This project will be as special to me as it is with the 7 boys I spent 3 months ( Sept to Nov 06) with. They are Gavin Ong, Zon Liew, Adriss Shah, Lee Yi Yang, Noel Lim, Isaac Tan and my very own son, Brendon Chin. They are energetic and bouncing off the walls. It was challenging just to get them to listen but we managed.. somehow.
The objective of the project was to build a model of Singapore acording to scale. For a start, we needed a huge map as a reference which we did. The students started the project by working on quizzes given to them. They are required to search for answers from 2 main websites. Each week, they are given 20 to 30 questions to answer.
Once the research was completed, we started building the map from scratch. Tracing the map off the main map, making miniature trees and papier marche for the landscape.
After tracing, we started building the landscape with papier marche and when its dry, we paint the sea and land surface while making miniature trees and labels. While waiting for the model to dry, we started making buildings off styrofoam and clay.
Once the paper marche is set, we painted all the surface, start placing the labels and building and start building the roads, highways and MRT tracks. Once all this was done, we started preparing for the presentation to the school.
Most times the boys argue non-stop. Other times I would lose my cool. Overall, we just managed to get alot done despite all the bickering. There were many sweet and memorable times too. During quieter time with one or two of the boys who would tell me things abt themselves . As they warm up to me, they told me things they would only tell their mothers. So sweet.
I remember we went cutting twigs for the miniature trees and I said to Zon that the twigs he snipped off was very good and I called him a darling. He was smiling ear to ear and beaming. He said, " You called me darling!" Awwww. So sweet.
Aldriss told me one day that he loves his mommy very much. I told him I am sure his mommy loves him just as much. I was so touched.
Gavin would rather not eat at recess time but come by and help me build the landscape with papier marche or he'd eat really quick and come in to help me. He even told my son not to call me mommy in class as I am THEIR teacher!
Yi Yang and Noel builds the smallest islets and were so focused, I was so astonished by their commitment and interest. They worked quietly and industriously and before you know it, they have made all the southern islets by themselves!
Isaac makes the most beautiful buildings among all the boys. He made beautiful small houses out of clay.
Brendon was the best speaker during the presentation and try not to compete with the rest for my attention during lessons as per my instruction. He helped me with all the research work, source for materials and make papier marche at home. He was so happy and proud to be working with me on this project. This is something he will remember for a very long time.
As they start treating me like second mom, it 's almost time to present and that will be the end of this project. The boys did well and I am very proud of them. Just like a mother would. I felt a tinge of sadness when the project ends.. one of the boys asked me earnestly.. " So Mrs. Chin, when will be our next class?" I was almost moved to tears.
No comments:
Post a Comment