A Step Forward

after spending the day yeaterday, observing the kids in class, noticing teaching practices and how they learn, concentration etc., i began to take some classes for a chat about where I'm from and if they had questions, to test the water of their abilities, just like the kids i once taught in L.A. they have no idea where the UK is, "IN USA!" (Liberia being a former American colony and where some Liberians are hoping to be repatriated to, they know the "USA!" - how ironic) Also after watching a class about water purification, i tested them by doing a simple mime of bringing in water and preparing it correctly asking them to show the English woman how it is done correctly. aslo i asked for actors to come and be germs, water and fire to be scary, wavy, like flames respectively. They played their part beautifully heating up and boiling, germs dying beautifully! so I think they'll be pretty okay with other tasks. also I tried a simple group chain game with littler ones, they need a lot of clear guidance and follow best by copying. so armed with ideas for After School Activities i met with Principal Ballah again this morning. A great meeting in which he outlined, amoung other things, his wish for the students activities to be predominantly about health issues. I read him the proposals I'd drawn up for a 'Social Club'in which boys and girls from higher grades will have termly project to work on around certain health themes. they will use Music, drama, Visual Art, Poetry to develop work to teach the rest of the school and community about those issues. Also I proposed a 'Gasmes Club' for all students to improve communication skills, independant thinking, group work etc., agian leaning towards the future volunteers skills. I feel such a reponsibility for good continuity between vols that come in, that is paramount for these kids who have had and live in such uncertainty. So, there will be three or for strands to this voluteer post i think, all of which will have some flexability but so vols can be creative but i worry about the level of experience and ability of some vols who may be young or have little teaching experience - so it's creating a system that will work for all. Mr Ballah and i are so on the same wavelength, i feel i have such a strong focus on what to do here - how exciting and what a huge relief too! tomorrow i need to start implementing our ideas - i'm here for such a short time i'd like to get a move on asap - well Liberian stylee.