Cool Kiwi Fact #4: New Zealand is one of the few countries with two national anthems: “God Defend New Zealand,” which was adopted in 1977 serves as the co-national anthem alongside “God Save the Queen,” which is normally played only when a member of the royal family is present.
Day 1: White Picket Fences (The 1950s)
In the 1950s, things settled down in New Zealand. There were no international wars or intense, national conflicts. Many kiwis were able to settle down, get married, buy a home and start a family.
Activity 1: Meat and Three Veg
It was common for women in the 1950s to stay home with their children and raise their family. They were called ‘housewives.’ Many housewives followed a simple rule when they prepared the evening meal: the ‘meat and three veg’ rule. This meant that they prepared dinners that included three different vegetables and a type of meat (eg. beef, lamb, or chicken).
On your blog tell us if you think that the ‘meat and three veg’ rule is a good one. Do you like the rule? Would you enjoy eating a typical 1950s dinner? Why or why not?
I do not like the rule because I don't like the three veg on the side.
I would not enjoy eating a typical 1950s dinner.
I don't the the dish because veg are not my favourite thing to eat I only like the meat.
Activity 2: What’s in a Name?
During the 1950s the population of New Zealand grew by 400,000 people. That is huge! In fact, so many people were having babies that many people refer to this period in our history as the ‘baby boom.’ Popular baby names in 1950s New Zealand were:
GIRLS BOYS
Christine John
Susan David
Margaret Peter
Judith Michael
Jennifer Robert
Read through the lists. Are these popular names in your school? On your blog, tell us which names are currently popular in your school. Please provide, at least, three girls’ names and three boys’ names that are popular.
Girl (nobody).
Boys (David and Peter)
When I was going to school, the name ‘Jennifer’ was the most popular girl’s name and the name ‘Matthew’ was the most popular boy’s name.
Bonus Activity: Snail Mail
In the 1950s, most people communicated with one another by writing letters. According to the NZ history website, New Zealanders sent over 200 million letters and postcards between 1950 and 1960. That is an average of 87 letters per person!
For this activity, imagine that you are living in New Zealand in the 1950s. Use Google Draw* to design the front of a postcard that you could send to a friend. Try to include elements of Kiwiana in your design (e.g. Pohutukawa trees, Hokey Pokey ice cream, etc). Post a copy of your postcard picture to your blog. Be sure to describe what you have drawn on your blog beneath the picture.
*You will need to make a copy of the Google Draw template to create your postcard.
Hey Helena, it's a shame you aren't keen on the meat and three veg rule. I have to admit, it would probably get a little boring eating the same sort of thing for dinner each night.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you usually have for dinner? I like to mix it up and have a range of meals in a week. That's how you keep the taste buds interested.
Thanks, Billy
Kia Ora Helena,
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing us with two popular boys names in your school. David and Peter seem like names that have persisted throughout time, regardless of their age.
It's a shame that there aren't any popular girl's names in your school, are you sure you can't think of any?
In order for me to give you full points, I’ll need for you to give me an additional 3 popular girls’ names. I'm sure you'll come up with something :)
For the Bonus Activity: Snail Mail, the activity asks for you to use Google Draw to create your own post card. Give it a go; I'm sure you would have heaps of fun!
In order for me to reward you with any points for this activity, please could you provide us with a lovely card that you've crafted up on Google Draw?
I'll keep monitoring this post to see if you upload anything :)
Cheers,
Jordan.