I had a wonderful session with my Level 5 students creating Diamante poems. To start off, I introduced the origin of the word "Diamante" and discussed its appearance.

 Alhamdulillah,

The event went successfully after me and Ani did a run test few days before. 😄 I'm very honored for being invited as one of the panel to share my experience in teaching English online to kids.  The sharing session is between me and participants from Yayasan Terengganu. All of them are in the programme so called - Trenglishxcommunity for Thelp@Community.

I couldn't imagine that I've talked to almost 50 people. The feeling were not definitely the same if you talk lively in front of human. Personally, talking online for me is more comfortable compare to the real one. Heheheh~

But yet, there are still a thought at back of my mind to choose a clear words and proper sentence so that they will understand what I'm going to deliver.  

Other than that, I keep remind myself to watch out my speaking speed. Sometimes, I feel that I talk just like a speed of train. 😂

Hereby is the interview that have been conducted during the sharing session. I hope it will benefit to others too :)

iv   Gives a brief intro about me to all-how we know each other from Geology to English..

      Can you tell us a bit about how u got started in teaching English & what English program do you offer/teach now?

After we came back from Japan, in 2016. I don’t want my kids’ English proficiency lose, hence I scouting few English programmers nearby our house. Finally, I found out that my children’s’ school at that time offered this English programme. Called – Cambridge English Class.

 

I fell in love with the syllabus, content and there is no term of fail or pass. The children will do a placement test and they will be placed accordingly to their level and competency.

 

So, what trigger me to start teaching? As the children growing up. They don’t really need my attention as much as while they were still babies or toddlers. I must think something that can make me working but still having a balance life. I’ve tried sewing and baking. But it seems doesn’t last long.

 

I     I’ve approached the owner of this Cambridge English Programme and asked her permission to join her team. She then offered me more significant opportunity-  to invest and have my own Cambridge English Programmed.

      You centre have always offered classes online or only since the pandemic? What’s the difference between face to face & online class setup ie. class size, frequency?

 

I started teaching face to face in 2019. And then, after the pandemic Covid-19 hit our country, I’ve changed the method to online.

 

In term of class size : I have in total 17  students. And they divided into 4 groups. The ages of the students are form 9yrs old to 13 yrs old. They placed based on their own level. I have roughly like 3-5 students in one class.

 

Before online, the duration of the lesson is two hours and for online class is one hour and of course there are breaks in between.

 

What’s the first things you do to prepare when you decide to teach English onlin 

      We must know basic the I.T, explore which platform & familiarize with it, know all functions. I think it's not only me, but also the parents and the students. Zoom, Google Meet, Webex, Skype etc .  What I did was, I start by offering 1 month free class first as a free trial.

Do you set rules for your online class, what are the rules?

      Yes of course!  the rules like : Enable your camera as much as you can, mute you  mic, chat/speak. I also rewarded them by giving marks and finally send a food like cakes / drinks to their house.

      How do make the lesson plan for online class, any difference than for face to face class?

Firstly,  you have to bear in mind that you only have less than one hour of teaching and the attention span is definitely are not the same as we teach the students offline.
 

We need to think within that time, what are you going to achieve. A lesson plan are still required to ensure everything will be going smooth. Longer time, some have to give out instruction earlier, i.e. for speaking activity and extra. 

It's bit a hassle in the beginning, but though time InshaALLAH you will get used with the flow and by that time, you no longer need a details lesson plan.

What do u think is the biggest challenge for your online English class & maybe how u address it?

      Impact vs numbers?

I choose the impact. It's useless if you have many students, but they did not learn anything at the end of the day.

Split the students to get a smaller number.  How to keep them focusing during the online class? Mix between settlers  and stirring activities. ( writing, drawing, speaking task, online game )

Different age different approach, various activities. More time to think and scratch your head.

A   Any final say maybe words encouragement or motivation to us who might be doing online English programs too?

1) 1) Start with small number of children and have a lesson plan. Think the satisfaction after each of the lessons. How do you feel about it? Also, keep learning too. Don't stop yourself from learning and reading. Enroll / invest yourself to any courses that you think can help you in this field.

After I've got a certificate ( CELT- P ) from Cambridge, I'm feel more motivated. I've challenged myself to conduct a baking class via online. 

But before that,  I've enrolled Hannah for the online baking class with KLC  ( Khadijah Learning Centre) . After that, I knew it's possible to do it. Hence, my first experiment with these bunch of lovely children. They were our kids' friends when we were at Japan not long time ago.

The main objective is to teach the students about imperatives - verbs that we use to give instructions or orders.

It couldn't be happened without the support from the parents. They the one who willingly spent their  money and time to buy and prepare the ingredients and help their children. 

Alhamdulillah...

Here are the tips that you can follow or have it in mind.

1) Lesson Plan
Set your main goal and have a clear objective. For example, I want to teach my students the imperatives  in the context of the recipe. And, at the end of the lesson, I want them to understand and practice the imperatives.

2) Recipe
Create your own recipe or find it from the internet. Make sure that the instructions  are complying to what you need. I've added or replaced the words and make it suit with my students' understanding. 

3) Timing
Plan your timing correctly. Since my class in one hour, I've divided the lesson into two parts. I'll explain and brief the students on what is the imperatives means. Next, we did a simple quiz. Finally, we started our baking project.

4) During the hands-on baking class
Try as best as you can to follow the step from the recipe. Read it aloud so that the students can hear the instructions. Remind the students to enable their camera as much as you can.

I've waited patiently for each steps that they need to follow. Keep asking them, how are they doing. Before the lesson ended, I've asked them how they are feeling. Are they happy? Excited? was it fun?

5) Ask the students to take their cake's photo and share it via WhatsApp. Praised and congratulated them for their excellent job. Also, thanked the parents for their support too.

Updates from my students.

5) Follow up  

In the normal lesson next week, I've made a simple revision on the imperatives. i.e : jumbled words game. Spell the word C-U-T in a different way : T -U - C. Ask the students to guess and answer.

6) Others 

To add more excitement, I've made a poster using Canva and shared it with my students a week before the class.

IE4 and IE6 are the levels of the students. Their ages are between 10 years old - 13 years old

For having an impactful lesson, make sure that you have a small size of class. I've had only seven students during this online baking class conducted.

Finally, do a reflection after your class ends. Think about what went wrong / good. By having this thought, you will make some improvements in your next class.InshaALLAH...

That's all for now and I hope you guys can benefits from this sharing. Thank you for reading!

 

Words can't describe how grateful and happy I am. After the struggles and the efforts, It's all paid off. I never thought that one day I would become what I am now.

So, how was I ended as a Cambridge English for primary students?

After I went back from Japan, I don't want Hannah's confidence in English fade away. Hence, I enrolled her to the Cambridge English Class. I fell in love with the content inside the book. They've got many exciting topics and activities.

I also think to pack my free time with something good and benefit activities. Throughout time, I actually have tried other skills such as - sewing and baking. None of these two can keep me consistent and focus.

No push factor, I guess.

One day, I met Doc Khor, she's the Cambridge English Programme owner at my children's school. I approached and told her that I wanted to become a teacher and part of the team.

She welcomed me, and in fact, she offered something more significant than my original intention.

She asked me whether I'm interested in running my own class. It means I will become a chief and a teacher at the same time.

After a discussion with my husband, Alfan Academy's owner and did my solat istikhrah, I braved myself to take the opportunity.

Later on, I got an email from her about CELT-P course. I've googled and asked the person-in-charge. I was excited and doubtful at first.

I was uncertain with my ability.

My brain starts bombarded with many questions. Can I make it? Is this worth it? If I completed this course, then what's next?

Of course, there were ups and downs during the journey, and Alhamdulillah, with ALLAH's favour. I finally did it.

I don't think that I can make it without support from the people around me.

From left : Mr Chong ( standing ) , Hawa, Mages, Catherine, Me, Ms Harveena  , Mei and Kiera. This picture taken on last day of our face to face session.

The course ended a few weeks before our country had the first lockdown in 2020 due to the pandemic of Covid-19.

I truly grateful because I don't have to repeat my final  Teaching Practice. It's because some of my coursemates had to redo. It wasn't an easy thing because due to the pandemic, there were so many uncertainties that we have to deal with.

Pandemic seems troublesome to everyone around the globe. The process to get the certs were also affected. Hence, we had to wait for almost a year.

Studying at this age is more challenging. You have to simultaneously wear various hats - a wife, a mom, a student, and a teacher.

Alhamdulillah, I finally made it.

Special thanks to the people around me - My husband, the closest person in my life since 2014. Thank you for taking care of our children when I need to attend my face to face session. May ALLAH S.W.T rewards you abundantly.

Not to forget is the place that I've taught my students. It's  Alfan Academy. Thank you for the opportunity that you have given to me. Without your centre, I don't think that I can complete the course.

To my beloved parents, thank you for your du'a and advice. Emak and Ayah, both of you are exceptional in my heart. I pray, may ALLAH S.W.T have compassion and grant both of you the highest level of Jannah.

Also not to forget are my coursemates - Hawa, Mages, Mei, Chong, Catherine and Kiera. You guys did a great job! Thank you for the cheers and support. I hope our friendship will last forever.

With my instructor from Cambridge , Ms Harveena. Thanks a lot for the guidance.

On the examination's day

I also inspired with the dedication shown by my coursemates. Despite their age, they did it very well.

 

And it told me something.

.

.

.

.

.

Don't stop seeking knowledge. In fact, in Islam, it's obligatory for us as Muslims to seek knowledge. 

There are many evidence and virtues of seeking, acquiring and spreading the knowledge of the deen, that can be found in the hadith of Allah's last messenger Mohammad (ﷺ). 

Here are some of them:

Narrated Abu Hurairah:

that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him."

— Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2646

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Who goes goes seeking knowledge, then he is in Allah's cause until he returns."

— Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2647

This is not solely about the certificate. It's a victory for me. For a hard work and dedication. Time, money and energy that I have invested.

It's totally paid off! 

Assalammualaikum w.b.t

Anak-anak merupakan manusia yang ALLAH S.W.T ciptakan dengan pelbagai keistimewaan dan bakat. Apabila mereka disatukan di dalam kumpulan yang besar maka pening jugalah para pendidik atau ibu- bapa apabila mereka tidak mahu ataupun jika mahu, hanya sekadar melepaskan batuk di tangga apabila disuruh untuk melakukakn sesuatu tugasan tersebut.

Pernah dengar Teori Gardner tentang multiple intelligences?

Genius di sini adalah milik semua manusia . Cuma mungkin kita terlalu sibuk untuk  berfikir lebih dalam mengenainya. Ataupun, kita sudah berpuluh tahun terikat dengan sistem yang ada di negara kita. Lebih fokus kepada sagala jenis peperiksaan. Dari UPKK, UPSR, PSRA, PT3, SPM. Anak-anak dipaksa untuk menurut kemahuan orang lain tanpa diberi peluang untuk mereka dinilai dari segi sudut yang lain.

Akibatnya, kita tidak mampu mengenal pasti apa sebenarnya kebijaksanaan anak-anak /  murid-murid kita. Walhal, sudah dinyatakan juga bahawa manusia yang diciptakan oleh Tuhan Yang Maha Esa adalah sebaik-baik kejadian.

Saya juga ingin berkongsi tentang apa yang saya perolehi ketika menghadiri seminar yang disampaikan oleh Dr. Leslie Barrat seorang Professor Emerita dari Indiana State University.

Tajuknya adalah :

 "Challenging and Engaging All of Your Students"

Konsep yang beliau sampaikan adalah lebih kurang sama dengan apa yang telah saya pelajari di CELT-P ( Certificate English Learning in Teaching - Primary ) course module-7. 

Tetapi, kelainananya adalah Dr. Leslie banyak memberikan 'apa' jenis aktiviti yang dapat kita lakukan bersama dengan para pelajar. Bukan satu, tapi ada lebih kurang 3-5 jenis aktiviti.

Namun pada saya, kita sebagai guru atau ibu-bapa perlu faham dalam cara anak-anak ini belajar. Apa jenis aktiviti yang mereka suka lakukan. 

Kaedah yang dicadangkan adalah, pembahagian kumpulan mengikut 'station' yang berpadukan minat / kebolehan anak-anak tersebut.

Contohnya :

Kumpulan 1 - Menggunting dan melekatkan gam
Kumpulan 2 - Mewarna
Kumpulan 3 - Membina sesuatu dengan tanah liat

Lagipun, masa tumpuan penuh anak-anak ini adalah bergantung kepada usia mereka. Jika, umur mereka 7 tahun, tambah 1 jadi jumlahnya adalah 8. Ini bermakna bahawa jumlah masa yang diambil untuk mereka yang berusia 7 tahun untuk duduk di kerusi dan melihat kita megajar di hadapan kelas adalah hanya selama 8-10 minit sahaja. 

Jika, lebih dari itu. Bersedialah anda untuk mendegar dan berhadapan dengan pelbagai aduan dari rakyat kecil ini. Antaranya :

"Teacher, I want to go to the toilet"

"Teacher, I want to go back home now. I want to play game"

"Teacher, tengok rambut saya ni. Dia buat"

Ketika ini, anda harus pandai menjaga emosi, kesabaran dan ketenangan. Sesungguhnya, mata-mata comel yang ada di hadapan sedang memerhatikan reaksi seorang guru yang cuba mengawal keadaan.


Kita perlukan aktiviti kepelbagaian untuk meraikan 'perbezaan'. Perlu bersederhana dalam semua perkara termasuk lah dalam membuat soalan-soalan peperiksaan.

Jika ada para pelajar yang memerlukan sokongan dari kita. Maka, sepatutnya soalan-soalan yang dikemukakan di atas kertas perlulah seiring dengan pemahaman dan aras berfikir mereka.

Ini penting untuk mengelakkan mereka dari berfikir yang selama-lamanya mereka tidak pandai dan rasa tidak bermotivasi untuk belajar.

Akhirnya, emosi mereka terguris. Kecewa. Ibu-bapa pun stress, lantas terus menyalahkan si anak,.

Begitulah sebaliknya yang perlu dilakukan terhadap para pelajar yang lebih ke hadapan dari kumpulan pertama di atas. Soalan-soalan yang ditanya, perlu satu level dengan aras pemikiran mereka. Jika, dimudahkan takut nanti mereka akan rasa tidak mencabar langsung seterusnya mereka akan bosan.

Kecewa
dan
bosan.


Di kelas saya ada seorang pelajar yang tidak gemar melukis.

Saya memang perasan bahawa dia akan berusaha lebih 'keras' dari rakan-rakannya yang lain apabila ada latihan yang memerlukan jawapan itu untuk dilukis. Walhal,  saya tidak memerlukan hasil lukisan yang begitu cantik  pun.

Kerana pada saya, seni itu subjektif dan kadang kala, 'less is more' itu sesutau yang memang kita cari.

Lalu saya beritahu kepada mereka bahawa terdapat dua jenis  akiviti yang akan dilakukan pada hari itu.

Ianya adalah :

1) Melukis
2) Menulis

Seperti yang sudah saya jangkakan, pelajar tersebut tidak mahu melukis dan dia mahu menulis.

Baik,

Saya berikan arahan dahulu kepada kelas untuk mereka yang mahu melukis. Selesai yang itu, saya pergi ke pelajar tersebut dan beritahu yang dia perlu buat 'mind map' bertemakan 'litter'.

Ini adalah topik yang pernah saya bincangkan pada sesi pembelajaran minggu-minggu sebelumnya. Saya berbincang dan memberi beberapa pendapat tentang apakah jenis 'punishment' jika ada di antara ahli keluarga yang tetap membuang sampah di merata tempat walaupun di dalam rumah sendiri.

Saya agak terkejut kerana akhirnya, pelajar tersebut menulis idea nya sendiri dan ianya memang sangat kena dengan tajuk 'litter' tersebut.

Alhamdulillah...kelas saya pada malam itu sangat tenang, mendamaikan dan saya pasti mereka juga gembira apabila dengan hasil-hasil karya mereka yang unik itu.

Semoga saya terus bersemangat, rajin dan dikurniakan ilham untuk membuat sesuatu yang ada kelainan terhadap anak-anak murid saya.

InshaALLAH.