10.04.2010

Teacher Training




what a busy week. but a great one. i was able to take a break from teaching and join kim and bethany as they led a teacher training all week! this was phase 3 of their training which they began in march. teachers from all over mundri, represented various primary schools, were selected to attend. kim and bethany did a wonderful job presenting all the material for the week. it was obvious how much time and preparation went into this training. it was rich with lessons on development and practical teaching methods. the best part about it was the focus on the gospel. each morning, a devotion was given, and throughout the day the foundation of their teaching was based on our relationship with Christ. every lesson was woven with the gospel. they stressed the importance of abiding in Christ, and then we, as teachers, will be able to see fruit in our classroom.
i was able to present a lesson one day and show some examples of how to "hook" your students before presenting your lesson. of course, i had fun with it. there was even a preschool teacher who attended the training. it was very enlightening to talk with her and some of the other teachers. the preschoolers actually meet under a tree and may have up to 50 students at one time. God bless her and the patience she must possess to handle this. there is such a need for qualified teachers, for classrooms, and for teaching materials.
for me, the combination of being able to teach teachers practical ways to engage and challenge their students as well as teaching them biblical foundations for support was more than enough to get me excited. the teacher training was just another opportunity God used to show me how He is at work here.

10 comments:

  1. Yay! So happy you are able to interact with the teachers and the children. Was trying to make out the pictures up top.. couldn't tell if any of them were you! All though, I thought the 3rd pic might be you.. haha! So glad to hear from you and I can't wait for your homecoming! Love ya!

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  2. Melissa, after reading your blog, I was thinking we in America dont realize how really blessed we are to have so much...wonderful class rooms full of books (not having to meet under a tree) You are doing a great work and granddad and I are so very proud of you...I know you are a blessing to the teachers...We love you and miss you! Grams

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  3. Melissa, so thankful for how you are allowing God to use you! I am so proud of you.....brings tears to my eyes.....can't wait to hear all about what God is teaching you when you get back!

    Love,
    Mer

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  4. Melly! I bet you LOVED working with other teachers there. I bet they learned so much from you! 50 preschoolers sounds like my nightmare! :) Can't wait to see you in a few short months. Love you and think of you often!
    Lin

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  5. This post made me so happy for you! It's so exciting to hear how God is using you and changing you at the same time. I know that was a great day for you! Continuing to pray for you.
    Love you!
    Steph

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  6. Hello Miss Melissa - CJ just wanted me to send you a message that he misses you and wants you "come back one day from Africa when you are done teaching the Africa kids". Looks like all is going well - hope you have been able to keep the ants away. Enjoy the rest of your trip and we will keep you in our prayers. Chris, Kelli, and CJ Harlan

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  7. Okay Melissa - time to give us an update. What a wonderful writer you are! Good to hear you are doing so well. You are loved and prayed for often! - Judy

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  8. Hi Melissa.....To be in the center of God's will is a great place to be. Enjoy His favor and continue to enjoy the time there and make lots of memories! Miss Donna

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  9. Hi Melissa - Just checking in :) What an awesome work you're involved with! Praying for you. Your card is staying on our refrigerator until you're safely home! Kelly and Art

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  10. Ahhh.... this is so good. So it's true what Andrew says about the tree for a classroom? Thanks for the posts!

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