English is Everywhere!

In early education, classroom atmosphere is an important part of the learning process. With a diverse number of materials to work from posted around the classroom (and linked with the learning projects/objectives of the teacher), pupils are able to literally 'discover words around them'. Paired with an individual vocabulary book, these posted materials can reinforce language learning in children in a very positive way. Take a peek at a few of the ideas below:

Positive Classroom Atmosphere - a step-by-step how to (or at least a start!)

Word Walls - extremely useful; a language arts project for use across several classes!

Classroom Labeling -  helps pupils to discover the phonics sounds around them, reinforces spelling.

Vocabulary Books - have children create vocabulary book covers as a language arts project!

TPR (Total Physical Response)...more than just waving your hands around...

Aiding pupil understanding...it's the name of the game. In recent classroom demonstrations, your Mentor has consistently used an approach to language teaching that is extremely efficient for young learners: TPR (Total Physical Response). To some, it may look silly and even impractical; however, it works! As teachers, we oftentimes hold a respectful view of our work and how our pupils see us. Our authority in the classroom is part and parcel of our teacher role and how we view ourselves as professionals.

So it may seem strange to consider using body language as a way to transfer understanding from our heads to our pupils'. It may look like mumbo-jumbo and absolute silliness; however, body language stands as the initial way humans communicate. Perhaps it may be better to incorporate a new idea in order to help children understand better. Please don't worry about looking silly. Children love the absurd.

Below are a few videos and links to more appropriately introduce this idea. The videos are of seasoned professionals utilising this technique. It's worth considering, especially if you find that slow learners consistently do not understand instruction. Try speaking with your hands a bit, and see if their understanding improves! As always, your Mentors are available for questions concerning this highly effective instructional technique.

TPR Training Film - highly instructional and professional done. Well worth the view.

TPR Action Story - highly, highly effective.

TPR Tricks - give at least one a try and post a comment about how it went!

TPR How-to - comprehensive, with specific instructions!

British Council Teaching techniques - it's not specifically about TPR, but it's still an excellent consideration for teachers!

Materials Development at SK Denai

Materials Development: you either love it or hate it. But there's no two ways about it, it's part of the job. So it's particularly refreshing when Mentors can arrive at a school to be greeted with an freshly prepared materials development station!

At SK Denai, both MTPs and their Mentor prepared a simple ABC chart for use in a Year 1 classroom. Laminated, of course. One of the added bonuses of laminating materials is that it makes it easier for an MTP to keep material for a longer time, which makes it easier to have a materials library for future use, maximising planning time.

Following the efficient materials development session, the MTP and the Mentor co-taught a class of Year 1 pupils, using the material for class, and storing them for later. It's as easy as that!

Below are a few links for additional materials that can be printed and prepared. Ask your Mentor to help you prepare these necessary (and hopefully long-lasting) resources for your classroom sessions! Your Mentors are always happy to help.

ABC Chart (direct link): check out the videos contained on the page for further assistance with pronunciation and videos that can be incorporated into class.

Behaviour Chart: Behaviour charts are always a necessary item in the classroom. This link will provide you with several charts in various themes!

Crosswords, anyone?: Crosswords are a great way to challenge older pupils to connect definitions to words. Perhaps try a simple one to start? See how it goes?

Feel free to comment below with any resources which may be useful for other MTPs as they continue their materials development in schools. Best of luck!

Jerantut Cluster TELL2: Teachers Rising to the Paper Plate Challenge

Now that's what I call implementation! Ask me how!



Jerantut Cluster TELL2: Teachers Rising to the Paper Plate Challenge:   ... at SK Pulau Mansok The Year 1 teacher used the paper plate challenge to give her pupils the opportunity to develop an understanding ...

Why classroom management is your friend...

The new ideas Mentors are discussing with MTPs are very different from the teaching methodologies of the past. Trying a new game, or a role play, or a group/pair activity can be frustrating if you don't apply the proper classroom management techniques alongside of the new activity! Remember, in most classes in rural schools in Malaysia, a pattern exists. It has been established by previous teachers, and also by choices you have made (and are making) in approaching instruction time.

So how to break the cycle? Below are a few websites and videos which may be useful in determining ways to manage the behavioural issues which can arise when implementing student-centred techniques.

Teaching Ideas - Resources, ideas, tips...it's all there! Challenge: can you take 1 or 2 new ideas from this resource and implement them in your class? Post your success (or struggle) in the comment section below! You may post anonymously....

Top 10 Classroom Management Ideas - a Youtube video that sums up useful ideas for classroom management. 

Classroom Management for Early Learners - a Youtube video highlighting classroom management ideas to implement in kindergarten, but still VERY useful for Years 1 - 3 classes.

New Teacher Survival Guide - a video discussing seven (7) classroom management techniques that assisted a new teacher in the United States. All techniques, with adaptation, are applicable to Malaysian classrooms!

Lack of Motivation Guide - tips for what to do when pupils lack proper motivation for learning. Remember, oftentimes, it begins with you!

As you are making attempts to implement new learning strategies in your classroom, don't forget to consider how classroom management tips and tricks can help transform your class. The name of the game is to never give up, have confidence in yourself in trying new things, and take authority over the classroom in a way that understands that they are just children, after all. Good luck!

What's the deal with Phonics?

Phonics, phonics, phonics. They are found throughout the KSSR curriculum. But what does it mean??? And how can we understand and teach them better?

Well, just like Bahasa Melayu has syllables that can be used to sound out words, English has the same in the form of phonics! The basic idea is to have children learn the sounds of the letters, then piece those sounds together to 'decode' (or unlock) the new words independently, without excessive assistance from their teacher. It's a basic building block of reading programmes throughout the Western world.

So, what other options for materials exist for phonics other than the KSSR Textbook and Workbook? Many! Below are a few links to get MTPs started on creating a thorough and engaging phonics library for pupils.

Starfall.com - interactive and engaging, the letter sounds are reinforced in exciting ways! Please look at this link, especially if you are unsure of the sounds the different letters make. If possible, include your young children when you look at it!

Toolsforeducators.com - this site provides models for teachers to make supplemental phonics worksheets that will correspond with the chapters in the KSSR Textbooks. Also, it's a good idea to have extra worksheets on hand (with different words) for faster learners.

MES English - an excellent resource for free games, worksheets, flashcards and other assorted materials guaranteed to make phonics lessons exciting and more memorable for pupils!

Loving2learn - another resource that allows for more variety in materials for lessons of all kinds!

This list is just a start for MTPs to begin to discover a larger world of English materials proven to aid in the instruction of phonics (among other things). Please discuss what you've found with your Mentor and other English teachers in your school. Happy hunting!

Ready, set, go!

This week sees the initial visit to schools by the Mentor of the Kuala Rompin sub-cluster. SK Tanjung Gemok, SK Sarang Tiong, SK Pianggu, SK Denai and SJK(C) Rompin all met with their new Mentor, Adam Freeman. To ease the transition, Brighton Education created a PowerPoint explaining the TELL 2 programme.

Since materials development is part and parcel of the TELL 2 programme, the Mentor felt it reasonable to provide new TELL 2 MTPs with new material applicable to classroom instruction. To that end, he distributed five (5) USBs with 2.5GB of digital resources to each English Panel Head. The USBs distributed are an excellent array of both digital and print resources, which MTPs can take advantage of in lesson planning, both now and in the future. More materials/resources will be developed and distributed as the project continues; however, it's always a good idea to start with a wealth of applicable, student-centred materials. Best of luck to all MTPs as they explore their new resources! As always, Mentors are available for questions about how to make these new resources suitable to KSSR curriculum syllabi and standards. Enjoy!