The Post War(s) Era (1951 - 1999)
Day 1 - White Picket Fences
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?
Typical 1950's Dinner
Well, I think the idea of a 1950's dinner is both beneficial and bland. I mean, having meat and 3 types of vegetables is great for your heath, but it gets boring after a few meals. Sometimes, you should switch it up a bit and explore different kinds foods you can cook.
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.
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.
Popular names in School
Girls | Boys
Sia Sam
Rachel Thomas
Malia Gabriel
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.
My Post Card
My post card contains things New Zealand is known for, from the Pavlova to our favourite sport, Rugby!
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ReplyDeleteHey there Mei, I loved your opinion on the meat and three veg rule. I couldn't agree more with you - beneficial and bland. What a great description.
ReplyDeleteIt's good for you but it might get boring after a while. I prefer meals that mixed flavours together, such as curry or stew.
What sort of food would you prefer to the meat and three veg rule?
Thanks, Billy
Hi again Mei, thanks for sharing the most popular boys and girls names at your school. At my school, where I teach, we have a lot of boys names Sam and Thomas, but none called Gabriel. In my class I have a girl named Telesia, we often call her Sia.
ReplyDeleteI also have a girl in my class called Malia. But i don't know of any others. I don't think there are any girls called Rachel at our school (or boys!).
When I was younger the most popular names were; Sam, Thomas, Alex, James, and for girls they seemed to be Georgia, Jessica, or Kate.
Thanks, Billy
Hi Mei,
ReplyDeleteI think the girls names and boy's names sound alright. I would have the meat and three veg because it's nice and you won't starve but it'l always taste the same.
What would you have for dinner then???
Great work
Jerome :);)
Kia Ora Mei,
ReplyDeleteWell done for crafting together a really beautiful Kiwiana inspired post card. I really like how they're all surrounding the SkyTower as though it is a ray of light.
Are you originally from Auckland? Is that why you've placed the SkyTower in the middle?
I'm intrigued by the image of the volcano erupting as well, which volcano are you referring to?
Keep up the great mahi!
Cheers,
Jordan.