Make Setting of End Target Result (ETR) Pupil's Responsibility

Source: Google

Wait! What??

Yeah. You read that right. Make setting of ETR to be the pupil's responsibility, not the teacher's.

I personally don't favour test and examinations in the primary level of education because I believe character building is more important; to cultivate the right attitude that will greatly help them in anything they do next time.

But, ah...We can only hope for a change to happen soon. Now, let's think of other alternatives.

Why not educate the pupils on responsibility from practical things like this? Let them know and plan what they want at the end of that particular academic year, instead of we teachers setting them without the pupils know what exactly that means. This way, we can indirectly guide and prepare them to :
1. look for their goals in life
2. make decisions (one of topic in Year 6 English textbook)
3. be responsible for what they want, be independent
4. be responsible for the outcome of their decision and action (when they get their test results)

Every year, we set pupil's target. We forgot that we have already disrespect them by doing so. We didn't give them a chance to be responsible for their studies. They aren't given a chance to speak out and make a decision. And we call them spoon-fed? Didn't we, the adults (admins, teachers as well as parents) just keep allowing that to happen?

And when the pupils don't achieve the targeted result, teachers are to write a report on that? And the report will be on a one-sided blame - the teachers! ...Urmmm....I personally don't think there is any purpose in doing so, unless it is for special need child who cannot make decisions and for really young children (age 7-9).

We can start this practice when they're in the upper primary (age 10-12). Of course, they need guidance to do this. Do not just throw this to them without explaining to them beforehand.

End Target Result need not be super impressive! It's NOT to impress people, but to know where they want to head to and to know how much they want to achieve by the end of the year.

I took about 1 1/2 hours to explain and guide them on this, which turned out well. They understand why they are doing it and are excited about it. For the first time they are given the chance to make decision for themselves!

Some people will disagree to this idea. But, do not fret. This is just an idea that I share and not forced to be implemented. I find it more meaningful for the pupils themselves to know what's happening with their own studies instead of me dictating everything for them. From there, they can start to monitor their own progress too.

A teacher's job is to guide as part of educating. This may look trivial and takes up time, but think of the implications in the long run. Someone needs to set the stepping stone for them-creating the opportunity for them.

Here's a short video of my pupils setting their own ETR. Enjoy the video! ~

And oh, this quote here - just for a laugh!

Variations of Circle Map

I actually got tired of just looking at the circle shape for circle map. Kind of boring to just see the same shape being used in so many subjects.

No doubt it is the easiest and most practical to be used in the classroom. But I thought of giving a little twist to it.

Huh? What is that??

An example of circle map.

It's called circle map because...of the circle shape....pretty obvious right? Haha!

Source: Pinterest

To me, .....

Circle = shape.

Shape = circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval, and other organic shapes.

*Shape is actually a hollow or empty space encircled by a line. So, one can write anything inside the empty space.

Geometric Shapes

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Therefore, the question :

Can I use other shapes in similar function as circle map?

My brain said:

Why not? They are shapes. Let's try it out.

Quest:

Pupils are to write down synonyms to the word given in the middle (feelings).

Outcome:

My pupils enjoyed doing this homework. It's simple and fun to do. I am all smiles when I saw that their creativity to it was even more than I expected~

Let's watch the video~

Graffiti to Story: Round the World in 60 Minutes

Who says art is useless and only for the creative minds?
Look at what can be done with  art + 'just-do-it, no-sweat' attitude~

This idea actually came up quite randomly....ad-hoc...wasn't planned. My actual plan was to use dictionary and do discussion. But when I saw them doodling endlessly on the board, my lightbulb ding-ed! Haha!

From a list of vocab to doodling on the blackboard till it became a big piece of art. Yeah, yeah... they enjoyed drawing on the blackboard. ^^'''

At first, they thought that it was just the usual vocab lesson but when I told them to create a story out of their 'graffiti', they gasp! HOTS! Linking all the pictures which doesn't look like linked to each other. But, they made it with a little guidance. And this activity got them overwhelmed and speaking out! Plus, their teamwork as a class got better since they have to discuss about what they drew and coming up with just one story.

Here's their story:
    I am from Malaysia. I like travelling. The first place I traveled to was the 'Sushi Land' which is Japan. There were many people in Japan. The Japanese like to eat sushi and ramen. They eat sushi and ramen in the restaurant. I enjoyed travelling around in Japan.
    Then, I flew to Saudi Arabia. I enjoyed eating kebab the most there. The people in Saudi Arabia speaks Arabian. I did not understand the language. At the hotel, the bell boy spoke something to me in Arabian. As I did not understand, I walked away. But, someone translated them for me and I got a shock to hear them. I ran away as quick as possible. (hahahaha! ^^''')
    After a few days in Saudi Arabia, I flew to India, the "sayur-land". Many Indians were vegetarians. I did not enjoy the food there because I do not like to eat vegetables. So, I always felt hungry in India. Before leaving,I bought a sari for myself.
    Wearing a sari, I flew to the Philippines. I was so hungry. So, I stopped at a shop to buy some bread. I need to use peso to pay up. When I was at the counter, the cashier thought that I was a Korean and said "Anyeonghaseyo" and bowed to me.

Okay, I know it sounded funny. But they did their best already! There were a few other versions in between. It's not that bad after all, right? They can actually create a story out of doodles~

Classroom Idea : Ask-me Bag!

Let me introduce something familiar yet different.

Have you heard of Parking Lot? The 21st century learning classroom idea? Yeahhhhh~~

This is something similar to Parking Lot. The difference is that this bag is not placed behind the classroom / not static. Rather, the bag will be passed around the classroom. And Question Slips are prepared by the teacher in advance.

Things to prepare:

1. Paper bag (used but in still in good condition ones)

2. Label (use your creativity to create an interesting one)

3. Question slips (use your laptop and print...then make copies of it...then cut them into slips)

The paper bag and the question slips (not cut yet)

When to use:

At the end of the lesson (as summary or QnA session)

Rationale:

I noticed that the pupils did not even touch the Parking Lot at the back of the classroom. Maybe, they're just too busy to be bothered by it...too busy to even think of questions to ask....or maybe, not even knowing what to ask.....I don't blame them in a way, because it is true that their schedule is pretty much jam packed. And, who wants to do extra work when they can't even handle the one they're supposed to do? They will surely take every opportunity to rest if they can find it due to their jam-packed daily schedule. I myself will do it if I am in their shoes, don't you?  

So, I was thinking, there must be another way where they can do it. 

After sitting down, day-dreaming, thinking, and analyzing,...I noticed that pupils will do something which is prompted on the spot. So, everything must be done there and then. That was when the idea of passing the bag around came up. I was thinking about the pass-the-box game and another incident of passing the box from the front to the back of the bus to collect back caps from the pupils during our recent field trip to Penang island and how smoothly it went compared to teachers shouting and yelling for the caps. ^^

With this bag, everyone will have to write a question on the slip given. The prepared slip will guide them on how and what to write instead of just giving a blank piece of paper; which I did once and got back blank and crumpled piece of paper. ^^'''

This way, they will be able to practice on their questioning / inquiring skills too. 

What question to write?

I set a limit to one question per slip per lesson (per person).

They can write any question they want to ask about the topic we have just discussed.

How does the teacher answer the questions?

Orally or you can take your time to write the answers behind the question slip respectively.

Impact:

Writing is a good form of communication for the shy / introverted people. Everyone in the classroom manage to come up with a query each. 

Examples of questions posed by the pupils ... spot some funny and  difficult questions

Let's watch a short video on it~ Enjoy!

Take Hold of the Moment

When does learning becomes more meaningful?

It is when something happened, curiosity arises  and when a solution is needed (often in a desperate and forced situation, do you agree?). Take hold of the moment where the best impact can be given.

I made use of this Olympic season to teach facts and current issues.
I did this when everyone and media was raving about Rio 2016: - The BeST time when the topic was still sizzling hot!
From this topic (Olympic) alone, I get to cover Malaysian athletes/ heroes of Malaysia/ iconic people of Malaysia and sports. All of these are actually in the English syllabus. I got to cover more topics in one go. It saves time and acted as an enrichment for the pupils plus extra knowledge.

The pupils were given one month to complete the folio (till the end of Olympic).

Steps:
1. Introduction to Summer and Winter Olympics as well as Paralympic (videos).
2. Simple discussion about Rio 2016.
3. Teacher explains the project to the pupils.
4. Pupils finish up the folio in 1 month's time.
5. Appreciation.
6. Displaying the folios in the school library as references.

This is surely another worthy project for my kids. They were happy to learn many new things WHILE doing this project. Even I myself learnt some new things when I read through their folios (I just found out the meaning of the design of the torch! Gagaga!)

Another thing which they were happy about was that they got to spend some time with their parents because they did the folio together.

Oh, one more...they got to watch TV! (because of project they said. Hahaha)

Their folios displayed in the library

Let's watch what's inside the folio~

How My Class Looks Like During Lesson: Be the Respected Teacher.

Me, slowly taking the camera (mobile phone) out of my handbag, intending to take their picture silently.....but, oh well! They're just too alert and sensitive to the camera! Hahaha!

Here goes:

The typical look when their 'antenna' sensed the camera!

Let's see more photos of them! ^w^

Making themselves feel at home. Feel free to move about~

Are you crowning me with your tie, friend? Lol

Bro, can you help me with this question, please?

Let's check the dictionary together. Checking......checking......checking.....

While the two are completing their work together......there will be someone at the back to photobomb

Photobomb successful!

Look at his shocked expression! He got shy after that! Haha!

Hey bro, I need your help again!

Yeah, I know. Looks messy, right?

But you've got it wrong~ They are in control. 

I like my class to be this way. They are active in learning. They move about to ask questions to me or their peers. This is the best time to let them actually practice using the language! 

Some teachers asked: 

How do you do that? How do you keep them in control while letting them move and talk?

How did you make the problematic pupil to do your work?

Wow, you are very successful in gaining their interest in your lesson.

My answer: Be the respected teacher.

I wouldn't expect every teacher to be able to do like this in a short while. This actually takes time. But, do not give up. Continue to do your best for them.

For this class, I have been with them since they were in Year 3. They gave me quite a headache at first. I learnt from my mistakes along the journey with them.

Get to know your pupils better. Listen to them instead of just lashing out without giving them a chance to speak for themselves. 

Imagine, how would you react to a boss who doesn't respect you as a person? Yes, you will tend to not have the motivation to work your best anymore. Same goes for the pupils.

One of my weakness which I learned to overcome: >>  Expectations!

Lower down your expectations! Underachieved expectations will lead to frustrations. 

Frustrations will lead to more disappointments. 

Accumulated disappointments will lead to giving up...and that's where everything starts to crumble.

We need to remember that they are still children. Let them have their childhood, if not outside, create one in your classroom! This is where teacher-pupil connections and mutual respect are built. 

When relationships and respect are built, it is easier to get your message across to the pupils. Why? Of course! Let me ask you then; Do you listen to someone whom you like or dislike? That's right. To the one whom you like~  ;)

On a note; be stern and firm on discipline!

Teach for mastery, not test scores! 

Just like building a house, the foundation is the most important! 

Imagine a four storey house will be built.

First, they have to prepare the base. After the given time, inspectors came and said "Ok. 75% done".

Then, they continued doing the first floor because of time frame. And again, after the given time, it was 70% done. 

They continued to the 2nd floor: 80% done.

3rd floor: 60% done.

By the time they continued to the 4th floor, everything came crumbling down because the weak base couldn't support the heavy top layers.

Same goes with education!

There are many more things for me to learn in the coming years. But for now, I just want to give my pupils enjoyable time in school. Children nowadays are so much burdened with tuitions! Everything is about studying, studying, studying......for EXAM! Their face is literally in the book from 7.30a.m - 10 p.m everyday in average. They are still so young (6 years old - 12 years old) but already deprived of their childhood.

Do you know that playing is one of the way children learn things best?

We need to balance out study and play! Help bring back the smile on the children's faces.

Another reminder for myself too~

All the best, educators!

Peer Coaching

All the raves about 21st century learning!

It is actually simple! It's not all about using the computer to teach or using high end technologies to boast the education quality.

It's the innovation to prior techniques used or new ways to teach in the classroom to bring out the best of the students. With the help of technologies as tools, things can be made easier and it will be a bonus if one can afford it. Every technique will differ according to batches of students or our clients.

Peer coaching is one of the new techniques used not only in the training sector of other professional jobs but also in the classroom.

I have done a few types of peer coaching since years back; all from experimenting the best techniques to suit the students.

1. For a small classroom setting where more attention and time can be given to each one

2. One of the technique I used most in classroom

3. Suitable to be used after finishing a topic and revision time

4. I will prepare the pupil first before he/ she coaches in front. Suitable to be used to discuss answers to exercises

Let's watch a short clip on the 'pupil as teacher' to a group. They are Year 6 pupils. Funny thing is, I couldn't really hear his voice or even understand what he was discussing with his peers. But when I asked the pupils if they understand his explanation, they nodded and smiled and said yes! Whoa! Guess the age gap thing is real! Haha!

2nd last class but they could do it

This post is a timely reminder to myself too to believe in the capabilities of the pupils. Sometimes, things doesn't go with what we have planned. Sometimes, things will get rough and disappointing. 

I did feel the pressure, anger,disappointment, discouraged, hopelessness, burnout and almost gave up. 

But I kept reminding myself that they can do it. They may be late in learning but it is better to be late than never. If their foundation is not built, then build it! Their success may not be now, but later. Just give them a little trust, and who knows that might do the difference.  

Hello, 21st century!

Korea-Malaysia Pen Pal Programme

Yeehaa! This programme that we planned worked out well! I'm very happy with the progress of this pen pal programme.

The many happy faces upon receiving the letters from their Korean friend~

We (SJKC Keh Seng, Melaka) did this programme with Jangdo Elementary School in Incheon. 

30 pupils were selected to participate in this programme. 

The teacher, Miss Kim Seo Kyung and me discussed on the planning of the programme (time frame, topics, processes, etc)

Pupils from both sides are very motivated to join in this programme. From the video, we can see that they really enjoyed the process of this programme.

Enough scribbling. Let's watch the video footage instead! ^^

Writing their first ever letter to their pen pal

Letters arrived from Korea!~~

After 2 weeks, they received their letters! Soooooo happy!~~~

Ahhhh~  귀엽다 ~~

Kids Don't Like Yam!

Watch the reactions of the Year 1 pupils when asked for their opinion on yam.

So cute!!!

It is good to encourage pupils to speak out and give opinions using short and simple questions. Start when they are still young. Their fresh mind will absorb many words and things like sponge.

Therefore, teachers, the proper pronunciation and language use must be applied daily as what they see and listen is what they will learn. Surely, we do not want to drill the wrong info into them.

Topic:
Vegetables

Duration:
30 minutes

Steps:
1. Guided reading (teacher guides the pupils to read).
2. Teacher prompts questions on different types of vegetables (colour, shape, size, taste)
3. Teacher asks them what do they think about yam (which is something unfamiliar to some pupils)
4. Pupils do the exercises in the activity book.

These few pupils were once very quiet pupils. By encouraging them to answer simple questions from time to time, they are better now.

Enjoy the video!
(I really love their cute reactions!!!)  XD

Engaging Parents in Their Child's Education

It is very important for parents to be active in their child's education. Their participation is actually the moral support for their child. We teachers can teach, inspire and be the role model for our students. But the biggest influence actually comes from home.

Unfortunately, many parents now are working and have very little to no time to accompany their child and follow up on their education. 

I have tried giving my pupils a task to do with their mum or dad. They are required to hand in pictured evidence to me for this activity. I gave them as much time as they wanted (but did remind them every day for the picture, not in a forceful or pushy way)

These are actually my Year 1 pupils doing salad with their family members. Some teachers did the salad with the pupils in the classroom which they enjoyed it. But, I was thinking of doing something different this time round: - getting the parents involved in their child's task.

From the store to the bowl

Happy time making salad with mummy!

Steps:

1. Teaching the topic (about vegetables).

2. Teaching process and procedure of making a salad (according to the textbook).

3. Teacher explains the task to pupils:

     i) Make a bowl of salad with mummy or daddy for dinner.

     ii) Take pictures of the process or selfie with mummy or daddy~ ^^

     iii) Print out the picture on a A4 paper. If mummy or daddy can bring it to the shop to develop the photo, then it will be good too!~

4. When pupils bring the photo to school, have a show-and-tell session where they will use their photos as stimuli as they share back their experiences on making the salad.

At first, I thought that it wouldn't work out as pupils gave me the 'sad' and 'worried' look; saying that their parents are busy and have no time to cook. But, after 2 weeks, I was surprised to receive the pictures! And I can see through their eyes glitters of joy because they were able to do things together with their family members - something which they seldom get the chance to do so.

Let's give it a try~ Who knows what wonders will work out of it~

Aren't they beautiful? ^_^

Once Upon a Time : Of Birthday and Essay

Years had passed but I can still remember the times where I spent my time in the kampung with the students. We don't have many things, unlike in towns, but we have one thing maybe the town lacks; relationship. Sometimes, I really reminiscence the fun times I had with my students there.
     One of the thing which I really remembered was throwing a surprise birthday party for my student (2012). I was preparing them for SPM. Giving them the chance to feel and experience was one of the thing in my bucket list for lessons.
     Coincidentally, one of my student's birthday fell on that week itself. So, I decided to throw a surprise birthday for him. I bought the cake, planned it with the parent whose house they opened for me to teach that group of students weekly, and of course planned with some of the students (except the birthday boy).

Of birthday boy and essay~ Haha~

   
Objective:
 To write an essay entitled "An Unforgettable Experience ".

Logic:
To 'see' the flow of the essay. Students tend to write plots as they like - not chronological which will throw the whole story off.
I intend to let them write their experience on this.

Steps:
1. Planning of execution (1 week ahead)
2. Starts the lesson normally (on the day itself)
3. 30 minutes before class ends, tell them lesson's done and they can  rest. This is the time to carry out the plan.
4. Birthday Surprise!!! - Switch off lights, bringing in the cake, sing songs, etc.
5. Party!~~~
6. Calm them down - ask how do they feel? etc...
7. Now, tell them the objective >> ESSAY! HAHA!
8. Guide them by recalling the process of that surprise party.
9. Students bring the essay home to do.

It was a great night to end the day, that time~

Eating cherries after songs and wishes

His way of saying thanks~ 

P/s: Please ignore the paper plate that was blown to me ^^'''