Our past workshops for teachers
Since our Teacher Training Program began in 2007 the following workshops have been offered to hundreds of teachers throughout the Southern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka:
‘Take 1 Picture 2’
This workshop followed on from the 2013 Workshop 'Take 1 Picture'. We were lucky to secure the support of artist Sarah Wood once again who created a graphic poster for the schools based on a busy train station scene. A poster of Sarah’s illustration was supplied to each participating school. During the workshop, the teachers worked through observations, questioning, creative thought and writing, reporting and drama to experience a wide variety of experiences stimulated by a single image.
Sounds and Spoken English for Primary Students
This workshop inspired teachers with many quick and easy spoken activities which they are now introducing to their young students. The workshop encouraged confidence and an enjoyment of the English language. Many Sri Lankan students do not have the opportunity to practice spoken English at home and therefore their school classes are the one place they should be able to be confident to speak freely and with joy.
Traditional Stories from Around the World
These workshops provided each participating teacher with a range of short stories based on traditional stories of many countries around the world. They explored a huge range of activities which can be applied from these stories.
English Alive in the English Classroom
Teachers learnt how they can ‘kill’ the creativity in children without even knowing that they are doing it. Teachers worked in small groups to brainstorm ‘what creativity looks like’, discussed its value and were taught how to encourage it.
Sound, Letter, Word, Sentence, Write Now!
Making a distinction between “Writing to Learn”; and “Learning to Write”. Whilst the former includes sentence structure, grammar and vocabulary , the latter identifies reasons for writing , audience and the creativity required to write stories!
Developing Creativity through Drama, Story and Song
Introduction to how English can be taught using a variety of different resources and approaches. A sharing of warm up activities, action songs, simple role play, and uncomplicated stories.
Take 1 Picture
Teachers learn how to use one image and stimulate activity across the four skills (Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing). Teachers spend the day learning and sharing a variety of activities which can be developed from this one image, suitable for the grades that they teach.
Toolkit for Talking
Around 20 different activities are tried and tested, discussed and evaluated towards giving each teacher a pack to take back and use immediately in the classroom.
Everyday English
This workshop will bring alive the essential everyday English that forms the back bone of fluent and easy communication. From daily greetings, simple conversations, enquiries and answers, likes and dislikes, needs and feelings. It will give basic examples and practice to improve fluency and understanding.
Skill Sharing for English Teachers
Encouraging networking and sharing of techniques and new ideas between teachers
The English Activity Room
Introduction to the English Activity Room and how to involve students in the creation of the new space
Introduction to English in Grades 1 & 2
Informally introducing the English language in normal classes before English classes commence from Grade 3
English Camp Coordination
Supporting teachers through a series of workshops to enable them to organize English Medium Camps for their students
Developing Creativity in the Classroom
Opportunities for creative thought and critical thinking in the classroom
English Alive in the Text Book
Taking the objectives of each lesson and delivering them in an interactive and interesting way
Classroom Management
Positive praise, good discipline and equal opportunities for every child
Drama, Singing and Story Telling
Encouraging spoken English in an exciting and enjoyable way
Active Learning
Promoting more spoken English through action
Skill Sharing
Discussing challenges faced in their classroom and identifying ways to overcome these. By sharing activities and skills teachers can reinforce these skills and develop further confidence.
Resource Development
Teachers are supplied with the space, time and basic resources needed to make their own low cost teaching aides for their classroom activities.
Story Telling, Drama and Singing Workshop
Exploring how using story telling, drama and singing can help support the confidence of students with spoken English. This workshop also launched the release of our English Songs CD and Stories from Around the World CD.
‘Take 1 Picture 2’
This workshop followed on from the 2013 Workshop 'Take 1 Picture'. We were lucky to secure the support of artist Sarah Wood once again who created a graphic poster for the schools based on a busy train station scene. A poster of Sarah’s illustration was supplied to each participating school. During the workshop, the teachers worked through observations, questioning, creative thought and writing, reporting and drama to experience a wide variety of experiences stimulated by a single image.
Sounds and Spoken English for Primary Students
This workshop inspired teachers with many quick and easy spoken activities which they are now introducing to their young students. The workshop encouraged confidence and an enjoyment of the English language. Many Sri Lankan students do not have the opportunity to practice spoken English at home and therefore their school classes are the one place they should be able to be confident to speak freely and with joy.
Traditional Stories from Around the World
These workshops provided each participating teacher with a range of short stories based on traditional stories of many countries around the world. They explored a huge range of activities which can be applied from these stories.
English Alive in the English Classroom
Teachers learnt how they can ‘kill’ the creativity in children without even knowing that they are doing it. Teachers worked in small groups to brainstorm ‘what creativity looks like’, discussed its value and were taught how to encourage it.
Sound, Letter, Word, Sentence, Write Now!
Making a distinction between “Writing to Learn”; and “Learning to Write”. Whilst the former includes sentence structure, grammar and vocabulary , the latter identifies reasons for writing , audience and the creativity required to write stories!
Developing Creativity through Drama, Story and Song
Introduction to how English can be taught using a variety of different resources and approaches. A sharing of warm up activities, action songs, simple role play, and uncomplicated stories.
Take 1 Picture
Teachers learn how to use one image and stimulate activity across the four skills (Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing). Teachers spend the day learning and sharing a variety of activities which can be developed from this one image, suitable for the grades that they teach.
Toolkit for Talking
Around 20 different activities are tried and tested, discussed and evaluated towards giving each teacher a pack to take back and use immediately in the classroom.
Everyday English
This workshop will bring alive the essential everyday English that forms the back bone of fluent and easy communication. From daily greetings, simple conversations, enquiries and answers, likes and dislikes, needs and feelings. It will give basic examples and practice to improve fluency and understanding.
Skill Sharing for English Teachers
Encouraging networking and sharing of techniques and new ideas between teachers
The English Activity Room
Introduction to the English Activity Room and how to involve students in the creation of the new space
Introduction to English in Grades 1 & 2
Informally introducing the English language in normal classes before English classes commence from Grade 3
English Camp Coordination
Supporting teachers through a series of workshops to enable them to organize English Medium Camps for their students
Developing Creativity in the Classroom
Opportunities for creative thought and critical thinking in the classroom
English Alive in the Text Book
Taking the objectives of each lesson and delivering them in an interactive and interesting way
Classroom Management
Positive praise, good discipline and equal opportunities for every child
Drama, Singing and Story Telling
Encouraging spoken English in an exciting and enjoyable way
Active Learning
Promoting more spoken English through action
Skill Sharing
Discussing challenges faced in their classroom and identifying ways to overcome these. By sharing activities and skills teachers can reinforce these skills and develop further confidence.
Resource Development
Teachers are supplied with the space, time and basic resources needed to make their own low cost teaching aides for their classroom activities.
Story Telling, Drama and Singing Workshop
Exploring how using story telling, drama and singing can help support the confidence of students with spoken English. This workshop also launched the release of our English Songs CD and Stories from Around the World CD.