Developing New Skills

Twende taratibu. Go forward in small steps. This morning was the first
time that we were able to distribute the novels and dictionaries to the
Ninth Grade students. I have been eager to use all of the new resources at
our disposal.
We are reading a novel called Mabala the Farmer.
Each student is able to read from an individual copy of the
novel which were distributed first. The lesson began with the students searching for terms from the chapter with which they were not familiar.
We listed all of the vocabulary on the blackboard.
It took us some time to list all of the
unknown words. The students, then copied all of the words into their
own vocabulary list which they could use when they are reading
independently. We worked on pronunciation. Next, I distributed the
English-Kiswahili dictionaries to students usually 2-3 per group, so
they could look up the words. We talked about the proper use and
handling of the dictionaries to ensure long term care. I conducted an
introductory lesson on how to use the dictionary and explain how it is
organised. I described what guide words were which seemed to have been generally
understood among the students. I followed this by allowing the
students some time to search for words and become familiar with how the
dictionary worked. They eagerly looked up the words they did not know.
I then had students come to the main board to write down the
definitions in Swahili for their classmates. They enjoyed the opportunity to write for their fellow students. All the books were checked
for spelling and completion of the task which was done very well.
We proceeded to read the third chapter. Students were eager to participate
in oral reading. Some students needed encouragement to speak loudly and
clearly as this is a feature of classes which they do not typically get to do. I was gratified by the increase of students who wished to read aloud further developing their skills. It was a very good class, and the students enjoyed it immensely. Future lessons will be directed at reinforcing these skills and building comprehension of the story itself.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Pics are forthcoming. Just need to work out file sizes, so they can be published.