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| Didax "Class Ideas" Newsletter Archive |
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| Martin Luther King went to Ghana in 1957 to attend the independence celebration of the former British Colony. This month "Class Ideas" helps you prepare for teaching during Black History Month with a visit to a school in Ghana, free activities about Ghana, and useful links for more information on Black History month. |
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| A Day in the Life of a School in Ghana |
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 by Rose Gomez
Queens International is a small school with a total population of 30 students and nine teachers and attendants, located at 11 Sunflower Road, East Legon, a suburb of Accra, the capital of Ghana. The school started as a play-school, but has developed into the nursery and primary areas. The school has a "home away from home" atmosphere for the four main groups of mixed ages in the school:
? Toddlers (1 1/2 - 3 years)
? Reception (3 - 5 years)
? Progressive 1 (5 - 7 years)
? Progressive 2 (7 - 8 years)
The staff at Queens believe that education should be about more than just academic achievement. As a result, there is an emphasis on mental and personal development, with a strong focus on human-related issues. Students are particularly encouraged to build self-confidence and independence.
Life at Queens is very interesting and challenging. A typical day at Queens is planned to keep the child engaged, stimulated and enthused. The day starts around 8:00 a.m. with a special worship time, where the children sing praises and songs to worship God. Those students who arrive earlier participate in various activities, including reading, math games, tables, storytelling and sometimes physical education.
The actual academic day's work begins around 8:30 a.m., when the children enter their various classes. The first break for the day is at 10:30 a.m. Afterwards, the various classes are engaged in a number of activities. The toddlers have a more easy and enjoyable approach to learning, while the older children are put through their paces in English, mathematics, science, history, geography and arts and crafts. Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m.
After lunch, the little ones are allowed a two-hour nap time while the older children continue with their academic work. At 3:30 p.m., classes start rounding off the day's activities.
The school closes at 4:00 p.m., but some of the children stay on until 6:00 p.m. when their parents come for them.
Ghana Fast Facts:
? Ghana is a tropical country which lies on the gulf of Guinea in West Aftrica.
? Cacao seeds (used to make chocolate) are the country's main export.
? Before it gained its independence in 1957, Ghana was a British colony known as the Gold Coast, due to its huge gold deposits.
? About 99% of the population are black Africans.
? English is the main formal language.
? There are over 50 Ghanians dialects, with about 10 commonly used and taught in schools.
? Less than 1% of Ghanians own a car or a television set.
? Almost 70% of Ghanians live in rural areas.
? The world's largest artificial lake, Lake Volta, is in Ghana.
? Ghana covers 238,533 square kilometers and has a population of almost 18 million.
? The average life expectancy in Ghana is 55 for men and 59 for women. |
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| Free Activity Pages on Ghana |
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| Learn about the history and culture of Ghana with these great ready-to-use downloadable activity pages. Activities contain factual information about Ghana along with comprehension activities, coloring and a recipe to make Anansi the Spider cupcakes! |
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| Select Links on Black History Month |
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| We have selected some of the best resources on the Internet to supplement your lessons on Black History Month. Explore black culture, current events, history and the arts with these unique and extensive sources of information. Use this information as you build activities that help children understand the contributions of Black Americans yesterday and today. |
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| A Brand New Math Assessment Series from Kathy Richardson |
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 This nine-book program is the ideal tool to help you assess the progress of your students and provide appropriately challenging learning experiences. From the author of the popular "Developing Number Concepts" series, each book includes detailed instructions, scoring rubrics, recording forms, and blackline masters. Take advantage of your discount to get these new books and start improving your students' knowledge of core concepts today. |
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| March Newsletter Theme: Spring |
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| Next month "Class Ideas" will provide you with great resources, ideas and tips for teaching about "Spring". |
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