About Page Break
Introducing Page Break. The New Zealand publisher of quality educational resources available world-wide.
At Page Break as we continue to build on the firm foundation that learning occurs as the child interacts with people, objects, and events in the world around them.
We specialise in creating children’s books and learning resources that bring learning to life for teachers, children and families everywhere.
Brenda Martin & Gay Hay
Brenda Martin (MEd), a Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour, and Gay Hay, an experienced teacher and literacy leader, first introduced Discovery Time in response to an identified need in the school in which they were working.
Since then the concept has continued to grow and develop and the programme is now being used in many schools throughout New Zealand.
Gay Hay is an environmental enthusiast and often found working with children, planting or growing native seedlings. She is currently looking after the lizard component of the latest Kapiti Mainland Environmental project. Her first book, ‘Discovery Time’, a primary school resource – was also published by Page Break Ltd. She has won awards with her previous books illustrated by Margaret Tolland, which focus on our beautiful New Zealand plants and animals.
Her latest book: ‘Will There Be Puffins?’ is based on her family’s Shetland heritage and their connections.
About the illustrator of ‘Will There Be Puffins?’
The illustrator, Sarah Harmon, from a strong Scottish background, visited Shetland to immerse herself in the landscapes, the wool and the people. Her magical images have so much to explore. The special extra story of the puffin’s year adds an appealing touch to the story, inviting readers to look more carefully.
In 2012 Sarah was shortlisted for the Gavin Bishop Award.
“Will There Be Puffins is the first children’s book Sarah has illustrated. ‘Let these engaging, well-researched illustrations take you on a journey from New Zealand to the Shetlands. My guess is they mark the beginning of a remarkable career.”
Bob Kerr – illustrator
Award Finalists
In 2012, Fantail’s Quilt was a finalist in the LIANZA Award for Illustration. The Library and Information Association of New Zealand Awards for Excellence are awarded by librarians. Congratulations to our illustrator Margaret Tolland.
Watch out, Snail! was a finalist in the Picture Book, NZ Post Book Awards, Children & Young Adults 2014.
Discovery Time – our first publication
The Discovery Time programme was developed in an attempt to create a balance between the skill and knowledge demands of the curriculum and the activity-based, student-directed focus that many teachers believed were essential for 21st century learning.
In developing the programme teachers reaffirmed their belief in the socio-cultural theory of learning, rediscovered their passion for play as a vehicle for learning, and enhanced their skills as facilitators of learning.
This book is the culmination of four years of collaboration. Although we have done the actual writing, it is the teachers and students that we have worked with who have provided the inspiration, passion and commitment. It is a book for teachers by teachers!
To find out more, go to the Discovery Time page or straight to our Discovery Time Website. We have a very interesting Blog on the website where you can connect with others using Discovery Time and an informative e-newsletter you can sign up for!