Lesson Observation!

Before we head out to The Gambia, students need training and preparation so they know what to expect. Part of this preparation is being done by way of lesson observations at a local primary school.

All students are being given the opportunity to go to St Alphege Infant School in the next couple of weeks to observe how lessons to this age group are done. This will help students to understand what level the kids are at as far as numbers, letters, vocabulary, etc.

We will then be running some workshops where students can work with staff at the College to prepare materials to use in the classroom in The Gambia. We need to prepare all the materials in advance and take them with us, so each student is going to be asked to plan one activity each. Some might revolve around numbers, some might involve letters, some might deal with shapes or collours or animals, etc.

The preparation is key - if students have thought about what they will do with the Gambian students in advance, it will be no problem when we get out to the school, because the youngsters we are working with are enthusiastic and eager to learn. At the Jemus Jammeh Jungkung Nursery School almost all the lessons involve rote learning; they get almost no personal attention, so the activities that we are planning will stimulate them in a way they don't usually get. What a great thing for our students to get the chance to do!