One such teacher in training who has come in for special praise for her efforts is Nyoka Adams who has been highlighted for her creativity in transforming the teaching environment.
According to a government release, Ms. Adams is currently involved in conducting her teaching practicum at the Tucker Clarke Primary School along with three of her counterparts from the CFBC.
Head of the Division of Teacher Education at the CFBC, Ionie Liburd Willett, has indicated that she was impressed by the collaborative efforts of Ms. Adams and homeroom teacher for Kindergarten, Natasha Thomas, in creating a literary-rich print environment.
The internship which culminates in May is a ten week hands-on experience in primary school education.
Mrs. Willett explained that the teachers were successful in promoting reading as outlined in the CFBC Course “LIT 101: Promoting Reading in the Primary Grades.” She said the course seeks to “explore the concept of transforming classrooms in the primary grades into “oases of print.”
“It provides teachers with guidelines to help them promote reading among their students as a means of learning as well as a source of pleasure and relaxation. Furthermore, it seeks to: assist teachers with ideas for creating an environment which encourages reading, to provide activities geared at promoting leisure reading and to establish classroom libraries.”
Each of the four student teachers will have to submit a reflective paper based on an article they read; a final report on the course and a lap-book and oral presentation on the topic.
Meanwhile, first year student teachers of the CFBC expressed appreciation for their exposure to the varied resources being used to heighten student’s learning capacity. They also indicated that they were convinced that the positive attitudes of principal Sylvester Charles and teacher Natasha Thomas were also catalysts in the overall pleasant environment at the school.
Ms. Thomas shared the “secrets” of her success including websites used and ways to make teaching aids from low and no cost materials.