Update on GMI training

On Monday, August 20, we all converged in Walewale, and began a 13 hour bus ride to Accra together, arriving the following morning. David helped arrange accommodation at the GNAT (Ghana National Association of Teachers) hostel where professional teachers pay Ghc8.00/person and double the amount for the rest of us.  It is quite comfortable; 2 people /per room with common toilets and showers on each floor. We had a day and a half to scout out the route to the centre, food venders in the area and transport to the center every morning. All worked well except the food matter. We even got a beautiful home for Mary’s baby and babysitter to be while she is in class. That was a miracle I'd like to share with you later. The first day of training was focused on the key elements of a Montessori classroom, i.e. the prepared environment, including the teacher! The next day was devoted to the teacher, positive discipline and the activities of daily living (practical life), in the context of educating the whole child. The third day was a lesson presentation, and extra time for everyone to practice with sensorial materials. Kamila Kirpilani and Karine McVeigh seem to have a lot of experience in a 3-6 classroom and are able to provide concrete examples to illustrate the principles behind the Montessori approach. Kamila co-founded a Montessori education initiative in a rural area in India, and has lived and worked in Ghana for the past 18 years. Karine has lived in Tamale before, and is familiar with Northern Ghana. First impressions from team members at the end of the 2nd day:

• I am happy because I have learned new and better ways of presenting lessons.
• I learned that concentration is the key to learning, and I should not interrupt or make the child lose it.
• It is lovely because the facilitation is clear and understandable.
• I am happy because it will change my own character. It is like she (the trainer) is speaking to me directly.
• It is a transforming period for me. For example, how to handle distractive behaviour in my class, and increasing child concentration.
• Beginning to understand the full meaning of the Montessori philosophy and approach.
• It will change my life drastically, e.g. I will not shut a child down in the house or in the classroom.