During my recent experience in Honiara with the Salvation Army, I observed the impactful work being done through their literacy initiative, Learning Spaces, which offers classes in villages across the islands. The workshop I facilitated brought together leaders from these groups, many of whom traveled long distances for training.
The purpose of the workshop was to introduce a phonics program that could be accessible to all. To support differentiated instruction in classrooms with over 60 students, I introduced the concept of bookmaking. This approach enables educators to create small intervention groups for students struggling with phonics.
One of the most poignant moments for me was witnessing the enthusiasm for writing among the adult participants. In our initial exercise, I encouraged them to write about anything that inspired them. One individual drew his island and shared its story, while another reflected on coconuts and village life. It was particularly striking to see one participant design her first page to resemble the cover of a traditional exercise book.
In our subsequent session, I provided a picture as a prompt for creating a book. This led to diverse interpretations: one participant expressed concern about a nearby volcanic island, another described the lush leaves of local trees, and yet another wrote about eggs nestled in a bird's nest.
The Learning Spaces initiative, led by my dedicated colleagues in Honiara, is truly transformative. The community's desire for their children to acquire English language skills is evident, and they aspire to integrate this learning alongside formal schooling. Sessions are held in the afternoons, allowing for a supportive, tutor-like environment that complements students' academic experiences
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