SK Bukit Abal Book Contest

It is now the second week that Teacher Salma has launched a literacy programme. In the spirit of cooperation, we decided to add a boost to the sagging participation of the Nilam book programme. When she took over the  library this year there was less than 10% school-wide participation in the Nilam programme. We have been planning for weeks and finally saw an opportunity during this blessed month of Ramadhan to launch The SK Bukit Abal Book Contest.

This cross-curricular activity that included the BM and BI departments to stimulate literacy amongst our focus groups Years 1-3. It is not easy to attract kids to reading when flashy video games captivate the majority of their thoughts and attention. Yet as it has been stated, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Moreover, it has been proven through numerous studies, Students who have strong literacy skills in their native language will learn English faster.  Therefore, instead of being English exclusive, we took an English inclusive approach with the BM department.

The contest was launched during morning assembly two weeks ago. Students got encouraged by chanting, "I love Ramadhan and I love to read." Years 1-3 were informed 10 books will be placed in the book basket. The books were an even mixture of BM and English. This was an attempt to increase accessibility and so far it is working like a gem. On Thursdays, the class monitor must return the basket to the library and Sunday a new basket with fresh titles are loaned.  A weekly cycle of the baskets allows T. Salma to monitor book condition as well gauge popularity. Not to mention, it gives fresh titles to the pupils which increases the chances of attracting even the pickiest of readers. 

Another feature of the programme is story time. During the beloved month of Ramadhan, since the canteen is closed many people had some extra time on their hands. This was a great opportunity to feed those hungry young minds with books and stories. I read, "Captain Bear" one week and "Underground " and "The Lion is King" the next. As a diehard Chicago Bears fan, it was easy to infuse excitement in a riveting story about an eco-superhero bear. We had great fun learning new words and putting actions to verbs whenever possible. As an additional benefit, students were able to record the story we read together as a title read for the SKBA Book Contest.  

The programme has increased participation in the existing Nilam programme by 30% for students years 1-3. Some students have neither interest nor the funds to purchase a Nilam book for RM1.50; however, in the spirit of inclusion they get free SKBA Book Contest form so they too can participate and have a chance at winning in a prize in the two month long contest. The month of Ramadhan saw an increase readership in Arabic (the Quran), BM and English for Years 1-3 at SKBA. Keep up the good work Teacher Salma!    

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.

–Maya Angelou

Hari Raya surprise from SK Pa'Pura

Just another day at the office in SK Pa'Pura, or was it?

All of the ladies were doing such a great job in their school based language development workshop, especially Kak Zainun, who was doing so well and gaining more confidence in her English language skills by the minute. 

The course material is not the easiest, on the contrary it's actually quite challenging, but these MTP's are constantly pushing themselves and rising to the challenge. No matter what I throw their way, they always seem to step up and show me their stuff.

Well yesterday they had a pleasant surprise for me, these wonderful teachers presented me with a special gift as an early Hari Raya present, it was so cool of them and an example of how sweet they truly are.

Thank you ladies, you all are awesome!!!! A++

My first community break fast with SK Tangok

My family and I receive a very special invitation from the Guru Besar and teachers of SK Tangok, we were invited to our very first community break fast. 

The community break fast kicked off with the handing out of zakatul firti charity to underprivileged members of the local community, followed by tazkirah and recitation of the Qur'an. After much remembrance of Allah and reflective contemplation, we proceeded to chow down on some very tasty Kelantanese cuisine, from coconut chicken to spicy fish, it was truly an experience to remember.

Thank you SK Tangok!

Ramadhan Break fast bags.

Ramadhan break fast bags have been a major hit among the phase one students in Bachok-Pasir Puteh2 so far. Just yesterday we entered into the third week of Ramadhan, and the students at both Sk Beris Lalang and Sk Sungai Dua were fully entangled in the holiday spirit. 

In just 2 days over 180 phase one students participated in this Ramadhan themed language arts activity, producing RBFBs for fellow classmates all in the spirit of sharing is caring. All the while MTP's were intrigued at how the students were managing to practice and use all of the four ESL main skills,  while having a jolly great time in the midst of it. 

Students designed their very own RBFB and inclusive Ramadhan greeting cards, to be placed inside with cute messages and a few tasty treats, then students exchanged completed RBFBs with classmates. They also participated in a little holiday related trivia, as well as some enjoyable Ramadhan vocabulary tasks.

These little geniuses have gotten me pumped, so needless to say I can't wait to share this awesome and enchanting activity with a few more schools in the coming days! Until next time, peace, sweets and spicy chicken feet! :-)

SK Pangong Ihya Ramadhan Programme Week 2

SK Pangong's Ihya Ramadhan Programme Week 2, started with a cross-curricular colouring activity and finished with a Ramadhan English Writing Exercise.  Yet, of course the "Ramadhan Is Here" song was sprinkled throughout the course of programme. The programme is being conducted by three talented phase 1 teachers: T. Zuriana, T. Zailina and T. Rosilamaton. 

Arabic and English script were used in the language arts colouring activity.  The children are skilful with multiple language skills including; Local dialect, BM, BI and Arabic.  This exercise focused on English (BI) and Arabic which fused their knowledge of these two languages with a fun colouring page that also included a hint of Science with the moon phases.  The students really enjoyed colouring these pages which were used to decorate their classroom during this special month.  This exercise gave prominence to both languages simultaneously and subtly reinforced the importance of muli-language skills.

In terms of Eco-conciousness, the back blank page of the colouring worksheet was utilised for a Ramadahan Writing exercise which help the children practice writing and vocabulary skills.  The children copied a template from the board and filled in the blanks with their growing vocabulary.  The writing exercise was based on the meaningful experience of fasting.  In the end, all students crafted a unique paragraph that reflected their personal experience of fasting.  The sample template created by AB is provided below as well as some pics of the kids and teachers enjoying themselves.

Fasting in Ramadhan

      Hi, my name is ___________________. Today is my ________________ day of fasting.I break my fast with ________________________ (people). I eat ________________________  to break my fast. I _____________  Ramadhan.

Ramadhan Is Here - English Nasyid

During the month of Ramadhan SKP is hosting a programme for Years 1 -3 every Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:45 am. Every great Programme deserves a theme song, and the theme song for 

SK Panggong's

Ihya Ramadhan Programme 2014 

is:

Ramadan Is Here…

The Blessed Month Of The Year…

Fasting And Not Eating Food…

Acting Nice And Not Rude…

Instead Of Watching Movies Today…

Let Us Go To The Masjid To Pray…

Staying Late To Make My Solat…

Maybe Eight Or Twenty Rakaat…

We Love You Ramadhan….

We Miss You Ramadhan…

http://omansky.blogspot.com/2006/09/ramadan-is-hereislamic-song.html

Group Mentoring Sessions

Good morning everyone,

I want to tell you about out workshops, carried out once a month here in Bachok-Pasir Puteh.  The English teachers in 10 schools in Bachok have one workshop and 5 schools in Pasir Puteh join with Sara's schools in Pasir Puteh to have another.

TPD Pasir Puteh

The workshops are held in Bachok, at PKG Beris Kubor Besar or PKG Badak and in Pasir Puteh in the old PPD building for 3 hours each.

The teachers are always very involved and present their ideas to the workshop.  Here are some pictures of the fun we have been having!

Teacher presentation TPD Pasir Puteh 

SK Pa'Pura presentation, TPD Bachok

Teachers enjoying games at TPD Bachok

T.Suhaimi and his cat

The balloon game was a hit!

Storytelling TPD

Topics we have covered so far have included Phonics and Grammar, Classroom Management, Songs, Storytelling and English Events in schools.  During these sessions we play games and develop plans for implementing in schools.  

Sanusi's Blending Segment

Some mentors have been so kind as to share their knowledge as Sanusi from Pauh Sembilian in the picture below can be seen teaching the teachers how to guide the pupils on learning to read using blending.












There will be three more TPDs this year, resuming after the Hari Raya Puasa holidays, including a talent show for the final TPD, so look out for more to come!

Hi everyone!

Well Ramadhan is 5 days in and I think it's safe to say we're pretty much in full swing now, it has been a great first five days so far and I think I've already lost 2kg! lol Just kidding :-)

I've been having great fun with the phase one students doing a little bit of Ramadhan trivia and playing vocabulary games. The students are sharp and really keeping me on my toes! 

I gotta say I'm really looking forward to hijacking (sharing) AB's loot buka bag language arts activity, I know a few of my year 1 and 2 classes are going to love it next week. Thanks AB, you're putting the "Ra!" in Ramadhan!

Ramadhan "Loot" Buka Bags

Ramadhan began with a bang this year.  On Sunday, SK Banggol Pa Esah was the first school to distribute Ramadhan "Loot" Buka Bags. Other schools followed suit, like SK Panggong on Wednesday.  Ramadhan "Loot" Buka Bags is a Language Arts Activity used to get all the creative juices of the students flowing while respecting this blessed month.  The students select a statement like:  We Love You Ramadhan, We Miss You Ramadhan, Happy Ramadhan, Welcome Ramadhan, etc.  They write it on a paper bag that is provided.  They are encouraged to use lots of colours and decorate the bag in any manner they choose.  The bags are collected and filled with snacks and a balloon.  Next, the bags are distributed back to the students; however, they do not get their own bag.  In actuality, to inculcate the message of giving, they are given another student's bag.  This exercise helps instil the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadhan and reinforce the message of giving.  Teachers and students were filled with smiles during the distribution.

Howdy and Happy Ramadhan!

Howdy, my name is Khidar Abdullah, but you can call me "AB". I have been living and teaching in SE Asia for 7 years. Most of my time was spent at At Tamimi International Islamic School in Subang Jaya. I spent 1.5 years teaching in Pattani, Thailand at Kersek Islamic School (Maahad Muhammadiyya). Contrary to popular belief, I actually love durian.

I was born in Chicago, but I graduated from California State University Sacramento. My favourite colour is green and I love learning and teaching languages. I'm fortunate to work with the likes of Niamh and Yusuf, I'd like to think of us as the "Dream Team." My compadres work in Bachok, while my five schools are in the scenic Pasir Puteh district.

I'm honoured to work with a phenomenal bunch of experienced Malaysian English Teachers and I look forward to working with you.  Ramadhan Karim and Happy Ramadhan!