Home-school Updates : Letter, Counting and Traditional Market

I didn’t posted Tania’s daily Home-school progress these couple of days because we lent our camera to Tania’s uncle and our internet connection was a very troublesome matter. Tania’s Mommy’s camera is not the sophisticated hi-end with the built-in camera to be use as substitute. However, Tania still learns every day. She has finished the ‘learning book’, even the one that required reading and writing. The reading part she persuaded us to read it to her and she will answer. For the writing part she will tell us what the answer is and then ask us to dictate the letter. She is getting better and better at ‘drawing’ letters. 

In order to support the growth of her writing, I gave her sheets of letter tracing to help her with controlling her pencil strokes. However, I did not push her to finish the whole page and only do it when she has the mood. We do this between 15 – 30 minutes every day. Other time, we learn creatively and artistically. 

top: Letter tracing. Bottom left: Counting puzzle. Bottom Right: Color  by number

Last week, we took Tania to the traditional market, simply to introduce her to it. We mostly took her to the supermarket or mall to shop. But local vegetables etc we usually get from traditional market and we need to go there very early and she’s not up yet. However, we timed her sleep and able to took her last week. 

We asked her what she thinks about the traditional market. She said it is noisy, too many people, smelly and dirty. HAH! Typical city spoilt kid answer. So to make sure she does not turned in to one. We (I) am determined to take her more often. We talk about how the people plant the vegetables and other crops and then take it to the traditional market to sell. That money will be use to buy food, clothes and pay school fee of their children. And that we are helping each other by purchasing from traditional market. I hope in the long run, she will be able to understand and look past the smelly and dirty place to see a way to live sustainably. YAY! To local produce!

Now, you may think this is a bit too much of information. But I think Tania is more than capable to understand this. And Kids need to learn the reality and understand what they can contribute to it. Tania already understands Mommy and Daddy do not have lots of Money to buy her EVERYTHING that she wanted. We will buy her what she need but when she wanted something we will see whether mom and dad have enough money to spend or not. Usually when she said, Can I have this or that to a toy or books, and we have no money, we are very comfortable to tell her, “I am sorry dear. Mommy and Daddy don’t have money now. Can we get it some other time? Or if you really wanted it we can make a piggybank especially for this?”. She always obliged and happily went along. She understands now that Mommy and Daddy works and get paid and the money is used to buy many things in our lives and we need to make sure we have enough for everything. I am blessed to have such an understanding kid.

I feel very blessed to live and to raise a child in this life situation. We have enough money and a little bit more to cover everything in life. We are not rich in money and swamp in treasures. My child grows in reality and knowing that she need to work hard to earn living and to give thanks for whatever we are given. I do hope when our life gets way better than today. All of us will not forget to give thanks and to remain in simplicity. --

When Our Paths Crossed : That person who changes your life for the better

This morning I read the blog entry of a friend or shall I say a sister. She recently returned from Costa Rica from a Global Institute of Theology (I am very proud of her). She wrote about her brother whom I also know very well in this blog. She talks about him as the greatest big brother and the motivator who is always there for her. In a way, I also consider her brother as a big brother figure for me. One day I also met him and on that fateful day, He was that person who changed my whole life.
I originally already posted some of what I write below on Facebook comment box, however I think it is more fitting for me to make a link post.

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My life changing encounter with Bung Alto, My friend's brother, is perhaps in 2000 or in 2001 in our local bookstore, Dian Pertiwi. I have known him before through Ambon Tourist Guide activities that my father was involved with (and I tagged along). He always strikes me as a warm and friendly person. So on that day, I was looking for books for one of my University subject. It was during the time of conflict in Ambon. My family and I already evacuated from our village and labeled IDP (Internally Displaced Person) or Pengungsi (refugee). He told me that his office, an International Humanitarian Organization - Mercy Corps, is looking for a translator and it's a part-time job that he is certain that I can do it.

It was a new thing for me. Though professional part time work is not very common for 19 years old young people in my place. I am used to part-time work. I teach/tutored English to KIDS in my neighborhood since I was in 10 grade (SMA kls 1). I am a freelance typist (for many university students around my neighborhood) during thesis and dissertation months. Our family also contracted to handle SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistic) guest house. So all hands on deck for that.

However, being a part timer-out side my house, doing translation and during conflict period where 'Muslim and Christian' are killing each other are something I need to take a long consideration for. I think Bung Alto saw my hesitation. He encouraged me to give it a try or at least come down to the office to have a look and to learn more about the job. He told me if I made up my mind, I should come down to the office this afternoon after lunch.

We went our separate ways. I went for lunch with one of my friend. Then I decided why not. I asked my friend to accompany me there. She was scared because she said the area is at the border, the no man's land' she called it. I once again hesitated. but God is good. Along came another friend of mine, a young man who had a crush of my friend. He said the situation is conducive now and many soldiers are guarding the place. He thought it will be OK for us to go to that office because it is a neutral zone.

The office was located in the basement/parking ground of a Hotel. It is located in so called 'border' or 'neutral' area. After reporting to check points we walked though an alley and then turned to some small streets and entered through the parking lot. It was a simple office with partitions for work quarters. A young woman greeted me. I told her I am here to see Bung Alto (I didn't even know his last name that time). Suddenly a familiar face bobbed from one of the work quarter and that familiar face broke to a reassuring smile. He asked me and my friends to come and sit at the couch and to wait there.

He went in to one of the office door. Then came out and said that I can go in and talk to his bosses.
I went to talk with Anna and Nick, I forgot what they asked me in the beginning but towards the end I began to feel like it's a work interview. The last question Nick asked me was, 'Do you have your CV with you?". I said I didn't have any. Both Nick and Anna then looked a bit confused to why am I here for. I told them about the information from Alto and that I wanted to learn more. I think, Anna went out and talk with Alto then she came in again and said they would like to test me. I said OK.

I went out and Alto was smiling. I think in that situation, I may misunderstood Alto and maybe I do not hear him saying that I actually went in for an interview or perhaps he did it on purpose... I don't know... and it doesn't matter. Hehehe...

They asked a woman called Wendy, I think she's a consultant. She brought out some documents and asked me to translate some paragraphs and to put it in writing. Then she asked me to translate other paragraphs orally. After 30 minutes, she said we are done and asked me to wait at the couch with my friends. They called me back in few minutes later and they said they wanted to contract me as a translator for their program. I said Yes of course. Then they asked another question with left me dumbfounded. "How much do you think you wanted to ask for salary?". I excuse myself to go to Bung Alto. I told him why do they ask that? what should I say? Should I say a number figure? He chuckled and explain to me what it means. So yes... the rest is history...

That is the beginning of my career as Translator and Interpreter (Written and Simultaneously). This took me of amazing journey and adventure both personally and professionally. I tasted the work of Translator and Interpreter in East Timor, Australia, Philippine, Singapore, and around Indonesia. I also met my husband there at that office. He was a new comer for Program Staff.

So you see Vin, my friend and Sister. Be proud of your brother. Be proud of your family. God made each one of us a blessing to others. It is matter of how we respond and act upon it that counts. Your brother has done this with his life (and I am sure you do too). I am sure he has changed many lives he has come across. He sure does changes mine.

Be blessed..-

Teaching 'Little Monsters'

So, I did say somewhere in this virtual world that I will be writing updates on my new teaching level at MLC this Quarter. Well, I recently took charge of the KIDS English class at our Language center, Marlene's Language Center (MLC). One thing that you need to keep in mind, I have come to understand and accept that teaching elementary (primary) School level students is not my strong forte. Seriously! Hats off to Kindergarten Teachers, Pre-school Teachers and Elementary School Teachers. They are the actual hero in Education. Without them, this nation... ANY nation... and Humanity are lost and crumble to pieces...

The English Department of our Language center has a separated KIDS levels and grouping which are separated from the Regular Class (and leveling). KIDS level caters 1st grades to 6th grades Elementary School students. Junior High School will enter through Regular Classes (BASIC, BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCE). Some of these Elementary students that have been with us for a while and have shown amazing growth in skills and knowledge thus are in Regular class despite still being an elementary school students.

Anyway... I found the above picture on the web and it strikes me as such a powerful way to sum up my experience teaching the KIDS class (Well... I taught 3 session of 2 hours each... that will count as experience). It is a different matter if you are just spending time and playing with them. However, if you have a learning goals and 'curricula' to adhere to, and not to mention teaching KIDS is not your strong forte,.... things can get a little frustrated. Some of you reading this might think, "Well, you need to follow their lead", "don't get attached to the lesson plan", "don't be too strict" etc etc etc...
Well good for you if you can do it well! You had it in you and that's a blessing. Here is my story of someone who do not have 'it' (or perhaps hasn't found it) and is trying to figure it out how to balance everything.

I consider the 3 sessions I have with them as a success: for me as a teacher, for them as the students and for my learning plan. For myself: I have little patience for whiny students. I understand and can handle the small one (1st, 2nd and 3rd grades) but I have little tolerance to the bigger kids who whines, acting like a spoilt brat, plain nuisance etc.. or in my local language 'caciwe'. However, after careful examination, I have able to determine the cause of each 'problematic' kids. This prompt the need to separate the class in to smaller group. (Currently we have 12 - 15 KIDS in one diverse level class. I have already arranged new classes). Here's hoping that the smaller group by learning pace is manageable. For the students, all in all I think they enjoy it. As any kids would they eagerly embrace the fun learning activities. (It is I who need to maintain the tempo and make sure the gaps and attention span are balance). Many of them showed up 30 - 45 minutes before time because they can't wait to come to class. I am happy to see this. For my learning plan, I am learning a lot. Indeed teaching young learners English is one of the most challenging yet amazing experience ever.

Kids or young learners have very (I mean VERY) little attention span. so I am working hard to use the 1.5 to 2 hours learning time we have together to be beneficial for their learning.

I am learning too... to adjust expectation, to know how to discipline, to be creative and fun in dealing with the combination of ultra Hyper KIDS, Very silent ones, Lack of motivation ones, trouble makers, etc etc... May God bless this endeavors and granted me strength, wisdom and joy.

DISCLAIMER:
So, before I end this entry I think I need to make a clarification.
Please know that when the title says "Teaching 'Little Monsters'", I have no intention to call my students monsters. Little monsters is written in between singe quotes, signifying the little monster (the scary feeling) in me that I need to tackle. If anything, My little students taught me to conquer my fear, that little monster in me.

Can't Wait ... but Mommy is Busy!

On Day 3 of our Homeschool-Homeschoolan - by the way, I playfully use this mashed up Indonesian and English terms to (freely) means 'Mock Homeschool' (because I am not following any official curriculum) or more likely a learning at home activity.

Anyway, on the 3rd day, Tania woke up and immediately asked for her 'learning book'. She walked to her red bookshelves and picked up the book and the pencil. With a tangled hair and out-of-bed face, she sat down and asked to do some learning while her breakfast cereal was prepared. In the spirit of following her lead, we said yes (Of course!).

Tania with our male cat, Katherine.. :-)

I was getting ready to go to run some errands so I cannot really stay with her. She begged me to stay and do some pages with her. We did letter tracing and matching activity.

The book has a very nice and colorful display. It has stickers too. However, I wish I can find her an English pre-school activity book. O well... perhaps I can just print one out for her. The fun thing we did this day was to learn the Indonesian words for the things she's working on. for Example, Ice Cream - Es Krim, Carrot - Wortel, - Cheese - Keju. - of course she did this with her 'bule' accents. hehehe.... Bless her little heart. I have the video too but our internet is not strong enought to make the upload.


It was a bit sad that I had to go. But mommy got to work!

Getting Crafty - 'Homeschool-Homeschoolan'

Day 2 of our 'Home school' took on the art and crafty side of us. I basically needed to make some decoration for my Language Center classroom that I use for KIDS class. I also know Tania LOVEs to do art and craft just like her favorite Cebeebies program, Mr. Maker.
Because it was raining all the time (Rainy season is upon us), I thought it'll be great to make a rainy display. So I decided we are going to make a cloud, raindrops and umbrella. After getting everything we need Tania immediately set to work.

Here's how we do our "Rainy Display" :

1. I cut out a rain template on a piece of cardboard while I set Tania to make all sizes of cotton balls. (top left pic)
2. Then we smeared glue on the rain template and glued the cotton balls on it. (Tania loved smearing the glue). (Top right pic)
3. As she was doing that I cut a tear drop shape on the cardboard and cut it out again. 
4. Later I asked Tania to trace the teardrop shape on Blue origami paper. The teardrop shape will make the 3D raindrops. (Bottom left pic)
5. Then we glue it together and string it up with an ordinary white sewing string. The raindrops strings is then sewed on to the bottom of the cloud. You can also glue it too.
6. We put some double tape behind the cloud, pick the rigth location and we glue it on. 
7. Later I cut a shape of Umbrella and have Tania to color it. 
8. The Viola! We have a nice Rainly Display that my Language Center KIDS admire...
   

   

   example of how to do it from Okidomag

   The above picture is the inspiration I use to make the 3D raindrops. 

We do not have a 'sit down and learn' session today. I do tried to alternate and also follow her lead. So.. That conclude our day 2

'Homeschooling' Tania Day 1

On my last post, I talked about 'homeschooling' Tania.
I put 'Home school' in quotes because honestly I know nothing about homeschooling. I don't know anything about its curriculum and whether Indonesia has a home school curriculum. However, my view on Home school, in my opinion, is basically learning at home in a more organized and structured manner.
We have been doing a 'play and learn' principle with her which means we inserted information and learning during anything we do with her as well as answering her questions in an informative way. For example, we were looking at rain outside the house and ask her where does rain comes from. We then explain to her the water cycle (in language that she can understand of course). We learn color and counting and shapes when playing with her toys etc... Praise God! Her development is astounding. We have no goal of pushing her to be a prodigy. We simply wanted to get her ready of what education world she will face in the future through having as much fun as possible. Through this process, both Simon and I will also have the privilege of growing and learning with her (KIDS are wise beyond their age!) as well as getting to spend these golden times with her.

Thus, the principle of Tania's 'Homeschooling' is fun and valuable learning time for her and for us too. The current goal is to help her acquire basic learning skills such Alphabet (saying the letter, Spelling, writing/drawing the letter), Numbers (saying the number, counting and writing).

Tania is currently slightly advanced. She knows all the letter and number (up to 10). She spells really well. And has already began 'drawing' (if not writing) the letter when we spelled it for her. She can write her own name and spell it - also Mommy, Simon, Nene, Tete etc. Her love for books and reading is noticeably above average compared to other Ambonesse kids. Of course, we have to read them to her. However, she will always take the book and tell the story back to us again. I pray she will be an avid reader one day.

THE "TANIA's HOMESCHOOL"

So yesterday was our 1st official Tania Homeschooling day. Below is the picture of what we've prepared for her.

Basically, we will have more and she (I) can use most of our Language center learning Props in her learning (and vice versa). as you can see in the above pictures are some of our "starter-kit"
Top picture : Old small handheld whiteboard for her to doodle. She already tried to write OPEN (the N is erased when I took this picture). This board usually serve as her shop sign (OPEN-CLOSE). She writes open when she open her pretend store and shouted 'Hello, Customer!" and coax us to shop. Then erases it and writes CLOSED and said "Sorry, We're closed now!".
I also use our old cutlery tray to put her coloring pencils for her easy use. together with her marker, eraser, pencil sharpener etc... Along the run it might contain more.

Bottom left Picture : is the red shelf that she chose yesterday. We bought it at Hypermart for Rp. 96,000,-. She wanted Yellow but the yellow one is 3 shelved and with wheels. And more expensive than what I can afford. So as I explained to her, she chose red. - She's a very understanding girl. The bottom shelf holds her stationary tray and her reading books. I will show what she's reading on the next entry. The top shelf holds her working book, coloring book etc. Still more to be done but this way, she will learn how to tidy after session.

Bottom right picture : is the book we currently use. Before this I print out some worksheets but I haven't got the time to prepare one especially with her as I am still occupied with Campus teaching and preparing teaching materials for our language center. So when she picked up this book yesterday and suggested us to use it, I couldn't be happier. The book boast to be the IQ test book for pre-K and K level. It turned out to have some fun stickers inside. It has lots of different activity sheets.

As soon as we get home, we set out the place for her shelf, which currently next to my teaching class and next to the sofa. She then collected her books and we decided what to put in each shelf. She then took her little purple chair and perched herself on the coffee table in the living room. I think this will be our station for the time being.

She can't wait to get home actually. After we bought the book, I still need to do some shopping. She asked to read her book on the trolley as I shopped. As soon as we get home, she immediately gets to 'work' and appeared to enjoy it very much. I love watching her seriousness. As she already know alphabet, I introduce her to the shapes of the numbers she copied it quite well (for a 3 y/o). But I didn't push further. On this matter, I like to follow a scheme of : Introduce - Explain - Follow her lead. I introduce the learning topic, explain a bit then see if she wants to continue. if she does we will but she is welcome to stop anytime. The bottom left picture is me reading the instruction for each activity. She cannot be stopped. she wanted to finish the whole book. hehehehe... however I managed to convince her to stop at page 14 (of 48).

I planned to do at least 30 mins - 1 hour 'Home School' session with her and add some more if she wanted to. Then alternate this days with art and craft or hands-on activities.

More stories next...

Thinking about Teaching and Learning

It has been a busy week. Our Language Center (LKP MLC) has rolled on to our last Learning quarter of 2014. Busy day's for everyone! As I mentioned in the previous blog entry, I am taking on KIDS class with the additional 2 BASIC Classes. I have already updated our Basic Curriculum but KIDS class is totally new for me. It was kinda scary actually.... I don't think I tune-in well with KIDS. However, I have enjoyed preparing all the bits and pieces of lesson planning and prepping. A bit too much maybe. So far I have taught 1 meeting for each class and they (the Kids) are alright... Looking forward to energized myself and thus will energized them.


We were also busy refurbished our front living room to be our 3rd classroom. We are blessed with so many enrollment.Plus, the application of Indonesia's 2013 Curriculum in schools has made students unable to attend 3PM classes. This is due to the fact that under the new National Curriculum, Students finish classes at 2 - 2.30 PM and it takes them about 1 hour to get home and another hour to come to the Language center for their classes. Thus, we now have 3 simultaneous classes at 6 PM.

On a different note, our Little Girl Tania is turning 4 next month. Simon and I debated a bit about whether we should send Tania to playgroup or not. Simon firmly believes that Tania should enjoy her childhood and not to bother with increasingly demanding 'formal school' routines. I am totally with him on that. However, as Tania's Bahasa Indonesia has not developed beyond simple survival level, I think going to preschool will helped her language acquisition and social skills. For such your age, I believe Tania will benefit the language immersion approach AND she gets to make friends.

However, we finally reach an agreement that Tania will officially enroll next year and she will attend our formal playgroup (we also run a playgroup and pre-kindergarten education center in the village of Waai), whenever she wanted to. Her Aunts, who is the headmaster, said she will provide Tania with uniform too as to make her feel as part of the school and helping her transition phase. I'll say that Tania is a very blessed girl. Not all kids is fortunate of these practices.

Then it dawned to me as I am preparing teaching materials for my KIDS class... I should start Homeschooling Tania. I mean, Simon and I have used the approach of learning and teaching through playing, doing and discussion with her. She already loved books and creative activities such as coloring cutting etc (just as kids her age should). She loves keeping me company while I prepared my lesson plan and materials. She will draw pictures, makes cards, color, gluing etc. I let her have fun with the bits of paper and what ever I am working on.

little fairy princess making googly eyes from perforated papers

But I think, we should be more structured. Tania is a bit more advanced than the KIDS class students of MLC. They are all elementary school. and the materials I am aiming is for learning English. As for Tania, I need to help her learn basic skill: reading, counting etc and all the practical skills. Thus, This morning I have begun to plan homeschool plan for Tania. God's willing this will help her and helped me too. -- Tune in for my next entry on Tania's Homeschooling - If ever the plan materialized :-))

The Past Several Months in a Nutshell

What a year! And what a vacuum!

It has been ….. Months since I last update the entry post. Since then, life goes on as it is. There are ups and downs, good times and bad times. Here are the highlights of the past few months

August 2013

It was the month that saw me working hard to finalize my MA dissertation. Praised God! I have a tremendous support from my husband and daughter, friends across the globe and family prayers.

Endless days and nights perusing the notes that has been painstakingly collected. The days are filled by string of ideas and opinion, trying very hard to make conclusion. Sometimes .. (actually… most of the time) I found myself lost in those wildernesses of grand ideas and the need to stay focus and grounded. For these times, I thank Simon, my husband, for his patience in dealing with my tantrums, pointless whining and ‘thinking’. His logical minds and effective questions during our discussions helped steered my thinking. 

My daughter who is the source of my inspiration has been our most valuable blessing ever. Her innocent question, good nature and impeccable character make our journey smooth and calm. She is our good luck charm… our blessing … the center of our universe. 

September 2013

I finally got it together! MA Dissertation DONE! With all its bad points and good points. The best thing is I got to finished this race with my best friends … or should I say… Sisters.

Then it is time to say good bye to these sisters of mine… Chinese, Filipino, Kuwaiti, Russian, Japanesse, Taiwanesse, British. All went home to their respective country and I know will bring great impact to their community. 

 

 

It was also time for us to say good bye to Brighton – The place we will always hold dear – Tania’s Birthplace (and she still say that she’s a Brightonian), the place where Simon and I earned our degree, the place that bring us to meet Jan and Rusty, Tania’s British Grandparents. There are many memories here. They will never be forgotten.

 

 

 By the end of this month, we've returned back to Ambon. 

October – December   2013

We lived a laid back life. Travelling back and forth between Waai Village (Simon’s Parent’s house) and Passo (my parent’s house), sleeping, cooking, catching up stories etc. 

I went back to teach at my language center, LKP Marlene’s Language Center. It felt great to be able to go back teaching and returning to what I love doing. I was mostly busy with enjoying time with Simon and Tania and our big family. But I was also engulfed in helping to improve the administration, curriculum and organization system of our English Course. During my absence (due to the MA study), my mother and father (who are both language teachers) have been doing their absolute best to keep the Language Center running. However of course due to the lack of instructor, some of the classes with different levels are merged. It was fine. But the impacts are severe. Some of the more advanced students are either bored, agitated or do not put any effort because either way their abilities are above the others. Meanwhile, the slower ones are left behind because we need to somehow tired to balance the pace and content. – Anyways, all is well. 

We also tried out for the PNS (Civil servant) Admission test. We planned to apply to be the lecturer. However, even when we started, we already know that it’s a slim chance for us to pass the 1^st administration test. Our MA certificates still need to be ratified by the Indonesian Higher Education Department. The process cost us the time and we were late to submit our documents.

Nevertheless, God is ever so Good and HIS ways can never be understood or forecast by our mere human mind. Few weeks after the announcement of shortlist candidates for PNS (we didn’t make it), we were called by the State Polytechnic in Ambon to help support them in teaching English at Accounting Department. We gladly accept and we are Accounting English Lecturer until now. 

January 2014 – Now (August 2014)

Is business as usual. We are still teaching at our Language Center and at Polytechnic. Tania is growing and developing rapidly. Her Bahasa Indonesia is getting better. However, she still encounters problems to produce replies. Other than that, her understanding is much better. I’m going to write a separate entry about Tania’s language development.

I am still dealing with weight gain. I am now 8 kg lighter than I was 5 months ago. And now I am stuck at this current weight for 2 months now. However, I do not mind at all. I am doing a healthy diet and not the die-hard one. Making sure I watch my portion and what I ate… for this and the next month I think I should add some more exercise routines..

Our Language Center is thriving… with all hands on deck we have enough man power (teachers) to handle the classes. We’re doing improvement and development to our curriculum. Hopefully we can help the student to improve more.

I am going to teach my dreaded level and class… KIDS Class… NOPE! I am NOT very patient with Kids. I consider myself interact better and teach better with junior high school and up kids. But elementary kids… whoa! They required extra-terrestrial strength.

Nevertheless, in the name of conquering your biggest fear and for the development of our Language Center, I am taking on KIDS and BASIC class for this Quarter… Ooo Boy! Will write about it on a separate ELT-ing entry.

Well, that’s it in a nutshell… See you on my next entry folks!

- H -

... At Last!

THIS must be a good day! I recover all my password for my blogs...
After a long while, I think i finally settle down and have more time to write now...
Hope to do more productive writing... mostly will be on ELT and life in general which is what I am currently focusing on..
More to come later.. - H