Today we met with the eight teachers at St. Paul's Primary School. (Ugandan education is divided into three sgements: primary school, essentially k-7; secondary school, essentially high school- a lot of these are boarding schools; and then university or vocational school.) while we were with the teachers, the students had an all day recess with Bruce, David (a team-member), and Simon (a native Ugandan who helps administrate things at the school).
St. Paul's church. The preschool students meet in there. (photo credit: Natalie Holmes)
P1-P3 Building.
P4-P7 Building.
The teachers were really receptive to our ideas for creating hands-on learning environments. Natalie, a Dallas native and second-grade teacher, started the morning discussing ways to include the children in learning math. She showed examples of using number lines, hundreds charts, as well as looking for shapes and angles in every day objects. This girl has so much energy! The teachers were cracking up at her energy level.
Natalie explaining counting using a large "Domino". (photo credit: Natalie Holmes)
After a short break, and subsequent photo op (those kids are sooooo precious), I explained the science lessons I plan to do with the kids. We discussed the scientific method and then I walked them through the SM using a simple experiment with a light object and dark object and learning which was warmer in the sunlight. Then, I showed them some hand washing. They already know how to wash hands, but soap is so scarce in the village. Actually, resources in general are scarce. Anyway, I brought glitter to represent germs and poured a little in each teacher's hand. They then shook hands with each other to "spread the germs" and then washed the germs away with soap and water.
Explaining the hand washing lesson. (photo credit: Natalie Holmes)
Theresa, a retired reading specialist from western Colorado, went next with reading concepts and these went very well. I had no idea the things you can do to help a child read! Then again, I'm not a teacher by profession, so this stuff is not really on my radar. At the end, we played a game of popcorn to spell a word (one person picks the word, throws a ball to another person who calls out the first letter of the word, throws the ball to another who calls out the next letter, etc.) The teachers were roaring by the end of this game, laughing so hard, which gives us hope that they will replicate that activity.
Playing Spelling Popcorn.
All I all, it was a great day of learning on both ends. The teachers got a few ideas they might be able to use and we got a feel for the level of the students' and teachers' knowledge. Both teachers and students are very far behind American standards, but they are learning.
[Obviously the biggest obstacle is the language barrier, so please be praying that we receive the gift of tongues and are able to communicate effectively to the students. Also be praying for energy for our team and wisdom in our teachings.]
Much love to all! I may never leave this place.
The students all came to greet us.
Football!
Mango break.
A parachute!
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