14 July, 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 Sasha Alyson and Lyle and Agnes Schaller (United States). Thank you!
Last year, we made it a priority to help teachers develop skills for using books in class. At our primary-school book parties, one team member works with the teacher or teachers, while others get students excited about reading.
We also provide training days for students at the Teacher Training College (TTC). At first, we had to provide space off-campus, approach students, and do all the preparation. Then, TTC administrators saw what we were doing, and liked it so much that they offered classroom space and other support.
In July, we had a further opportunity. Some 600 teachers, from more than 500 villages throughout northern Laos, came to TTC for additional training. This was a highly motivated group, that sought out a way to improve their skills.
Having seen our previous work, the TTC administration invited us to offer four day-long workshops, with a group of 150 of these teachers each time. We followed the model we had already been using, with a strong emphasis on encouraging teachers to read aloud. We also broke up the day with other things: Games, stretching exercises, and puzzles.
Then, groups of 50 loaded onto busses, and traveled to villages outside Luang Prabang for hands-on practice. In the villages, like in the classroom, we enjoyed some games together. Then, each each teacher read aloud to a group of children, and discovered that in just a day, they had learned to hold their audience's attention.
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