Teaching most of Tuesday

Teaching mind mapping






This was to be one of the busiest days as the English teacher was absent and I took over. It is quite a challenge to be faced with so many eager children who are learning to speak English when the only Burmese you recognise is `hello and thank you ` as well as the problem of limited resources. I decided to introduce mind maps as a way of planning and organising their work and had my boys working hard modelling their own maps and drawing examples on the whiteboard. We all three worked hard explaining and supporting the childen and I was pleased with the end result although quite drained with the sign language and slow deliberate pronunciation. We went on and learned the Fischy song `I`m the only I` which they learned amazingly well and they laughed so much at the actions for dancing and romancing , often breaking into loud clapping. But they were soon singing the song with gusto and I have it recorded to show all at a Pirniehall Gettogether. We tried circle time discussions to encourage them to acknowledge their many talents and strengths , as well as short word bingo which they loved.....we gave out postcards of Edinburgh as prizes ! Just before lunch we were trying out new fun games like hangman and all in all we had a very busy but productive time.











Kindergarten learn the alphabet



The children moved effortlessly from English to Thai and then Burmese language.The kindergarten were practising their alphabet and the boys lead them in the ABC song. You might have noticed the markings on the children`s faces (see smiley face above)) and this is Burmese make-up which also cools down the face. It is popular with children and adults and I was treated to a facial too!





Learning Thai Language and Music

In the afternoon we played back the video to the children of them singing and doing the Fischy actions which they absolutely loved. They had never seen themselves on television.












Watching themselves on television

Children who had been absent for their identification cards had their photographhs taken below by a volunteer from the Help Without Frontiers organisation.


Identification photographs


Pho Cho`s wife surprised us with gifts wrapped up beautifully and inside were Burmese wrap arounds for Alan and the boys and a lovely handbag for yours truly. We were so touched because we did not expect this.

The boys try on their presents


Maybe we could bring this little treasure home?

We left before the end of the day and headed towards Hle Bee school (Forthview`s partner school) and as we cycled in we were met with the familiar sounds of Fischy music being sung enthusiastically by hundreds of children. They were raising the roof, led by Sheila and the Hle Bee Headteacher with Fiona and Murray singing their hearts out. We joined in immediately and Stephen Fischbacher would have had an emotional moment at the wonderful sound that resonated around the school. The children loved meeting Scottish boys as Calum and Lewis introduced themselves. They all shook our hands as they left school and close by parents were preparing traditional Burmese soup for the special celebration next day, Bhudda Day. Another lovely Burmese migrant community working together and sharing a special friendship with a Scottish school. I have a good picture of us all singing together but there are Burmese teachers in it and I dont want to compromise them so will not post it.


On journey home washing hanging out over bushes indicate someone`s home



When not cycling we took a Tuk Tuk