Logo of Big Brother Mouse, publishing books in Laos
 

18 May, 2012, Luang Prabang, Laos

Teacher workshop: Today's teachers in Laos didn't have books like ours when they were children. They probably had no books at all. They have no experience using books in class. So we're looking for ways to provide teacher training, about the new teaching opportunities that are created by fun, engaging, and educational books.

This event was sponsored by Planet Wheeler Foundation (Australia). Thank you!

Every year, about 800 students graduate from the Teacher Training College (TTC) in Luang Prabang, then return to their villages to teach. In 2011, we invited a small group to our shop, for a one-day workshop about effective ways to use book in their class.

The school administration was so impressed by the results that in 2012, they provided space at the school, and gave time off for students to attend. We held 4 workshops in May.

Much of each day was used to encourage students to read stories aloud in their class, and to help them develop skills to do it effectively.

Vannalet, one of our best story-tellers, showed that reading aloud is fun for everybody, and explained the techniques that he uses. There was also time to discover other types of books: We have several puzzle books, and provided a Tangrams book and puzzle set to everyone.

After reading their story alone, then to a small group of other students, everyone traveled to a nearby school, and read a story to children. As always at such events, we let each child select a book of their own afterward.

At the end of the day, each graduating student got a set of 70 Big Brother Mouse books: 30 adult-interest books for personal reading, and 40 children's books for classroom use. That's a lot of books: Few people in Laos have ever owned so many books. We think it's one of the best investments we've made. During the summer, they can enjoy their books, which include books about health, science, history and fiction. When they begin their first teaching assignment in September, they'll be eager to help their students discover the joy of reading.

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