LEARNING THROUGH FUN
Last year when I got busy with other hobbies and interest my blog suffered but that does not mean interesting things were not happening in my Elementary Grade 1 class. An Encyclopedia as a Show and Tell brought in so much excitement and new learning that it got way beyond class room curriculum teaching . Flipping the pages of the Encyclopedia I stopped at Ancient Civilizations. Even for a second I did not think that it would be too difficult for my 6 year olds to understand. I brought it down to their level and it was so much fun knowing how civilizations developed around rivers. Obviously Egyptian civilization was talked about, the mummies, the pyramids etc. The stories and legends wow! there was so much to know and learn about. Tutankhamen became our latest hero !!
Then one day a little girl brought a small chart with weird pictures of half man with a cat head, a woman with a goat head , there were giggle all over obviously the child whose show and tell it was felt offended and then she started to speak. These were all the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses . It became so interesting for the class and every child associated himself or herself with each God. Different situations were handled with the help of these majestic Gods I did not have to interfere in fights the Egyptian Gods sorted out their problems through their legends .
Ra the Sun God became very popular, He could solve all problems just by keeping ones eyes shut Ra would have an answer for all . Bastet was loved by all the girls because Bastet helped in celebrations and parties. My little girls would pray to Bastes for happy times and happy play dates . Bastet as they knew loves kids and looks after children, they all felt very comfortable with Bastes in their heart. Prayers to Hathor would be answered whenever there was an issue of 'He is not being my friend or she does does not like me etc" Ma'at ,Goddess of justice truth and order, was my , the teacher's savior all the time .
What an enriching experience we all had, a small show and tell became a big learning. I always feel , it is very crazy and silly to have a general knowledge class for kids per say as a curriculum, general knowledge can be imparted to the kids , through every day talk and experiences like this, experience of learning about the Egyptian Gods. Would my kids have ever learnt about these Gods if I had to make them sit and teach? NEVER ! At 6 these children knew about these Gods and brought them into their everyday life helping them solve their problems.
What an enriching experience for me too,as I learnt so much about this rich ancient civilization in an interesting exciting manner. Thank you God Hathor for helping me sort out peer issues in class.
Last year when I got busy with other hobbies and interest my blog suffered but that does not mean interesting things were not happening in my Elementary Grade 1 class. An Encyclopedia as a Show and Tell brought in so much excitement and new learning that it got way beyond class room curriculum teaching . Flipping the pages of the Encyclopedia I stopped at Ancient Civilizations. Even for a second I did not think that it would be too difficult for my 6 year olds to understand. I brought it down to their level and it was so much fun knowing how civilizations developed around rivers. Obviously Egyptian civilization was talked about, the mummies, the pyramids etc. The stories and legends wow! there was so much to know and learn about. Tutankhamen became our latest hero !!
Then one day a little girl brought a small chart with weird pictures of half man with a cat head, a woman with a goat head , there were giggle all over obviously the child whose show and tell it was felt offended and then she started to speak. These were all the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses . It became so interesting for the class and every child associated himself or herself with each God. Different situations were handled with the help of these majestic Gods I did not have to interfere in fights the Egyptian Gods sorted out their problems through their legends .
Ra the Sun God became very popular, He could solve all problems just by keeping ones eyes shut Ra would have an answer for all . Bastet was loved by all the girls because Bastet helped in celebrations and parties. My little girls would pray to Bastes for happy times and happy play dates . Bastet as they knew loves kids and looks after children, they all felt very comfortable with Bastes in their heart. Prayers to Hathor would be answered whenever there was an issue of 'He is not being my friend or she does does not like me etc" Ma'at ,Goddess of justice truth and order, was my , the teacher's savior all the time .
What an enriching experience we all had, a small show and tell became a big learning. I always feel , it is very crazy and silly to have a general knowledge class for kids per say as a curriculum, general knowledge can be imparted to the kids , through every day talk and experiences like this, experience of learning about the Egyptian Gods. Would my kids have ever learnt about these Gods if I had to make them sit and teach? NEVER ! At 6 these children knew about these Gods and brought them into their everyday life helping them solve their problems.
What an enriching experience for me too,as I learnt so much about this rich ancient civilization in an interesting exciting manner. Thank you God Hathor for helping me sort out peer issues in class.
Today I returned from school late and I also have invited people for dinner so I am a bit busy will post my farewell poem tomorrow. Bye for now