Didn’t have to report for work in the morning, but it’s no rest for the wicked as I spent two hours working on tomorrow’s Learning Festival presentation.

Now, given that each team is given a limited amount of time to present, I need not put out all the stops because I definitely have enough artefacts to engage my fellow colleagues.

Still, I analysed past year’s O level oral questions and extracted the ones that might come out for my sixth graders next year. The topic of cooking for PSLE Oral Day 2 actually came up during O Level Oral Day 2. I guess the same topics can be pitched to students of different age groups!

Given that this year’s topics are on orderly Singaporeans (social norms) and cooking (independent living), I think questions about school cleaners and good neighbours and Teacher’s Day celebrations are going to be a relic of the past. The scope is too limited? The emphasis seems to be on either the societal context or personal qualities.

Anyway, I zeroed in on ten O level questions to prepare my students for. Let’s hope divine intervention and Lady Luck are on my side. I have ten pupils who failed their year-end oral this year. The heat is on, but Sensei remains a resolute roly-poly warrior.

Learning Festival Day

The day of my school’s Learning Festival beckoned, and I had to present on behalf of my group.

The organisers utilised a World Cafe format this year, so we got to present twice to different colleagues within the stipulated time. It was a great thing that I had a second chance. I felt that I was rambling too fast during my first time. Although I was a seasoned teacher, it wasn’t easy presenting to people whom I hardly knew. What’s more, a vice principal was listening to me (in rapt attention, I hope) for the greater part, so I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t affected. Thankfully, I regained my composure during the second time. I spoke more steadily; my movements were more intentional; and I think I brought my participants on a more purposeful journey. That worked out for the better because my principal happened to watch us the second time hahaha.

Every presenting opportunity gets translated into battle experience under my belt.

I was excited that my colleagues based their Talk Moves project on “Magnetic Max”. My eyes sparkled with anticipation because that was a wonderful book to reinforce my son’s understanding of magnets. Borrowed one copy from the Level Head and resolved to go through it with my son in December! Also, I taught my colleague the Japanese word for magnets: jishaku. 🧲 Intercultural awareness FTW 🙌