Making the Magic

On arrival this morning we were very delighted to see the children already engaged in activities that were set out on each indivual table both inside and outside. We feel we have made a lot of progress with Teacher Selvin and Teacher Celin and this is proving to be consistent within the Day Care.
During the morning we asked Peter (the handyman) to secure some pegs in the Day Care for the childrens belongings, which he did very quickly! All the children and team were extremely happy with this and have already been using them throughout the day. Little things like this make such a difference to their everyday routine and has already given them a sense of belonging, which we value.
Throughout the morning the children were happily engaged and the older children enjoyed using the writing table to form both letters and numbers. Each one of them got excited to show us when they had finished, demonstrating a sense of pride in their work!
Whilst the children were engaged we had time to talk with Teacher Selvin and Teacher Celin about Making the Magic. We explained that this was our Yellow Dot values and exactly what we strive to be. Both Teachers showed an interest and were asking lots of question about the booklet. We explained that some things may be slightly different due to certain culture differences however Making the Magic creates a positive enviroment for both the children and team and this is the message we want to achive for the Day Care. Teacher Selvin and Teacher Celin will be focusing on embedding this in the next couple of weeks. We look forward to hearing about their progress.
Early afternoon the cupboard arrived, much excitement in the air!!! We took time to organise it, demonstrating to the team how it should be accessible for both them and the children throughout the day. We hope that this will implement more free flow access and allow children to choose resources and be encouraged to return them.
Its lovely to see the changes already and over our last few days we will be working on transitioning times and how changes can happen throughout the day.

making the difference.....

Over the last few days we have been working together with Teacher Selvin and Teacher Celin to understand the importance of routine and daily activities that are interesting and inviting for the children. We explained how we work in Yellow Dot by setting out provocations on the table for the children to explore and how we follow the children's interests. We explained that too much on one table can be too much for a child and that it can sometimes be over stimulating, making it difficult for them to focus. However we also explained that other things can come out if the children lose interest. Both Teacher Selvin and Teacher Celin have taken on what we have said.
Today we arrived and the tables were already outside, children sat around them, happily engaged in what activities were going on. Eventually all tables came out as it was a nice morning and the children had 5 tables to explore, each set out with different activities. We were so impressed and really praised both Teacher Selvin and Teacher Celin! We spoke briefly about what a difference it has made and how the children are learning through their play. We have noticed the black board has not been used for any formal teaching all week. The children are becoming so proud of their creations they are making and coming up to us to take a picture of it, others quietly enjoy the praise they are given. Their smiles just say it all!
Whilst on the drawing table with the children i noticed one child drawing C4C (photo included), which made me so proud as this is what the charity is all about (Citzens 4 Change). The children were able to draw objects that were familiar to them and the older children wrote letters/sounds and numbers. I wrote a child's name on their paper and she was able to copy it underneath. They love to draw and create models, the language and learning that is going on is just outstanding, and it just shows we can make a difference and we have!
Teacher Selvin said she wanted to take the children out for a nature walk in the local community so they could spot different colours and minibeasts - we thought this was wonderful, as children learn from real life experiences. We gathered all 35 children and walked out onto the street, children from 1 years old to 4 years old walked along while Teacher Selvin pointed out the different colours of flowers, which the children loved to pick and then bring them to us and told us the colour as they gave to us. We also found some grasshoppers and butterflies which they enjoyed showing us. The children of all ages were engaged and we could tell this is something they do regularly, they were happily walking in the streets, very relaxed. All of the children walk to school through the slums with their parents or older siblings so they are used to walking from a very young age. We all collected natural materials whilst on our walk. Once we got back the children were encouraged to explore what they had found, talking about the different shapes, colours and textures they had observed - even a grasshopper and a dead moth made it back to school with us!!
Later on we went to the Maasai market for the Charity Coffee shop in Romsey, Asante. Asante buy things from the market and sell them in their shop, continuing to raise money for the Life Centre School. There are lots of lovely African crafts along with traditional cultural items. We have selected a few items that will be on sale at the coffee shop when we get back. It was extremely hot at the market and we feel obliged to go to every store to show respect to them. A big part of visiting the market is being able to bargain with the stall holders which is exhausting! But we got through it and are very happy with our bargains.

We hope you all have a lovely weekend and thank you for taking your time to read our blog. We can't believe we have been here 2 weeks already and only have 1 left, but we strongly feel we have made a huge difference to the provision in the day care and cant wait to continue with it next week!

A day of progress

We arrived early for Day Care today to continue to role model setting up provocations. We were delighted to see the tables already outside with children sat around them all waving with huge grins when they saw us. It is such a warm feeling knowing we have made bonds with all the children and they get so excited when they see us, its really going to be hard to say goodbye next week!
Teacher Selvin was just setting up the table for the children with provocations, with this we hurried over and helped her continue. Some of the older children were inside and younger ones outside as we got told today the older ones (3-4 years) had exams today!! We were very curious to see what these exams entailed as we were surprised at this age they would be taking them. There exams were to start at 9.30, so we continued our free flow and provocations with the children until then.
Some of the children moved from each table exploring the things that were displayed, once again water play was a huge hit, and we are now thinking we really need to invest in water aprons here :-).
Exams started for the older Day Care children and one by one each child went to Teacher Celin whom had a piece of paper for each individual child and they had to say the pictures/ letters in English to her. This consisted of every day life things like car, cup, apple, sun and letters a,b,c,d,e. She ticked them as the child said it correctly. The exam finished in time for snack time which today we had outside. It was lovely sitting outside as there is so much space and it was nice and cool. At snack time the older children go and get their bags and get their own snack brought in from home (the school does not provide snacks, just lunch). We noticed that their bags are all piled in a corner or on one of the beds so after seeing this we asked James and Alice if we could provide some hooks for the children belongings (like our peg trolleys in Yellow Dot) so that each child can feel valued and have a sense of belonging. This also provides them with more responsibility as they are able to collect and return their their belongings as they need to. We found 2 planks of wood within the school playground and we will provide some hooks for them by the end of the week.
The builder Ben came to measure up a lockable cupboard for all the resources too today and we have asked if that could be made by the time we leave so we can help Teacher Selvin and Teacher Celin organise the cupboard so it provides free access for the children throughout each day.
Before lunch time we encouraged the Teachers to engage children in rings games so that someone was able to set up the lunch time tables. The children love rings games and will play for hours here, its a great social interaction had by all. Lunch time is going really well and we think we have pretty much mastered it!
Over the next couple of days we will be visiting the Day Care's routine to set a structured routine for the Teachers and children and support the transition times. We will also be visiting the WOW factor, Values and Schema's with the Teachers to help them understand each individual child and how they learn and how this can be supported through play.
Tonight we are off out for dinner, we think we have eaten the hotel menu twice over already (its not a very big choice of menu). James and Alice will be joining us to talk about future progression for the school.

A busy day....

Today we arrived at the school for 7.30 am to prepare the day care ready for the children's arrival. When we arrived there were about 10 children inside already. We were greeted by all and then had a quick chat to the teacher about what the plan was for the day. We moved tables outside to set up a free flow environment and laid out provocations on each table. We then encouraged the children to access all the activities choosing freely to play inside or outside. The children continued to arrive until 9am, all calm and happy, the parents greeted us and shook our hands (its the traditional way of greeting in Kenya). Although the children accessed the activities at the table they sat there until they were shown what to do, as this was a new experience for them. We placed out playdough, sensory bottles, colouring in items, scissors, hand gym for the older children for pre- writing skills, duplo and most importantly water play with different sized, shaped and textured sponges. There was lots for them to choose from but as this was new to them they would sit at one table for long periods of time until we encouraged and showed them that they can move around freely and independently gaining experience of all activities. After some time all children were happily moving around, it was a happy and stimulating environment for all.
We worked with Teacher Selvin and role modelled how children learn through play by talking about the colours, sorting, free drawing to develop skills, maths and for the younger children to explore more sensory activities.
We supported Teacher Selvin during transitioning stages so the children would understand and adapt to a routine. This included things like encouraging the children to tidy up, which they were very enthusiastic about and wanting to help with everything, getting ready for snack, washing hands using the new outside tap (which was funded by YD parents over the Christmas period, so thank you), and getting ready for lunch which was served in the classroom today rather than the children waiting for it outside the kitchen.
We noticed at the end of the session Teacher Selvin collecting all the things we brought and taking them to the office to be locked away. We asked why this was happening and she replied saying it would get stolen if it wasn't locked away. After some thought we asked James and Alice to get a quote for putting in a lockable cupboard in the Day Care classroom so it would be easy access for Teacher Selvin and the children throughout the day, gaining more free play and children choices.

Reflecting on today we feel Teacher Selvin and the children in Day Care had a fun packed day filled with laughter, smiles and learning while playing. Teacher Selvin is an amazing teacher in Day Care, she cares so deeply for each individual child and is passionate about children. She takes everything we suggest and advise on board and is a fast learner. She truly inspires us every day and we wish we could bring her back with us to England!
We have another early rise tomorrow, but we are looking forward to what it will bring. Today has been inspiring for the both of us and we feel we are making an impact on the children's learning and development.

Water fun

Today we couldn't wait for lunch time to produce our cups, sippy cups and jugs to the children that we bought yesterday. I honestly wish you could have seen their VERY happy faces when we explained that they will each have their own cup and meal times and they can pour themselves water throughout the day, the amazement and excitement was priceless. We set up the tables using their new silver spoons, cups, sippy cups and jugs for them. During lunch time they sat at the tables holding onto their cups and happily drank all of their water and we offered them more water showing them how to pour from the jug and encouraging them to help themselves.

After lunch we unpacked our 4 suitcases full of things that YD parents kindly donated - again a HUGE THANK YOU for this as it makes such a difference. We are excited for the children to actually see and use different coloured pens and pencils and chalks. We also had 3 footballs given to us from the Asante Coffee Shop. We gave Teacher Selvin a football to go and share with the Day Care children. She was very excited and had so much fun. We watched them playing different games with the ball, all sharing really nicely and waiting for their turn. The reaction of having a football to play with was amazing!

In the afternoon, we went to the food market to buy food for the nursery that will last for the next 2 months. This consisted of rice, beans, maize and corn. The school use the same lady called Linda who is very faithful. The market is full of natural fruit that grows locally it is very busy and chaotic and lots and lots of flies. Linda offered us fresh watermelon which was delicious and very refreshing in the heat and then gave us half the watermelon to bring back with us to our hotel.

Today was a cooler day in Kisumu, 29 degrees which the Kenyans think it is cold and most are wearing jumpers and long trousers. When the weather changes the children don't attend school as much as they get sick very easily - mostly chest infections (by the sounds of it). Due to the heavy storm we had last night, which put the hotel in darkness and we had to eat our dinner in the dark, some children didn't attend Day Care due to the dampness. We were very relived it was slightly cooler today.

This afternoon, the day care children began exploring a large container of water out in the playground (this was the container filled with water for hand washing). Water play is not something provided for the children normally due to the cost. Usually, the children wonder the playground which has not a single resource to play with so you can imagine the excitement and the fun that they had with this. We need not say alot as the pictures say it all! 

We have the weekend off this weekend and going to explore the Kenyan surroundings. We hope that you have a lovely weekend and have enjoyed reading the blog this week.

More to come next week.........

"Chocolate meat"

Arrived at the Day Care at snack time, which was a calm and welcoming environment, all the children were happy and enjoying their snack at the tables. This was lovely to see - it feels like we have already made an impact by observing and talking to Teacher Selvin, who is the teachers assistant. She is very on board with what we have to say and truly cares for all the children. She is passionate, is constantly engaged with the children and always has a big smile on her face!
Before lunch we asked if we could do boogie mites outside with the children. We gathered all the children under the big tree in the fresh air. The children absolutely loved boogie mites and picked up the "English Moves" quickly which made it very enjoyable for both us   and them. After enjoying taking pictures of us hosting our boogiemites session, James came over and was singing "yummy yummy yummy Chocolate meat!", which of course made us giggle! (for those who don't know, its chocolate cake!) This continued for half an hour until lunch was ready. We sat with the children during lunch hour in a calm and happy environment, as all children were sitting on chairs, eating at the table.

 We have noticed over the last few days that the children have to share 2 cups between the whole class after lunch for a drink of water. Today we decided to go to town and buy some necessary utensils for the Day Care and some materials for the uniform. We brought 54 cups, 5 jugs and then noticed some sippy cups for the younger children so we brought 12 of them. We also brought 100 silver tea spoons for the children to use during lunch times as at the moment, they use plastic spoons. Tomorrow we will be setting up the table with the silver spoons a jug in the middle of each table with a cup for each child - this is something we do at Yellow Dot and know it will be an even smoother transition and an enjoyable meal time for the Day care.

A squash and a squeeze..

Today we arrived at the school just after 8am again and went straight into Day Care to see what was going on. So far there were 15 children in with 1 teacher. Most of the children were sat down at empty tables, others on the mattresses on the floor. After about 10 minutes the teacher began getting some toys out for the children. This involved throwing a few handfuls of duplo blocks onto the mattresses and stacking rings. She also got out some empty bottles and gave the children  something to put inside. This included small wooden sticks and pom-poms. However, out of the 6 children sat at the table, only 3 were given them as there were just not enough. The teacher praised them when they completed this task however encouraged them to do it quickly and then took them away, passing them onto children who were yet to have a turn. More children started arriving into class and this continued for the next half an hour. The room became very warm and cramped, totalling up to 4 adults including ourselves and 43 children! (some of which were very distressed). In England, the children's play rooms are measured by square foot and this results in how many children we can legally take within that space, in Kenya, the same rule does not apply. The Kenyan government allow the school to have 45 children just in the Day Care! We also observed that the children aren't settled into the room the same way that they are back at Yellow Dot. Often, they are pulled away from their Mothers, sat down on the floor, laid on a bed or given food. Throughout the morning it became clear that there was nothing similar to our Key Person system we have in place back at Nursery.
Today one of our focuses was lunch time. After seeing the transition over the last couple of days we felt this was something important that we wanted to adapt. We went and collected more chairs to ensure every child in Day Care could eat their lunch sat at the table, ensuring no one was eating on a bed or a mattress. We started setting up the room and moving tables to which the teachers began helping. We explained what it was that we would like to do and they happily moved the mattresses out the way and helped to organise chairs and tables. The children all went and collected their lunch and came back to the Day Care which was already set up for them and straight away were all able to find a chair to sit on. The meal time was much calmer and the children were all happy and comfortable. In England we have to stay in ratio throughout the whole day even over lunch times, however this is not the case in Kenya, at 1 o'clock it is the staff's lunch time at regardless if the children are still eating, sleeping, inside or outside they are left unattended.

Today we also had a look at the Early Childhood Development (ECD) document which is Kenya's equivalent of our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) back in England. The expectations of the children are very basic in comparison to the EYFS and the learning outcomes are very simple. This week we will be looking at how the teachers record each child's development and how they are providing opportunities to achieve these learning outcomes.

After reflecting on our day, one thing we are keen to implement which we have discussed with James and Alice this afternoon is free flow play in the Day Care. We feel that having both the inside and outside environment for the children to choose from will benefit them and create a calmer, happier and more stimulating environment and also less chaotic with up to 45 children in one space! Also, one of our focuses will be the activities and resources the children are engaging in as there seems to be very little. For the rest of the week we will be looking at what resources they have and how they can use these in different ways but also identifying whether they are in need of anything new and perhaps some ideas and strategies.

It has just started raining here in Kenya with lots of thunder and very, very grey skies - which is nice and cool for us!  We hope the weather is nicer for school tomorrow! Goodnight :)