Lesson 3 reflections

Now this lesson was indeed interesting. This time, we thought that instead of doing group discussions for the short story, it would be more interesting to do the discussion with the class as a whole. While a rather good idea in theory, it may not be so in application(I will not go into details).


Then was the skit, where yet again, only half the class was actually enthusiastic about taking on the roles of the story. Me and Shaun had to unwillingly take on the role of disciplinarian. I think the best part of the lesson was when Joshua toke on the role of a princess in the skit, showing off his .... 'acting skills'. While the class was rather rowdy, and the skit was often interrupted by the antics of some of the guys in the class, i think the students more or less took in what we set out to teach.

Lesson 3 Reflections

The third lesson for our program was indeed a memoriable one.
The students were told to read a short story on a frog and a princess. They were very enthusiastic in reading. After which, some volunteered to act out the story. They were very expressive and there were some humorous scenes, which made the whole class roar with laughter.
I could see that they had fun doing the act. During this lesson, the students not only learnt the importance of communicating effectively, they also found joy in reading as the stories can be used in group discussions and activities like this short play. I was really happy that they enjoyed the lesson. I had indeed learnt a lot from them too in terms of their creativity and their variation in tone during the act.

Lesson 3 pics

Lesson 2 pics

Reflections

WE HAD yet another fun session with our young charges. We were very glad to see that they were still very enthusiastic about our course despite a 2-week hiatus from our course. This time we didn't play any games, a move which I still do not support (after all, games are the best at engaging children). Perhaps my view of this programme is different from the rest.

I found that the students were unable to keep their focus on the task at hand (drawing comics). Personally I feel that this was because the task itself was not too interesting. In the future we should aim to incorporate more interesting tasks or otherwise include a wider spread of tasks within 1 activity.

I also found myself beginning to bond with the children. Their childish yet deeply insightful opinions added new threads of thought to issues I originally thought to be cut-and-dried.

In all, this RE project is turning out to be greatly rewarding. I look forward to the next session.

-joshua

Reflections Lesson 2

We conducted our lesson once again at Guangyang after a break of 1 week. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience to see the children filled with ethusiasm. It was another fun lesson despite not conducting any games this time with them. They seemed to have benefited much from the course and have started to develop an interest for reading.

The children was split up into 4 groups with each of us handling one group. All the groups were given different sets of stories and were required to answer 3 simple questions about the story. After that they were supposed to draw 3 pictures based on the story line of their own story. They were then required to link all the 4 stories together by adding an additional picture between each picture.

I have to admit that some of the children's drawing skills were very good. However, a lot of the students were unable to focus on their tasks and were easily distracted.
This was due to the fact that only one person would be able to draw at one time.

I really look forward to the next session next Wednesday.

Cheers,
Shaun Yan

Lesson 2 @ Guangyang

This was my first trip to guangyang primary, and all those stereotypes in the bakc of my mind flew out the window (literally), as the pupils were forthcoming and willing to learn and share tehir experiences. The openness and spirit of the pupils no doubt played an important role in encouraging us to forward our lesson, wiht a few additional challenges to see if the students culd prove their mettle, which they did :)

The lesson went well, with the pupils co-operating and participating, and everyone ahving fun adn learning at the same time (I hope so), and i would call the session a success as we not only accomplished the lesson plan, but also served to provide them with further work.

From this experience, I learnt that one must not always make assumptions, and steroetypes are unfounded. As long as someone has the will to learn, no doubtthere will be siomeone willing to teach. Cheers. =P

Lesson 2

My group members and I were all excited and looked forward to our second lesson at GuangYang Primary. When we reached the school, the students were as excited as we were about the lesson. During the lesson itself, they participated enthusiastically and we had lots of fun with them.

During the lesson, the students were separated into 4 groups and each group was given a different short story. After reading and discussion on the stories, the students had to draw a comic stip of 3 pictures on their stories, then draw another to link another group's story together. They were really artistic and came up with creative ideas, some of which were so humourous that the whole class laughed.

During this programme, I realised one thing -- the lesson to them, was a time where they could have fun learning and reading. I could see the passion for reading within them to start to take shape and the mindset that lessons are boring being changed. Once again, I look forward to the next lesson with them

First lesson pics

First lesson reflections

All of us were excited about teaching a class of primary 5 students. I personally had my worries as well. I had no prior teaching experience (much like the rest of the group), and we were doing really last minute preparations before we stepped into Guangyang. I had never seen myself as a good teacher, and making learning fun is something I had my worst worries with. I was also almost sure that we would be facing a bunch of rowdy P5 children that would be difficult handle. Much to our surprise, they were listening rather attentively, and things never got out of control. (although this may have been partly due to the english HOD) .

I managed to carry out my role of teaching quite decently I believe, but making a dry worksheet fun.... not so much. It seems my rather not so jovial personality clashed with this. In all however, it was an enjoyable lesson, managing to get a few laughs on the way, and i am looking forward to the next session I am available to attend.

First Lesson Reflections

Prior to the

We were all rather excited by the prospect of teaching a class of 20 Primary 5 students. None of us had prior teaching experience and we walked into the classroom with literally no idea how to proceed with the lesson.

Personally, I was quite apprehensive as I was almost sure that I would be facing a bunch of rowdy P5 children that would be difficult to control. To my surprise, they were a joy to work with: spontaneous, witty and delightful. They listened rather attentively and although some were rather shy at the beginning, they quickly warmed up to things.

In all, it was an extremely enjoyable lesson, and i am definitely looking forward to next week's session.

First lesson reflections

We were very excited about our first lesson with pupils from Class 5B of Guangyang Primary School. We were looking forward to it. I was rather worried about the first lesson I personally had my worries as well. I had no prior teaching experience apart from seeing how my teachers teach us in class. I had hope for the best. However, it turned out to be quite successful. The students were paying attention to us as we engaged them in icebreakers and other activities.

We were then split into 4 groups with each of us handling one group. My group was rather spontaneous. They answered the questions quite cheerfully and were able to answer most of the questions for the worksheet with some help.

I was quite delighted to find out that I was able to teach and ensure that the students were listening attentively. All in all, it was a great experience for all of us.

Cheers,
Shaun Yan

First Book Club facilitation course at GuangYang Primary

On Thursday, 16 July, our RE group went to Guangyang Primary School to conduct a reading program. This program aims to encourage reading among youths in Singapore. It was targeted at the P5 students.

We were a bit nervous when we went there. It was our first time conducting such a course. First, we started off with an icebreaker "Sparkle". It is a spelling game and the students had lots of fun. During the game, they cheered for their classmates and made a lot of noise. This is not bad as it was an icebreaker and our intention for them was to enjoy it. They were very enthusiastic and co-operated with us.

After the icebreakers, we splitted up into small groups, where the students were told to read a short story and discuss about the story. They were very passionate and contributed a lot of ideas to the discussion, making it a fruitful one. They also enjoyed the activities, like drawing using the description given.

Thus, this week's program was rather enjoyable and I look forward to the next session with them.

Pictures at NLB

Course on starting a book club and reading facilitation (18 March 09)

A group picture with other schools' students practicing a book discusion.

Seminar on Creative Writing by Wena Poon

144 hours reading marathon (midnight shift) 4-5 July 2009

Our group :)

Wow.. What's inside the goodie bags?

Jordan's group

144 hour Reading Marathon

When we arrived at the library it was pretty much late into the night, we settled down and went about our business of reading. I was quite nervous initially, but gradually my confidence grew; we would be reading to our friends and some library staff, it wasn't surprising given the unearthly hour at which we were reading.

However, the reading session, six hours long, turned out to be a quite entertaining affair, albeit with a few hiccups: everyone was sleepy, and our stories were not very well suited to the event. This was the first time I have ever read a story aloud i front of an audience, and found the experience to be quite enlightening. We did manage to catch forty-winks int he wee hours fo the morning, but more importantly, we seized this opportunity to practise reading out loud to a LIVE! audience and also forged closer bonds with our fellow readers.

All in all, it was a rather fruitful experience, and i would be keen to participate in such an event again.

Reading Marathon

When our teacher mentor first mentioned the 144 hours reading marathon, I honestly did not suspect that we would actually be taking the midnight slot for this event! Nevertheless, it was an interesting experience.

Like the rest of my groupmates however, I had expected the event to be cosier. Another disappointment was that there was barely anyone present, except for us and the NLB staff. It got more boring as the hours went by. A distraction of sorts was my psp, where the battery was drained by my fellow groupmate(who I will not name :D) in a matter of a couple of hours. I also haad some difficulty pronuncing my words while I was reading due to my new braces.

In any case, it was an interesting experience and a great way to celebrate Youth day.

NLB 144hr reading marathon

We were excited by the programme when it was introduced to us by our RE mentor, Mrs De Cruz, a few months back. However, we were indeed a bit concerned about the shift we were allocated. It was a midnight shift and we were a bit surprised when she told us. However, we were still very thrilled by the idea though we had to study for a few tests in the following week.

Armed with snacks and drinks, we met at the NLB foyer. At first, I thought they would be opening an air-conditioned hall for us to read. However, the foyer proved to be a cosy place as well. The wind that caressed our face was rather cooling. After a while, we realised that there would only be the RI book Club and the NLB staff at the venue and we were utterly disappointed. We had expected something more but even so the experience was one that was not to be missed. Each of us spent around 30 minutes reading on stage. Very quickly, very started to grow lethargic and restless. I tried to get some sleep but could not do so.

After 6 hours of reading, we left the library. Reading on stage was certainly an enjoyable experience. I certainly wish we could have more of this experiences.

Cheers,
Shaun Yan

NLB Reading Marathon: Reflections

When this idea was first introduced to us a few months ago at the library, our entire group thought that it was just a joke. Imagine our surprise to find that our teacher mentor was indeed serious about it! Nonetheless, we were all quite thrilled by the idea.

On the day (or night) itself, we met up at the NLB with all sorts of snacks. We soon realised that it would just be us and the NLB staff at the venue. Personally, I had thought it would be a much cosier affair and it did get rather boring as the hours went by.

However, it was an interesting experience for all of us, one that allowed me to indulge in one of my favourite activities- reading!

RI 144 hours marathon

This reading marathon was a new concept to me. This was the first time I had participated in this event. I have never read a story to the public before. Thus, I was excited, despite feeling a bit exhausted as the book club was supposed to read from 1-7am. I had no stage frights, and I was relaxed. Reading is one of my favourite hobbies and I had enjoyed reading on stage.

However, I was a bit disappointed with the event itself. I had expected something larger, and maybe a bit cozier but the thing that dampened my spirits a little was that the only people who were there were from the book club and the staff at NLB. What an encouragement...

Nevertheless, I decided to put all these disappointment aside and reminded myself that I am here to do what I like to do -- read. Reading had caused me to put all my wearineses aside and I managed to stay awake and alert without sleeping for a day. It was indeed a great experience.

Reflections on writer Wena Poon's Creative Writing workshop

After hearing about this event from my RE mentor, Mrs. D'Cruz, and hearing so much about the writer from my literature teacher, I jumped at the chance to attend such a function.
Coincidentally, earlier that morning, our school had organised a talk for all literature students, and the speker was none other than Ms. Wena Poon. We had an opportuanity to learn more about the writer from herself, as well as the many influences on her and her writing. I even managed to get hold of a copy of one of her books, 'Lions in the Winter' and found her writing style interesting and influenced largely, i suppose, by her ancestry, and the respective external influences, her personal experence providing the foundation for her stories. I found this very educational as it led me to reflect on my own 'style' (not developed at all) of writing.
At the workshop itself, she introduced us to several techniques employed when writing a story, and punctuated them with little anecdotes of her own, which not only served to drive home her message, but also livened up a very dry session. This in itself was a lesson for me as it showed me that creativity serves not only a purpose in writing but also in speech.
After the essay writing practice/competition, I found i was able to apply the various techniques and tips that Ms Wena Poon had introduced to us earlier on. All in all, I found the workshop a very interesting and enriching experience, and would definitely attend such an activity again.

Creative Writing course

The talk by Wena Poon was useful, though personally I felt it was a bit repetitive from what we have always been taught about writing a narrative, especially that of structure. Of course I did get some new insights as to how go about livening up the narrative, ie. dialouge and descriptions etc. She was engaging I must say, adding humour and her own personal experiences. The main part of the course was writing a short story ourselves. I had to go off early due to CCA commitments (I had already skipped a sports psychology talk for this), so I would not really know what happened after the break. I was however disappointed at the fact that half the course was writing the story, as I had expected she go through a bit more in depth into creative writing. In any case, this course was not a waste of time and I do not regret having to miss the psychology talk my swimming teacher-in-charge.

NLB Course with Wena Poon: Reflections

As part of our RE project, we went to the NLB for a course, featuring the well-known author Wena Poon. Some of the Lit boys (namely me and Dehn) had already seen her the same morning for a talk, which had served to pique our interest in her, as she seemed to know her work well.

As per expected, she did not disappoint. Although the points themselves were fundamental points, she used her author's experience to dole out many pieces of advice. She also livened up the session with little stories about her life and her experiences as an author.

In all, it was quite an enriching experience and I am glad I went for the course.

Creative Writing Course

The creative writing course was very useful. Ms Wena Poon, the course facilitator, was highly engaging. She had lots of illustrations and her experiences to explain her points, making it easy for everyone to understand. She also added some humour while speaking, making the course more lively and interesting.

In this course, I gained new insights on the techniques and styles of writing. For example, Ms Poon explained the various structures of stories using a graph. She also taught us how to capture the reader's attention through vivid description and most importantly, dialogues. This was especially useful as RI Book Club had to participate in the READ Singapore essay competition.

During the course, we also had a chance to practise writing a short story on one of the six stuff toys displayed at the front of the room. Due to time constrains, Ms Poon did not have enough time to finish reading all stories, thus she only read the first three essays for each of the six categories and picked the best from the three. My essay was in the middle of the pile, so mine was not selected.

Overall, this course has been a fruitful one and I had enjoyed myself and learnt a lot.

Reflection of Ms Wena Poon's Talk at NLB

The talk by Ms Wena Poon at NLB was both insightful and interesting. We were there early and coincidentally met Ms Wena Poon in the lift. She chatted with us about our school life and about the talk she gave earlier in the morning.

She was very engaging in her speech and talked about various writing techniques and the climax graph. I remembered her saying the importance of dialogue and how she as a kid used to only pick books with dialogue. She also asked us to read lots of books and to watch English television programmes.

We were then left to write essays depending on any of the 5 categories. The winner of each category gets to take a toy home. We were then left to eat. After 30 minutes, we were called back and the winners were announced.

It was a really enjoyable experience and certainly not a waste of time. I believe that those who attended the talk agree with me.

Cheers,
Shaun

Reflection on Reading Facilitation Course

To be honest, I was rather disappointed with this course.

The instructor was able to take the stage and catch everyone's attention. Although he was a very entertaining person, I felt that he lingered too long on his personal experiences and as a result focused more on 'the lessons of life' rather than how to facilitate a book club discussion.

The group discussion, however, was another story. We broke up into groups and were supposed to discuss a given story. The story was about how a man spent his life waiting to feel love. Even when his bride was bitten by a snake and died on the day of their wedding reception, he was disappointed that his first thought was how ruined his wedding would be. Even after going down to hell and rescuing his wife, he feels more and more distant from her.

To me, this was a very beautifully crafted story and the use of queer characters such as the sympathetic God of Hell greatly contributed to the irony of the situation. This was not to be said of the rest of the participants. The discussion was rather unfocused and shallow; within 5 minutes the rest of the group were discussing the latest games. Other groups missed the point, saying that ,"Perhaps the snake in the grass was not poisonous," or,"It's rubbish! How can a person go to hell and back?" A few groups caught on though, discussing the matter of choosing 'the right one' to marry.

NLB Book Club facilitation course

I did not attend the NLB Book Club Facilitation course due to Squash Training. I heard from my friends who attended the facilitation course that it was quite disappointing. The facilitator spent most of the time talking things irrelevant to the topic, many of which were his personal life experiences. They were only given a short story to read and a short video to watch.

There was also a discussion about the short story that was very poorly executed. Pupils spent most of the time talking about things irrelevant to the topic and often sidetracked.

I hope that there will be another facilitation course so that I will be able to experience what it would be like but this time much better than the last.

Cheers,
Shaun Yan

NLB Book Club facilitation course

I was quite disappointed with the facilitation course.
Firstly, the facilitator spent most of the time talking about the importance of reading and shared many of his life experiences which are irrelevant to the topic and he only started on the facilitation skills towards the end of the course. In the end, we only had a short story to read and a short video to watch.

Secondly, the short story discussion was not very productive. We were separated into groups, which consisted of students from both IP and neighbourhood schools. Then, we had to read a short story about a man who went to hell to bring her dead wife back to life. The discussion was at the basic level and there was no in depth insights. Some even commented that the short story was unrealistic and there was no such thing as bringing people from hell back to the surface of the earth. Some students cannot appreciate short stories, which are meant to be written creatively, out of the real world. What was most shocking was that the facilitator and even some IP school students applauded for that point!

This facilitation would have been better if more time was used on the skills of facilitation rather than introduction to reading.

Facilitation reflections

Looks like i'm the first to post reflections for that course... hmm...

Anyway, I think that the course while entertaining, did not really give enough practice and advice on facilitation. The tips were all inside the booklet we were given but I do not recall half of the things inside it being covered. We did get one or two tries in facilitation, but the whole group were breaking up into small groups to discuss instead of one whole. I feel we were not given enough instruction or even tips at the time to sucessfully facilitate the discussion.

Well, at least the speaker was entertaining and the food was nice. :)

Cheers, Glen

My RE-view

hey hey, just to start things off, I'd like to post my reflections on our current RE project: the RI Book Club. Firstly, I feel that although things have yet to kick off on a grand scale, we are currently just laying the foundations for the year(s) to come, and should appreciate this opportunity to train ourselves, and prepare ourselves for the relevant discussions, sessions at the library, etc. We should really get started on the projects we have, the poster thingy.

Cheers. Dehn