We will be organizing our first field trip to Petrosains KLCC in this coming weeks. The objective of this trip is to spark passion in these kids to enjoy learning and push them to succeed in their exams and also in life. We hope that these kids have a blast experiencing the world of Science especially Chemistry. We would like to invite all or any new and old Facis to join us to make this trip a success and safe as possible. If you are interested, please contact me(Yasir) at the email address shown or call me at the number below. Lets together make a difference to our future through those who would lead it. Thank you and good day.
"Do it for the Kids"
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
19 & 20 April Lessons
Saturday Yr 4 and Yr 5
Topic: Prepositions Story
Learning Objective: Using Prepositions of Position/Location correctly
Method: Class demonstration followed by group play and learn with tutors
Introduction: 1. I Spy game with clues using prepositions e.g " I spy with my little eye something on a table/ beside a blue bag /under a box etc beginning with the letter.."
2. Review correct use and spelling of prepositions and verbs (e.g Put/ Hold/Place/Keep/Hide Give) through "Hide and Seek Spongebob/Patrick/Toy" game in 4 groups with tutors
3. Tutors instruct a student where to hide a toy/cushion using a preposition. Students take turns giving/following instructions to hide and seek toys
4. Students complete a review exercise on prepositions
Skill set: Spelling and knowledge of correct use of prepositions and sentence pattern for giving instructions
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept:
Prep Cheer -
A group choose 2 prepositions and form a cheer using correct spelling and physical demonstration to show the difference e.g. IN & OUT
Activity objective: Reinforce correct use of preposition and simple sentence patterns
Steps:
1. Choose or Assign Prep pairs - In/Out, On/Under, Beside/Opposite, Up/Down
2. Discuss with children the difference between the prep pairs
3. Help them describe the prep pairs in simple sentences
4. Ask them for actions to demonstrate the difference between the prep pairs
5. Children practice cheer and actions - tutor assist to reinforce correct structure and appropriate actions
6. Demonstration of cheer
We would welcome ideas for teaching TIME:
Topic: Time (4 & 5)
Learning Objective: Introducing concepts of 24 hr Time
Introduction:
2.
Skill set: Adition and Subtraction
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept:
Activity objective
Steps:
1.
Follow up:
Topic: Prepositions Story
Learning Objective: Using Prepositions of Position/Location correctly
Method: Class demonstration followed by group play and learn with tutors
Introduction: 1. I Spy game with clues using prepositions e.g " I spy with my little eye something on a table/ beside a blue bag /under a box etc beginning with the letter.."
2. Review correct use and spelling of prepositions and verbs (e.g Put/ Hold/Place/Keep/Hide Give) through "Hide and Seek Spongebob/Patrick/Toy" game in 4 groups with tutors
3. Tutors instruct a student where to hide a toy/cushion using a preposition. Students take turns giving/following instructions to hide and seek toys
4. Students complete a review exercise on prepositions
Skill set: Spelling and knowledge of correct use of prepositions and sentence pattern for giving instructions
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept:
Prep Cheer -
A group choose 2 prepositions and form a cheer using correct spelling and physical demonstration to show the difference e.g. IN & OUT
Activity objective: Reinforce correct use of preposition and simple sentence patterns
Steps:
1. Choose or Assign Prep pairs - In/Out, On/Under, Beside/Opposite, Up/Down
2. Discuss with children the difference between the prep pairs
3. Help them describe the prep pairs in simple sentences
4. Ask them for actions to demonstrate the difference between the prep pairs
5. Children practice cheer and actions - tutor assist to reinforce correct structure and appropriate actions
6. Demonstration of cheer
We would welcome ideas for teaching TIME:
Topic: Time (4 & 5)
Learning Objective: Introducing concepts of 24 hr Time
Introduction:
2.
Skill set: Adition and Subtraction
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept:
Activity objective
Steps:
1.
Follow up:
Thursday, April 10, 2008
April 12 & 13
Hi everyone. For this session's lessons, we will be doing "Simon Says", "Fractions" and "Force"
Topic: Simon Says (all)
Learning Objective: Vocabulary - Body Parts
Introduction: 1. Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes game review.
2. Play 'Simon Says' focusing on as many body parts as possible.
3. Review how to spell the body parts mentioned.
Skill set: Spelling and knowledge of names of parts of the body.
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept:
Play Simon Says with the faci then children taking turns to be Simon. Then handout a picture for them to identify and spell the right body parts.
Make 'Simon Says' fun and competitive, mix instructions with exercises, and focus on main body parts. Main Body parts: head, eyes, nose, mouth, lips, ears, neck, shoulders, elbows, fingers, tummy (stomach), knee, foot, ankle, and toes. Can also go into details with name of fingers (nails, forefinger), toes, hips, back and others.
Activity objective: Review/introduce vocabulary for parts of the body in English , how to Spell and review link with basic processes ( breathing/eating)
Steps:
1. Talk to them on what they learned during the Head and Shoulders game.
2. Explain how to play Simon Says. ( can also change Simon to another name)
3. Play Simon Says with the whole class or divide them to groups and have the kids take turns to be Simon.
4. Make sure to mention main body parts.
5. One faci writes on the board each body part mentioned during the game.
6. Handout the picture and ask them to fill in the blanks.
Follow up with Faci: Make sure they can spell the body parts correctly.
Topic: Fractions(4 & 5)
Learning Objective: Adding fractions of different denominators
Introduction: 1. Review of adding fractions with the same denominator
2. Demonstrate example of adding fractions with different denominator
Skill set: Multiplication and Division
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept: Dividing oranges demo, fractions number line
Activity objective(Dividing oranges): Use the oranges as examples to demonstrate the concept of adding and subtracting and equating in Fractions.
( Fraction Number Line) : Children to equate a fraction given with members in each group : Half = 1 child from group of 2= 2 children from group of4= 4 children from group of 8
Steps:
1. Divide children into the 3 mixed groups
2. A facilitator gives a fraction - children decide how many members will be equal to the fraction
3. Groups challenge each other
4. All fractions used and equated must be written on the board
Follow up: exercises on adding fractions
If there is time, play the "Sifir Game" Afif introduced last week. Done amongst the group.
Topic:Force (year 6)
Learning Objective : Kids know definition of force and how they are used in everyday life. Kids able to differentiate Push and Pull.
Introduction: 1. Teach the kids basic concept of Force
2. There are 2 Types of Force which are Pull and Push
3. Show the kids the effects of Force. (change direction, motion and shape of object)
Skill set: Differentiate between Pull and Push.
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept:
Simple experiments like pushing and pulling each other, move a ball or Tug of War game(if it is safe and educational). Invent ways to make it easier for them to understand the concept of force. Discuss with the class the types of objects that requires force to work or move. List down the types of objects and their forces.
Steps:
1. Discuss the concept of Force.
2. Differentiate Pulling and Pushing by having them push and pull each other.
3. Play Tug of War by having one faci and 2 kids pull something to describe the difference in force used.
4. Discuss how different forces effect the other.
5. Give examples of actions/activities that involve pushing or pulling.
6. List them out on the board and make them identify what force are used in their books.
Followup: Make the kids come up with when they pull or push in everyday activity.
Topic: Simon Says (all)
Learning Objective: Vocabulary - Body Parts
Introduction: 1. Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes game review.
2. Play 'Simon Says' focusing on as many body parts as possible.
3. Review how to spell the body parts mentioned.
Skill set: Spelling and knowledge of names of parts of the body.
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept:
Play Simon Says with the faci then children taking turns to be Simon. Then handout a picture for them to identify and spell the right body parts.
Make 'Simon Says' fun and competitive, mix instructions with exercises, and focus on main body parts. Main Body parts: head, eyes, nose, mouth, lips, ears, neck, shoulders, elbows, fingers, tummy (stomach), knee, foot, ankle, and toes. Can also go into details with name of fingers (nails, forefinger), toes, hips, back and others.
Activity objective: Review/introduce vocabulary for parts of the body in English , how to Spell and review link with basic processes ( breathing/eating)
Steps:
1. Talk to them on what they learned during the Head and Shoulders game.
2. Explain how to play Simon Says. ( can also change Simon to another name)
3. Play Simon Says with the whole class or divide them to groups and have the kids take turns to be Simon.
4. Make sure to mention main body parts.
5. One faci writes on the board each body part mentioned during the game.
6. Handout the picture and ask them to fill in the blanks.
Follow up with Faci: Make sure they can spell the body parts correctly.
Topic: Fractions(4 & 5)
Learning Objective: Adding fractions of different denominators
Introduction: 1. Review of adding fractions with the same denominator
2. Demonstrate example of adding fractions with different denominator
Skill set: Multiplication and Division
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept: Dividing oranges demo, fractions number line
Activity objective(Dividing oranges): Use the oranges as examples to demonstrate the concept of adding and subtracting and equating in Fractions.
( Fraction Number Line) : Children to equate a fraction given with members in each group : Half = 1 child from group of 2= 2 children from group of4= 4 children from group of 8
Steps:
1. Divide children into the 3 mixed groups
2. A facilitator gives a fraction - children decide how many members will be equal to the fraction
3. Groups challenge each other
4. All fractions used and equated must be written on the board
Follow up: exercises on adding fractions
If there is time, play the "Sifir Game" Afif introduced last week. Done amongst the group.
Topic:Force (year 6)
Learning Objective : Kids know definition of force and how they are used in everyday life. Kids able to differentiate Push and Pull.
Introduction: 1. Teach the kids basic concept of Force
2. There are 2 Types of Force which are Pull and Push
3. Show the kids the effects of Force. (change direction, motion and shape of object)
Skill set: Differentiate between Pull and Push.
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept:
Simple experiments like pushing and pulling each other, move a ball or Tug of War game(if it is safe and educational). Invent ways to make it easier for them to understand the concept of force. Discuss with the class the types of objects that requires force to work or move. List down the types of objects and their forces.
Steps:
1. Discuss the concept of Force.
2. Differentiate Pulling and Pushing by having them push and pull each other.
3. Play Tug of War by having one faci and 2 kids pull something to describe the difference in force used.
4. Discuss how different forces effect the other.
5. Give examples of actions/activities that involve pushing or pulling.
6. List them out on the board and make them identify what force are used in their books.
Followup: Make the kids come up with when they pull or push in everyday activity.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Hail All Volunteers
Thanks for visiting the site and if you are a volunteer - welcome aboard! The blog is the first step to a host of links for the Mentari Project. Just a little background to bring all volunteers up to speed..
As of March, the project is three months old. It all started with a feeler on niknazmi.com for volunteers and after two meetings over burgers and fries, a motley crew of young people plus one MIDI ( young professionals, students, graduate-to-be and ex-educationist) turned up to coach 17 children Maths , Science and English. The small group of 17 mushroomed to 38 and the one day a week turned to two days a week over the past three months. The crew aka facilitators have stabilised to a core group of four and seven revolving facilitators.
We've tried many methods over the past three months from 'chalk and talk' to group work and one-on-one sessions . Every session would have activities with specific learning objectives to help the kids remember Math terms (odd vs even numbers), body parts and Science terms ( Tic Tac Toe and Hangman). They remember better when they play but the activities must have a concrete learning outcome, the most important being learning English.
The children need confidence, discipline in learning and guidance. They come from the lower income bracket and lack exposure to English. Their understanding of Math and Science concepts are hindered by the lack of proficiency. We use both Malay and English in the sessions as they are unable to understand if only English is used.
All contributions in time commitment, materials and/or ideas are much appreciated. Details as to how to contribute ideas are given in the Lessons and Roster link.
Great to have all of you on board SS Mentari!
As of March, the project is three months old. It all started with a feeler on niknazmi.com for volunteers and after two meetings over burgers and fries, a motley crew of young people plus one MIDI ( young professionals, students, graduate-to-be and ex-educationist) turned up to coach 17 children Maths , Science and English. The small group of 17 mushroomed to 38 and the one day a week turned to two days a week over the past three months. The crew aka facilitators have stabilised to a core group of four and seven revolving facilitators.
We've tried many methods over the past three months from 'chalk and talk' to group work and one-on-one sessions . Every session would have activities with specific learning objectives to help the kids remember Math terms (odd vs even numbers), body parts and Science terms ( Tic Tac Toe and Hangman). They remember better when they play but the activities must have a concrete learning outcome, the most important being learning English.
The children need confidence, discipline in learning and guidance. They come from the lower income bracket and lack exposure to English. Their understanding of Math and Science concepts are hindered by the lack of proficiency. We use both Malay and English in the sessions as they are unable to understand if only English is used.
All contributions in time commitment, materials and/or ideas are much appreciated. Details as to how to contribute ideas are given in the Lessons and Roster link.
Great to have all of you on board SS Mentari!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Lesson Templates
A Lesson can be categorised as a learning experience or a learning support activity.
The template for a Learning Experience:
Topic: Fractions
Learning Objective: Adding fractions of different denominators
Introduction: 1. Review of adding fractions with the same denominator
2. Demonstrate example of adding fractions with different denominator
Skill set: Multiplication and Division
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept: Cake cutting demo, fractions number line
Follow up with Faci: exercises on adding fractions
The template for a Learning Support Activity
Topic: Fractions
Learning Objective : Equating Fractions using children divided into 3 groups of 2, 4 and 8 children
Activity objective: Children to equate a fraction given with members in each group : Half = 1 child fromgroup of 2= 2 children from group of4= 4 children from group of 8
Steps:
1. Divide children into the 3 mixed groups
2. A facilitator gives a fraction - children decide how many members will be equal to the fraction
3. Groups challenge each other
4. All fractions used and equated must be written on the board
Followup: Exercise /HW
The template for a Learning Experience:
Topic: Fractions
Learning Objective: Adding fractions of different denominators
Introduction: 1. Review of adding fractions with the same denominator
2. Demonstrate example of adding fractions with different denominator
Skill set: Multiplication and Division
Exercise/activity to reinforce concept: Cake cutting demo, fractions number line
Follow up with Faci: exercises on adding fractions
The template for a Learning Support Activity
Topic: Fractions
Learning Objective : Equating Fractions using children divided into 3 groups of 2, 4 and 8 children
Activity objective: Children to equate a fraction given with members in each group : Half = 1 child fromgroup of 2= 2 children from group of4= 4 children from group of 8
Steps:
1. Divide children into the 3 mixed groups
2. A facilitator gives a fraction - children decide how many members will be equal to the fraction
3. Groups challenge each other
4. All fractions used and equated must be written on the board
Followup: Exercise /HW
5 & 6 April 2008
Please tell us if you are coming this weekend by adding a comment. If you have ideas for a slot, just drop us an email at mentariproject@gmail.com or include it in your comment.
Lesson plan for this week is:
Slot 1 - 2.30 -2.45pm - Admin and test postmortem summary (papers returned)
Slot 2 - 2.45 - 3.15 pm - review Fractions using test questions (classroom/in small groups?) Kids redo same question using different numbers
Slot 3 - 3.15 - 3.45 - Know your Sifir game - answers are to be written (secret ballot style) so everyone MUST answer
Slot 4 - 3.45 - 4.15 - Science Quiz
Slot 5 - 4.15 - 4.30 - Learning Support Activity ( best to be related to Science quiz topics)
Slot 6 - 4.30 - 4.45 / 5.00pm- Fun English or Malay game - either O Bangau for cause and effect or a review of We are the World
Lesson plan for this week is:
Slot 1 - 2.30 -2.45pm - Admin and test postmortem summary (papers returned)
Slot 2 - 2.45 - 3.15 pm - review Fractions using test questions (classroom/in small groups?) Kids redo same question using different numbers
Slot 3 - 3.15 - 3.45 - Know your Sifir game - answers are to be written (secret ballot style) so everyone MUST answer
Slot 4 - 3.45 - 4.15 - Science Quiz
Slot 5 - 4.15 - 4.30 - Learning Support Activity ( best to be related to Science quiz topics)
Slot 6 - 4.30 - 4.45 / 5.00pm- Fun English or Malay game - either O Bangau for cause and effect or a review of We are the World
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Mentari Project
The Mentari Project started in January of this year with a crew of four stalwarts and about ten (more or less) revolving volunteers . Thank you so much, faithful crew , for your commitment and patience these past three months! We couldn't have continued without ALL your help.
The premise of the project was to provide affordable tuition for primary school children at the low-cost flats in Desa Mentari. We wanted to set up a learning environment that was non-threatening, supportive with personal attention. We use a facilitator's (faci) role rather than a teacher role though the children all know us as 'Cikgu's ..:)
Among the objectives of the Project was :
1. The children learn best from a mix of conventional methods and related activities to reinforce the learning objectives
2. Classroom sessions has to be broken up into sessions of 30 minutes followed by 20 minutes activities / work session with 1 faci per group of 3-4 children.
3. Each group has to be of similar abilities in the subject being taught so that children proceed at a similar pace. If not the brighter kids get most of the faci's attention. Yes, we do have bright and articulate kids in the group. All are energetic!
4. The weaker kids or those with learning disabilities (we have discovered some slow learners with literacy problems) need one-on-one attention but not for the whole session. There's one who may be dyslexic but more just suffer from short attention spans and a reluctance to think for themselves. (Too used to being spoonfed or ignored). Any volunteer with experience in teaching/diagnosing dyslexic children are very much appreciated.
5. The lack of English proficiency has hampered their understanding of Science concepts and instructions for Math problems
What we need from the Volunteers
1. Commitment of time for Saturday or Sunday slots - 2-3 hours for two to three consecutive Saturday afternoons (2.30pm - 5.00pm) for Year 4 and 5 or Sunday mornings for Yr 6 (10.30 - 1.00 pm) - to teach/ facilitate/coach
2. Submission of lesson ideas or activity ideas (English songs, games to help them remember English sentence patterns) via email and on the blog
3. Donations - materials, books, information
4. IDEAS! We would really appreciate any input on any topic linked to the Project from ALL
5. Patience and more patience! These kids need a mix of both discipline and understanding. They do not need pressure that they already get from home and school. The Mentari Tuition Place is where they learn to feel good about themselves and believe in their own abilities by doing what they couldn't before.
There's a similar volunteer program in US that has become worldwide called OnceUponASchool (www.onceupona school.com) and operates on the same premise but their focus is more creative language and using that is a window to learning.They have a roster of 1000 volunteers on their database for the first location in San Francisco.
This is definitely a small project with great potential for the kids and for volunteers. Hopefully we can work together towards making this project sustainable and giving these kids a chance. In fact people from low-cost flats in other areas have also requested for similar classes for their children. There is a minimum fee of RM25 per family for buy in and admin costs.
We'll keep in touch by email (mentariproject@gmail.com), this blog and we'll send the weblink for the website as soon as it's up.
God Bless and salam,
Mawarni
The premise of the project was to provide affordable tuition for primary school children at the low-cost flats in Desa Mentari. We wanted to set up a learning environment that was non-threatening, supportive with personal attention. We use a facilitator's (faci) role rather than a teacher role though the children all know us as 'Cikgu's ..:)
Among the objectives of the Project was :
- to build up children's confidence to speak up and think for themselves
- to provide an enjoyable learning experience
- help them catch up in school in knowledge of content and practice of skills in Science, Maths, English and BM
1. The children learn best from a mix of conventional methods and related activities to reinforce the learning objectives
2. Classroom sessions has to be broken up into sessions of 30 minutes followed by 20 minutes activities / work session with 1 faci per group of 3-4 children.
3. Each group has to be of similar abilities in the subject being taught so that children proceed at a similar pace. If not the brighter kids get most of the faci's attention. Yes, we do have bright and articulate kids in the group. All are energetic!
4. The weaker kids or those with learning disabilities (we have discovered some slow learners with literacy problems) need one-on-one attention but not for the whole session. There's one who may be dyslexic but more just suffer from short attention spans and a reluctance to think for themselves. (Too used to being spoonfed or ignored). Any volunteer with experience in teaching/diagnosing dyslexic children are very much appreciated.
5. The lack of English proficiency has hampered their understanding of Science concepts and instructions for Math problems
What we need from the Volunteers
1. Commitment of time for Saturday or Sunday slots - 2-3 hours for two to three consecutive Saturday afternoons (2.30pm - 5.00pm) for Year 4 and 5 or Sunday mornings for Yr 6 (10.30 - 1.00 pm) - to teach/ facilitate/coach
2. Submission of lesson ideas or activity ideas (English songs, games to help them remember English sentence patterns) via email and on the blog
3. Donations - materials, books, information
4. IDEAS! We would really appreciate any input on any topic linked to the Project from ALL
5. Patience and more patience! These kids need a mix of both discipline and understanding. They do not need pressure that they already get from home and school. The Mentari Tuition Place is where they learn to feel good about themselves and believe in their own abilities by doing what they couldn't before.
There's a similar volunteer program in US that has become worldwide called OnceUponASchool (www.onceupona school.com) and operates on the same premise but their focus is more creative language and using that is a window to learning.They have a roster of 1000 volunteers on their database for the first location in San Francisco.
This is definitely a small project with great potential for the kids and for volunteers. Hopefully we can work together towards making this project sustainable and giving these kids a chance. In fact people from low-cost flats in other areas have also requested for similar classes for their children. There is a minimum fee of RM25 per family for buy in and admin costs.
We'll keep in touch by email (mentariproject@gmail.com), this blog and we'll send the weblink for the website as soon as it's up.
God Bless and salam,
Mawarni
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