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!
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