouldn't make the car seat wet. The pool water that I accidentally gulped before quite made my stomach felt  empty so when I got home, I gobbled another piece of nutella sandwich.