Quick recap of the introductory session for Early Years and early teachers.
The session began with technical discussions about audio and video connectivity issues, followed by introductions of teachers from Vimukti Girls School and Arthur Foot Academy who shared their experiences and professional backgrounds. The group then focused on storytelling techniques for teaching young children, with participants collaborating on creating engaging stories and discussing the importance of understanding rather than writing for children. The conversation ended with discussions about creating nature tables in classrooms and exploring methods for teaching language to young children, with teachers sharing their challenges and ideas for improvement.
Next steps
- All teachers: Keep cameras on during sessions
- All teachers: Participate actively in discussions by unmuting and sharing their thoughts
- All teachers: Prepare to discuss how children in their specific age groups learn
- All teachers: Prepare short stories incorporating the current season and small animals/creatures for their kindergarten/nursery classes
- All teachers: Implement storytelling techniques in their teaching approach
- All teachers: Bring a notebook and a pen for future sessions
- Shahana: Follow up with Kanika and teachers from the satellite branch in Malvia Nagar regarding their participation
- Kanika: Ensure proper audio setup for better communication in future meetings
Summary
Teacher Introductions and School Roles
The meeting focused on introducing teachers from Vimukti Girls School and Arthur Foot Academy. Shahana, the coordinator for Vimukti Girls School, introduced several pre-primary and primary teachers, including Mamta Sharma, Priyanka, and Ekta Rawat. The teachers shared their experiences and reasons for choosing teaching as a profession. Neelashi emphasised the importance of comfort and preparation for the teachers during the meeting. The meeting also highlighted the school's role in providing education and vocational training to students from slum areas in Jaipur.
Teaching Experiences and Multi-Level Learning
The meeting focused on introducing participants and discussing their experiences working with various age groups, particularly in educational settings. Neelashi led the discussion, encouraging participants to share their experiences and introduce themselves, with several teachers, including Mamta, Rahima, and Lalitha, contributing their insights. The group discussed the importance of understanding and catering to the needs of multi-level learners in India, emphasising the use of games, repetition, and storytelling in educational settings. They also addressed technical issues related to audio and introduced additional teachers who were present but had not yet spoken.
Engaging Storytelling for Kids
Neelashi discussed storytelling techniques for teaching young children, focusing on creating engaging stories that don't require extensive preparation. She shared a story about a family of elephants, including a young elephant named Emily, who gets lost in the jungle. Through a series of events, Emily learns to navigate the jungle and eventually becomes the jungle's queen. Neelashi emphasised the importance of using simple language and incorporating interactive elements, such as songs and movements, to make the story engaging for children.
Children's Story: Elephant in the Jungle
The group discussed creating a story for children, focusing on a small animal or creature in a fictional environment. Neelashi suggested using a story about an elephant and its role in the jungle, while Priyanka and Mamta shared their ideas. The participants agreed to switch off their cameras and collaborate on developing the story, with Neelashi emphasising the importance of engaging children with the narrative.
Storytelling for Children's Understanding
Neelashi led a storytelling session with teachers, emphasising the importance of understanding rather than writing stories for children. Kanika and Manisha shared stories about children interacting with nature, teaching lessons about respecting plants and animals. Neelashi encouraged the teachers to trust children's intelligence, allowing them to understand stories without explicit explanations.
Nature Tables and Language Teaching
The group discussed creating nature tables in classrooms to help children learn through seasonal and natural elements. Neelashi assigned teachers to prepare nature tables using items such as stones, leaves, and sticks, which the children would maintain daily. Nisha raised a question about teaching grammar to young children, and Neelashi suggested exploring methods that don't rely on formal grammar rules. The teachers were asked to share their challenges and ideas for improving language teaching, with a plan to compile their thoughts and send a photo of the list to Neelashi via WhatsApp.
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