Time for Celebration

Though a tiring week and term I have had cause for celebration.

Recent reading testing has shown remarkable improvement in the children in my class. I am absolutely convinced that the outstanding and unbelievable improvement is in no small part down to my Glossary programme as described in my blog titled Word Power. Makes all the long hours, weekends and frustrations worth it. I'm so proud of my efforts with them and their achievements.

The other celebration is closer to home. Tonight the family proudly supported our youngest girl as she received from the Mayor, Jenny Rowan a Civic College Community Award at Southwards. Kapiti College nominated her for her services to College Sport in Triathlon, Swimming and Running. The older sister had also won the award two years earlier and she was there tonight to share in her sister's success.

Word Power

Words can offend, humour, frustrate and motivate. As a teacher I have discovered how children of all ages can be inspired and encouraged by the realisation that words are formidable tools to explore their thoughts and ideas. Obviously there is great excitement for a young person to have the capacity to express and communicate as they develop their language knowledge. Where is this heading you may inquire? Over the last 15 years I've experimented with a learning programme I call Glossary. A simple concept with powerful results of 10 new words a week played with and committed to memory in meaningful contexts. I believe it is fundamental to my teaching and practically unanimously children agree. I admit I am utterly obsessed but can't resist as I constantly see children's eyes light up as I use or they hear those remarkable Glossary Words. Parents are astounded as their children read, write, speak and hear in this new found language that overtakes them as well. Long live the Power of the Word!