Today at Nayizi primary was hectic!
Upon arriving at school, the hidden part of the school library was in the process of being emptied out into the space in front of the Head Teacher's office in order that we can expand and reorganise the library.
Judith was busy inside the expanding library, delegating tasks and having pupils help carry piles of books out to be distributed to each standard. They used sheets to carry the books out. The buzz of excitement and anticipation from pupils who were helping and those who were watching the goings on was really something!
Agnes (DHT) accompanied me to my class, where there was a buzz of hyperactivity. Once I had entered the class, it became very apparent that this was due to the arrival of a huge number of learner books for Standard 6- for all curricular areas! In Malawi, it is the responsibility of parents to provide jotters (exercise books) and learner books for each curricular area-there are 9 curricular areas! As you can imagine, it is very difficult for parents to provide meals for their child(-ren) never mind school books and supplies!
Masavina was trying to figure out a way to distribute books fairly for pupils to use. Cue our teamwork... We decided to split the class into groups of 10, of which there are now 18(!). We encouraged pupils to consider who would be a good group leader and identified one for each group. As a class, we decided to name each group after one of the 28 Malawian districts- that was fun having a go at spelling! Thankfully, Agnes was on hand to help!
Once we had elected group leaders and had our names, we distributed learner books for each curricular area to each group. Each child in a group has responsibility for a book for each area of the curriculum and now there'll be enough for pupils to share one between 4 or 5 as opposed to one between 15 or 20! Pupils were beside themselves with excitement at the fact that they were getting their own book to keep- what an experience to witness such eagerness to read!
Once we had all sorted the books out, it was time for phala (porridge), which created further excitement. After our break, Judith was still clearing the library, so I held the fort and seized the opportunity to teach some more action songs. I've included some photographs and videos but not the one of Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes- the hilarity was too much for me to handle!
By the time we left, there had been a huge improvement in the library and we will hopefully be able to get it up and running by the end of next week!
