When I got hired in Agape Tampines a couple of months ago, there have been times when I wondered how other AGAPE Centers looked like. And although I wasn’t really prepared for this “surprise”, the visits we had last Tuesday answered my question.
It was a long day of evaluation yet a very relevant and meaningful one for me. Why? Because when I first came into the center, I knew there were a lot of things that need to be improved and that definitely include our Bulletin Boards and Learning Corners. I have been in the teaching industry for more than 13 years now and without bragging or anything, I actually know what exactly is lacking in our centre. The thing is, because there are so many things that we need to iron out, I am unsure of where to start. The trip however, inspired and challenged me to start NOW!
I hate to admit it but after seeing all the wonderful and creative bulletin boards in all AGAPE Centers, it hit hard on me that I told my self, “Oh man, we are so left behind!” I felt the pinch and it was as if someone was yelling at me saying, “Wake up, Agape Tampines! WAKE UP!!!!”
Although I am aware that our center has just started last May and that there are bumps and thistles along the way, we should not make that as an excuse to delay important things that we can actually start doing now. Also, having to realize this, I committed that I will try my best to influence my colleagues, teach them and encourage helping each other by sharing ideas on how we can improve our rooms. Good thing about Agape teachers is that they are all open for learning and are very teachable. I am positive that with a little prodding, guidance and education, our team can do it.
Here are some of the things I believe we need to improve on:
1. Cleaning up and sorting all manipulative.
This means that we need to put toys that “belong together”. Our centre has a lot of manipulative but it is not being maximized and I don’t think all children understand how to use them PROPERLY.
2. Labeling all the corners, cubbyholes and bulletin boards.
We need to make sure that the toy that we place in a shelf is really for that said shelf.
3. Educating the children on how to use all the learning corners and toys PROPERLY.
This is VERY CRUCIAL. Because it will defeat the purpose of having the children learn from the manipulative and toys if they don’t know how and when to use it. There should be a time where the teacher of each class will sit down with her kids and explain to them the use of each manipulative or toy by demonstration. With this, the teacher can also include topics on why we should return it on its proper place, why do we need to take care of it, why we can’t just simply mix it up with other toys etc. At times, teacher can also play with the children so they get trained on how to do things and play it right. As we all know, children learn by doing!
Please also note that reminders will surely need to follow because children do not unlearn bad habits OVERNIGHT.
4. Educating the children about the bulletin board display.
Again, do this by having a tour with the children around the room and explain to them the purpose of each display. This is also an opportunity to tell them as to whether they can touch it or not, how to take care of it so they can keep their room beautiful and nice-looking. When children know the importance of any school item, I can assure you they will try their best to preserve it.
5. Educating, Training and Guiding the Teachers.
Teachers have different styles, strengths and weakness. And most teachers in our center admit that they are not so into arts, well guess what? Neither do I!
But I have always believed that there is nothing impossible to those who are determined to find ways especially when GOOGLE is just a click away. Maybe at first, I will have to give my colleagues some ideas that will be of help then later on, we will start to brainstorm, discuss until they get the hang of it.
As Confucius say, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime!”
6. Labeling the chairs, table, children’s things or any other materials and objects within the classroom that is mostly being used by the kids.
This will promote ownership, opportunity for learning how to read and lessens possible conflicts. Also, use BIG FONTS when labeling materials or when making a heading for small children. The younger the kids, the bigger the fonts needed.
7. Posting a short write-up in every art project that you will hang for your kids.
Again, it’s an opportunity for learning – it will encourage the children how to read fast and at the same time it will give information to others who will view it.
8. Displaying children’s art work and pictures in a creative manner.
Children take pride when you show the world what they have done.
It tells them that you are proud of their small wins and that encourages
them to love learning and do better each time.
9. Updating Songs and Rhymes posters, Calendar, Curriculum and Parent’s Overview.
10. Creating a huge, cost effective, creative and colorful Story-Based, Math, Arts and Crafts Corner and the like.
These are just some of the urgent things that I can think of as of the moment. There are a lot more to do but I will take things one a time. I am aiming to see improvement in out own center in the coming weeks. But then again, with proper training and guidance plus teamwork all these can be done.
Take a peek at how other AGAPE CENTRES look like:
It was a long day of evaluation yet a very relevant and meaningful one for me. Why? Because when I first came into the center, I knew there were a lot of things that need to be improved and that definitely include our Bulletin Boards and Learning Corners. I have been in the teaching industry for more than 13 years now and without bragging or anything, I actually know what exactly is lacking in our centre. The thing is, because there are so many things that we need to iron out, I am unsure of where to start. The trip however, inspired and challenged me to start NOW!
I hate to admit it but after seeing all the wonderful and creative bulletin boards in all AGAPE Centers, it hit hard on me that I told my self, “Oh man, we are so left behind!” I felt the pinch and it was as if someone was yelling at me saying, “Wake up, Agape Tampines! WAKE UP!!!!”
Although I am aware that our center has just started last May and that there are bumps and thistles along the way, we should not make that as an excuse to delay important things that we can actually start doing now. Also, having to realize this, I committed that I will try my best to influence my colleagues, teach them and encourage helping each other by sharing ideas on how we can improve our rooms. Good thing about Agape teachers is that they are all open for learning and are very teachable. I am positive that with a little prodding, guidance and education, our team can do it.
Here are some of the things I believe we need to improve on:
1. Cleaning up and sorting all manipulative.
This means that we need to put toys that “belong together”. Our centre has a lot of manipulative but it is not being maximized and I don’t think all children understand how to use them PROPERLY.
2. Labeling all the corners, cubbyholes and bulletin boards.
We need to make sure that the toy that we place in a shelf is really for that said shelf.
3. Educating the children on how to use all the learning corners and toys PROPERLY.
This is VERY CRUCIAL. Because it will defeat the purpose of having the children learn from the manipulative and toys if they don’t know how and when to use it. There should be a time where the teacher of each class will sit down with her kids and explain to them the use of each manipulative or toy by demonstration. With this, the teacher can also include topics on why we should return it on its proper place, why do we need to take care of it, why we can’t just simply mix it up with other toys etc. At times, teacher can also play with the children so they get trained on how to do things and play it right. As we all know, children learn by doing!
Please also note that reminders will surely need to follow because children do not unlearn bad habits OVERNIGHT.
4. Educating the children about the bulletin board display.
Again, do this by having a tour with the children around the room and explain to them the purpose of each display. This is also an opportunity to tell them as to whether they can touch it or not, how to take care of it so they can keep their room beautiful and nice-looking. When children know the importance of any school item, I can assure you they will try their best to preserve it.
5. Educating, Training and Guiding the Teachers.
Teachers have different styles, strengths and weakness. And most teachers in our center admit that they are not so into arts, well guess what? Neither do I!
But I have always believed that there is nothing impossible to those who are determined to find ways especially when GOOGLE is just a click away. Maybe at first, I will have to give my colleagues some ideas that will be of help then later on, we will start to brainstorm, discuss until they get the hang of it.
As Confucius say, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime!”
6. Labeling the chairs, table, children’s things or any other materials and objects within the classroom that is mostly being used by the kids.
This will promote ownership, opportunity for learning how to read and lessens possible conflicts. Also, use BIG FONTS when labeling materials or when making a heading for small children. The younger the kids, the bigger the fonts needed.
7. Posting a short write-up in every art project that you will hang for your kids.
Again, it’s an opportunity for learning – it will encourage the children how to read fast and at the same time it will give information to others who will view it.
8. Displaying children’s art work and pictures in a creative manner.
Children take pride when you show the world what they have done.
It tells them that you are proud of their small wins and that encourages
them to love learning and do better each time.
9. Updating Songs and Rhymes posters, Calendar, Curriculum and Parent’s Overview.
10. Creating a huge, cost effective, creative and colorful Story-Based, Math, Arts and Crafts Corner and the like.
These are just some of the urgent things that I can think of as of the moment. There are a lot more to do but I will take things one a time. I am aiming to see improvement in out own center in the coming weeks. But then again, with proper training and guidance plus teamwork all these can be done.
Take a peek at how other AGAPE CENTRES look like:
i love this art display 
nice wall!
wow! too many art works :-)
even pathways have art display!
my favorite! :-)
floor decor! very creative!
whew, LETTERLAND!
Featured Wall: The Duck On the Truck
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