some recent and exceptional New York Times articles about South Africa:
Eager Students Fall Prey to Apartheid’s Legacy
South African Children Push for Better Schools
South Africa Is Seen to Lag in H.I.V. Fight
Teaching grade 4 English to learners identified by educators as holding a special need or delay in reading has been very fulfilling. Each of our classes are a mere 45 minutes long but offer varying levels of energized learning experiences that create a relaxed and fun learning environment welcoming all to contribute. Fortunately with the implementation of several class routines and learner leadership roles, our classes move smoothly and are seen by educators as the best behaved despite language barriers that restrict lesson content, disciplining, and expectation setting. With the assistance of some school educators, I have been able to bring a greater theme to our class learning of grammar with guest story book readings translated into Ndebele. I believe the greatest lessons learned by the children are that of consideration and respect. A Bell-work session in ‘Picture Talk’ asks learners to present to their peers and acknowledges the abilities of group writer and reader. Class leaders distribute, collect, and count materials to ensure that all learners succeed in class and that those with a tendency to misplace writing utensils are not overlooked. In considering the grand scale of abilities in this unique classroom, learners hand motion as they finish an assignment which in turn gains a response communicating permission to place their assignment in the designated area for finished work. Students are then free to select an appropriately leveled story book or activity which can be worked on by themselves or with a group. After the initial mini lesson learning I am found individually assessing learners in their reading and checking learner’s assignment understanding and attending to learners with questions. Closing we gather in a grand comfortable circle to review our day’s learning. There is nothing greater than the smiles spread while our class tosses a world globe inviting learners to practice speaking their new vocabulary and phrase for the day.At the primary school, working one-on-one with educators, month sessions act to improve specific areas of need. Although an incredibly challenging progression, observed improvements are extravagant and the educator’s concluding response is very positive, making it well worth the month’s disputes. Primary school educators are working together on writing and publishing their own appropriately leveled grade 1 Ndebele story books that reinforce followed vocabulary lists.
Intermediate school Technology and Library committees are working towards great things that are presently making a lasting impact on learners. Monthly workshops for educators are inviting educators to consider each learner’s unique abilities and alternatives to corporal punishment. Educators are introduced to practical pedagogy methods with each lesson’s learning.
Girls club members meditating
A counterpart and I are working toward a project that educates members of the community about healthy living. Focusing on personal and environmental wellness, the community group will facilitate learning sessions and provide practical experiences to further understanding. Our kick-off event will take place on World AIDS Day, the first week in December with a testing drive and two day educational session.
In other news, my hair is growing and the rains have arrived! By far my favorite season, I adore the pitter-patter on my tin roof. Today, I showed my Gogo my tattoo. I have a serious obsession for anything ginger flavored, especially Stoney-Ginger beer, which isn't a beer at all but a cold drink (pop). Mom and Dad visit in December, I can't wait!
