Students take Big Books to school
University of Namibia B.Ed (ECEC) lecturers and students from Khomasdal Campus recently visited Monte Christo Primary Project School in Havana. The 35 students were accompanied by three language lecturers, Ms. Helga Kaurora, Ms. Jacolynn van Wyk and Ms. Jessica Jansen.The students created their own Big Books in English as well as in several other Namibian languages. They were encouraged to use recycled material and they integrated themes from Environmental Studies in their stories while using their Arts Education skills to create the books.
In collaboration with the principal, Ms. Elizabeth Murangi, and two grade 3 teachers, Ms. Violety Jansen and Ms. Uno Murangi, the students were afforded the opportunity to show off these big books and to model the skills they were taught.
The school visit was supported by Deep Sea Investments who sponsored fruit, juice, and chips to both learners and students.
“We lack story books and this project gives us ideas to make our own and to foster the culture of reading in our learners,” Principal Murangi said as she instructed the teachers to take some photos of the beautiful books that were created by the UNAM students.
“I am so glad we visited the school, the interaction with the learners was good, and seeing how well my book worked with the activities I developed gave me ideas on how to improve,” one student remarked.
The Read-Aloud project strives to narrow the gap between theory and practice, promote literacy and language development and enhance work-integrated learning experiences. It ties in with the mission of the School of Education to provide quality teaching and promote educational technology and innovative best practices.