Mini Projects

We asked the after UPSR year 6 kids to create a mini project. It was left entirely up to them on what type of project they wanted to create. Here are some of the things that they did. 

A group created a model volcano and also created a model cave. The volcano even erupted in red lava ( created by a combination of household items). They even had the time to create some paintings and a model of the twin towers of KLCC made out of straws. 

Another group made a presentation on the malay wedding tradition of " Hantaran". They researched the tradition of the "Hantaran" and presented to the class of its origins, the practise and the meaning behind it. 

 

It was a well written and informative presentation by both groups.  Congratulations and well done to Syarina, Aini, Syafinaz, Rashidah, Athirah, and Fareisha.  

 

The Multiplication League

Here is an interesting way to have fun with multiplication. It is a simple game played in groups. The best number of group to have is 4. All that is needed is a blackboard/whiteboard, chalks/marker and a stopwatch. The contest is simple, one group will compete with another group on who can list down a multiplication of a number the fastest. Each student of a group must participate whereby they will take turns listing down the multiplication of the number on the board. For example, if the multiplication number is 6,  student A will write down 6 x 1 = 6 on the board, and the student B will write 6 x 2 = 12 and the next will write 6 x 3 = 18 and so on until  6 x 12 = 72. 

Whichever group finishes faster than the other will be rewarded with 3 points while the loser will gain 1 point. Continue on with the next groups and give them a different number each time. After all the groups has finished competing with each other, tally up the points to find out which group wins. A league table is also necessary so the kids can see which positions they are in after each round. 

We found that the kids likes to compete with one another and this way they gain something when they remember their multiplication table. It also helps to give them a minute or so after telling them the number for them to strategize and remember their multiplication table before beginning each round. The game teaches them teamwork, communication, competitive spirit, and of course multiplication in a fun way.

It is recommended to start the lesson with the kids creating their own personal multiplication table. Make sure that they do not bring the multiplication table with them to the board. 

Have fun.

Update on Mentari

we were hoping to see the same children again after a brief hiatus at the end of the year. However, registration day on 17 Jan and subsequent Saturdays saw new children coming in to be a part of the Mentari Voluntary Tuition Project. We now have three classes - 10  Form 1 and Fm 2 students, 30 Yr 6 and 30 Yr 4-5 children. These are the numbers who normally attend. The registered number of students have reached 112. The numbers fluctuate due to school's  extra-curricular activities and Saturday classes. in order to cope with the greater numbers, we have split the the children into three groups and two locations.

Fm 1  - 12 noon to 2.00pm ( Ground Floor, Block 8,  Community Hall)

Yr 6 - 2.30pm to 5.00 pm  (Ground Floor, Block 8 Community Hall)

Yr 4 & 5 - 2.30pm to 5pm (10th Flr, Kindergarten, Block 8)

We try the best we can to cope with the greater numbers by limiting classes to mainly English and BM with Math for variety. As the number of facilitators are still small - normally 2 per class, we are quite limited in the activities that we can offer the kids. We have started a routine of written exercises, math and language written activities and a game or a song to round off the session. We maintain a translation mode to get children used to speaking in both languages. 

The main problem for the  kids especially those in Yr 4 nd 5 is still limited vocab and an inability to understand spoken English. we started off with basic greetings, introductions and to have the kids answer English questions in BM and BM q's in English. We also brought in books, magazines and other reading materials plus fun activity sheets to keep them occupied  -especially the those who finish  early. There are quite a number of bright kids too.

Trying to balance the fun element and the solid knowledge or skills that parents and kids expect to get out of the classes is the constant challenge plus the small number of facilitators. Thanks to our loyal facilitators from last year, the classes are continuing. But it's difficult to maintain the classes without more facilitators. We are limited in what we can offer the kids. At the same time we also need to provide the facilitators specific lists of activities that they can do with the kids.

We would like to build the Mentari Kids' learning experiences   around the following:

1- Know Yourself

2.  Know Your Family

3. Know Your Community

4. Know Your Country

5. Know Your World

Any volunteer can come in with stories, materials and activities related to any of the above. 

We welcome any volunteer to come in for at least 2 hours for any of the sessions if not for the whole session. Feel free to email or call.  The kids and their parents have hope in this project and in us.  We really need help to sustain it.