Progress in schools

I had a very successful week this week, having managed to get into all four of my scheduled schools without having any cancellations or complications. The only slight problem was in one school where 5 members of staff including the Headteacher were visiting another school as they were planning tests together. I was concerned that in their absence I might not be able to have a productive day. However, the remaining teachers were wonderful. Some made rice sack visual aids with me and then two teachers approached me independently to ask for help planning their English lessons. I was able to work with them and then observe the lessons and discuss them with them afterwards. I was chuffed that they had approached me - really shows that they understand why I am here and that they want the support.

In another school, the new head teacher was not very comfortable speaking in English so we conversed in French all morning. Needless to say, in the afternoon he switched to speaking English, having realised that my French was far worse than his English. It was good for me to practise my French although once again I am reminded how poor my language knowledge is. My French/Kinyarwanda teacher has asked me to record my next French conversation so that we can listen to it and correct my mistakes - not sure how I feel about that idea!

On Friday, I spent the day working with a group of teachers who were observing each other teach and offering feedback on the lessons. I was able to plan lessons with these teachers before their colleagues watched them and encouraged them to use more Learner Centred Methods in the classroom. I taught the group how to use "thumbometers" as a method of assessing understanding, and it was hilarious to see them encouraging the kids to use thumbs up or thumbs down. We all sat at the back of the class joining in, with big thumbs up/down gestures, much to the enjoyment of the children!

Making visual aids is one of my favourite activities at the moment; it provides a great opportunity to chat to teachers and get to know them better. Here are some of the things they made this week (I should add that the Science teachers were the most diligent workers, one teacher created two skeletons in just over an hour- quite an achievement!):