This is Duff. He is Max’s twin brother, and today he set off from Room 4 on his big OE. He is very excited about travelling the world and learning about all the places he has read about in books, heard of from friends, or seen on the television. We know he will be well looked after by his travelling companions: he is cheap to feed, makes friends easily, does not snore, and is always quiet and well mannered.
While he is away his fellow travellers will be sending us photos of where he is so that we can track his progress on our map, and learn about the places he visits. So, watch this spot for his latest updates!!
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| Max takes Duff to the airport |
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| A hug goodbye |
How ‘Duff’ got his name
Duff was named by his ‘Uncle James’. He thought it was funny to name him after a beer brand from the TV programme “The Simpsons” and enjoyed the ‘play on words’ – Duff beer ( Duff Bear).
Mrs Johnston thought it was more appropriate to say he was named after “Duffy”, a reading role model who loves books and sends our school children 5 books per year to take
home to keep. This is part of the Allan Duff Charitable Trust programme, who sponsor ‘Books in Homes’ in New Zealand – a trust that sees the need to get children in low decile schools reading and having books available to them in their homes. Firth School is one of the schools sponsored through this programme.
Duff’s travel’s will help us to further our reading also: through emails from his friends and our research about the places they are visiting. He is helping us to make our own story.
Meet Duff’s family:
Gandma and Grandpa Bear
They live in Auckland. Grandma is a good cook and likes to make healthy food for her family. Her favourite ‘sometimes food’ is chocolate chippie biscuits. Grandpa likes to grow vegetables and has a big garden. He grows yummy carrots, tomatoes and beans which he gives to his family and friends. Grandpa likes to share.
Max
Max is Duff’s twin brother. He lives in Room 4 at
Firth School. He sometimes goes to stay with the
children at their homes. He helps them with their
learning. Sometimes he goes on holiday and sends
letters to the children. The children love him.
Firth School. He sometimes goes to stay with the
children at their homes. He helps them with their
learning. Sometimes he goes on holiday and sends
letters to the children. The children love him.
Cousin Frank
Frank lives in Wellington on Windy Ridge. He is a shaggy bear who needs a hair cut. (Grandma said to
say that.) He likes to explore outside. Sometimes
he goes biking, hiking or sailing. But his favourite
things to do are drink hot chocolate at at cafe or play
cards. Playing cards helps him to learn to count.
Travel Log
At Lake Matheson, South Island, New Zealand with Nadine Balling from Germany. September 2011
At Friesing, Germany (35 km north of Munich), outside the Weihenstephan Brewery - the oldest working brewery in the world. The saddled bear is a symbol of the city, as it is thought that a bear brought the heavy luggage over the alps from St Korbinian in AD725 at the founding of the city. With Nadine Balling from Germany.
October 2011
At Hof, Germany, watching a carnival parade to celebrate the beginning of spring. Rose Monday is the highlight of the festivities. Children love to dress up as fairytale characters, cowboys, pirate, princesses, witches etc. Duff chose to be a clown. Note the snow falling. With Alexandra Fischer from Germany.
February 2012
At Battle Creek, Michigan, USA. Spending time on the playing equipment in the Church Play Area after a healthy breakfast of cereal in 'Cereal City': Battle Creek is the world headquarters of 'Kelloggs'. With Amanda Green from Michigan, USA.
August 2012
October 2011
February 2012
At Battle Creek, Michigan, USA. Spending time on the playing equipment in the Church Play Area after a healthy breakfast of cereal in 'Cereal City': Battle Creek is the world headquarters of 'Kelloggs'. With Amanda Green from Michigan, USA.
August 2012
