Showing posts with label drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drama. Show all posts
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Announcement: Drama Workshop (Free)
Drama Workshop (free)
Facilitator: Derek Straat
Date: Sat. 28 April 2012
Venue: Baha’i Centre at 31 Jalan Bukit Senjuang (St John's Hill Road).
Time: 10 am to 12.30 pm.
Contact: Saratha (0169178010)
Directions: Turn left after the Salvation Army Building into the road if coming from Malacca town. The Baha'i Centre is on your left opposite a row of double-storey link houses.
It’s a narrow one-way road so you will have to park further up at the furniture centre to the left.
If you get lost, pls call Saratha (0169178010) for directions.
Also, please stay back for 20-30’ to help with the clearing-up, as many hands make light work!
This is a great opportunity where we will learn a lot and have fun, so I hope to see you soon!
Audrey Lim
----------------------------------
Friday, September 9, 2011
News: English Language Comes Alive
Dear ETs,
As practising classroom teachers, many of us would like to find engaging and meaningful methods to attract and teach English langauge to our pupils.
This news from Singapore shows that story telling and role-playing are two methods used in in their primary schools under their STELLAR programme.
The result is pupils able to speak and read better in English.
Recently, our Malaysian English language syllabus had undergone changes to include the performing arts i.e. drama into the English lessons. The feedback so far is the current approach helps students to be interested and to be engaged in English language learning.
I personally find drama to be an interesting and engaging way to get my students interested in the English language. The lower forms especially, love doing roleplays and dramas.
So, do read the article below to be inspired to try drama, story telling and role-play in our lessons.
Have fun!
Rodney Tan Chai Whatt
-----------------------------------------
English language comes alive
As practising classroom teachers, many of us would like to find engaging and meaningful methods to attract and teach English langauge to our pupils.
This news from Singapore shows that story telling and role-playing are two methods used in in their primary schools under their STELLAR programme.
The result is pupils able to speak and read better in English.
Recently, our Malaysian English language syllabus had undergone changes to include the performing arts i.e. drama into the English lessons. The feedback so far is the current approach helps students to be interested and to be engaged in English language learning.
I personally find drama to be an interesting and engaging way to get my students interested in the English language. The lower forms especially, love doing roleplays and dramas.
So, do read the article below to be inspired to try drama, story telling and role-play in our lessons.
Have fun!
Rodney Tan Chai Whatt
-----------------------------------------
By Nicole Wong |
September 9, 2011
New approach to enhancing
students' interest in English.
SINGAPORE – Story-telling
and role-playing makes learning English interesting and fun for primary school
children, according to a study conducted the Ministry of Education (MOE). These
are methods used in the Stellar programme. Strategies for English Language
Learning and Reading, better known as Stellar, aims to make English more
interactive and fun to learn. The program was first started in 2006, with
Primary 1 pupils in 30 primary school, and eventually rolled out to all other
schools in 2009.
According to The
Straits Times, pupils in the Stellar program are able to speak and read
better in English. MOE’s program director for literacy development, Dr
Elizabeth Pang, who oversees the Stellar programme, explained that the results
from the study indicated that the pupils from 10 Stellar pilot schools have
consistently scored higher in writing, reading and speaking. Children were
randomly selected to eliminate the inherent advantage of an exceptionally
bright child or good teacher, so as to conduct a fair study.
Techniques like story
telling, and role-playing were used to engage pupils during lessons. Masks,
costumes and props are used during role-playing of characters in the story.
They are also tasked with writing scripts for segments with reference to radio
or television programme as part of the curriculum.
Stellar’s program is
structured to increase pupils’ ability to express themselves confidently and
clearly. These areas were identified as weaknesses among local pupils. As such,
principals and teachers noticed the difference it has made to the pupils’ grasp
of the language before the study findings were released. Dr Pang said that the
study confirmed that the Education Ministry was on the right track to teaching
English more interactively. With these results, existing methods of teaching
English could be refined. While Stellar pupils outperform their peers in
writing in the early years, they do not seem to do the same later. This is one
question that has not been answered by the study.
Bukit View Primary’s
Stellar programme teacher-in-charge for lower primary pupils Mrs Brenda Siew,
42 said that Primary 1 students these days are more vocal and would proactively
ask questions. This is in contrast to non-Stellar students in the past.
According to Ms Rezia
Rahumathllah, 33, an English teacher at Da Qiao Primary, for children from
non-English speaking homes, Stellar increases their exposure to various reading
material that has helped in cultivating a love for reading and also increased
opportunities to speak.
The difference has not gone
unnoticed by parents. Mrs Maggie Ng, 44, housewife, whose son Willard is a
Primary 6 student in Bukit View, noted that her son writes with descriptive
phrases and speaks with clarity. Willard said he and his classmates always look
forward to English lessons. He adds that they learn a lot more due to effort
spent on research to create props and write scripts.
St. Andrew’s Junior was
one of the 30 schools involved in the pilot Stellar program. Its former
principal, Mrs Wai Yin Pryke, who now heads the newly launched English Language
Institute of Singapore, recalls how the pupils on the programme simply stood
out. The institute aims to raise teachers’ proficiency level in English by
running courses, and research in language-teaching strategies.
Would this approach pave
the way for children to express themselves in a clearer and proper English? How
do you teach your children English at home?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Professional Development Opportunity: Weekend Script-Writing Workshop in July 2011
Title: Weekend script-writing workshop
The Malacca Theatre Group is organizing a 2-day (one week-end) Drama script-writing workshop for interested adults. It is aimed at potential creative writers who are keen to develop their ideas/skills in script writing of stage dramas (note: there will be tips on writing for TV, radio and film, and conversion of a written story to performance theatre).
The Workshop will be facilitated by playwright, film director, ex-journalist, and academic Patrick Yeoh of Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Dates: 16 & 17 July, 2011 (Saturday and Sunday) - Time: 8.00a m to 5.00 pm
Venue: Semabok Inn, 396 Jalan Semabok, 75050 Melaka, Malaysia.
Workshop Programme
The workshop will cover the various stages of script writing, from idea to full execution. Participants will get to understand the theatre environment, learn story development, play construction, character development, the technique and secrets of writing good dialogue, explore presentation techniques and generally learn to appreciate the full potential of stage drama.
The workshop will cover the various stages of script writing, from idea to full execution. Participants will get to understand the theatre environment, learn story development, play construction, character development, the technique and secrets of writing good dialogue, explore presentation techniques and generally learn to appreciate the full potential of stage drama.
Come with an idea suitable for development or come with nothing prepared but an open mind and lots of enthusiasm and curiosity.
Participation Details:
Participation Fees: RM120 (Refreshments and lunch for two days supplied).
You will need a laptop & pen drive, and you can work alone or in groups of three.
Places are limited to 25 participants, on a first come first served basis.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 1st July, 2011
How to Apply:
Interested participants should send an e-mail to MTG Treasurer, Dr.R.Panicker at drravipanicker@gmail.com. Your email must include your full name and IC,
your telephone number and a current CV.
The Treasurer will revert to you with details of how you can make payments to MTG
For Enquiries, contact Org. Chair -, h/p 012-3762552
or Audrey Lim h/p 016- 6430520 .
Outstation participants needing accommodation can call Ms. Tan for special room rates. Tel: +606-2838877 Fax: +606-2837299
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Drama: Shakespeare Demystified - Julius Caeser at KL PAC (29 June - 3 July 2011)
Dear All,
Just got this note from Marina Tan about an opportunity to watch a very accessible Shakespearean drama for the general public being staged in KL from 29 June- 3 July.
Please watch and give our support for a worthy local producation. Arrange for your class/school/ college/university to watch this presentation. It will be especially meaningful for students who are studying Shakespeare in their literature classes.
For more info please contact the organisers.
Rodney Tan
P.S. Click on the picture to get a larger view.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Rodney,
Greetings! Hope your week is going well.
Anyway, my friends and I are putting up the play of Julius Caesar after all :) it will be 29 June to 3 July at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, and it will be geared towards a "non-expert" audience of Shakespeare. We also have a Narration that will serve as a guide to the story as well as to point out some of the devices Shakespeare used to achieve his intended effects. As you can see, we are really going all out to make it accessible, exciting and illuminating, and "demystify" his work to the public and to the SPM Literature in English students. There will also be a Q&A afterwards, so students (and teachers!) get a chance to ask the actors questions - eg about the experience, their challenges or interest, the rehearsal, Shakespeare, etc.
Hope you can make it, and would be grateful if you could also mention it on your blog, for your readers who may be interested :)
Many thanks!
Marina
Just got this note from Marina Tan about an opportunity to watch a very accessible Shakespearean drama for the general public being staged in KL from 29 June- 3 July.
Please watch and give our support for a worthy local producation. Arrange for your class/school/ college/university to watch this presentation. It will be especially meaningful for students who are studying Shakespeare in their literature classes.
For more info please contact the organisers.
Rodney Tan
P.S. Click on the picture to get a larger view.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Rodney,
Greetings! Hope your week is going well.
Anyway, my friends and I are putting up the play of Julius Caesar after all :) it will be 29 June to 3 July at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, and it will be geared towards a "non-expert" audience of Shakespeare. We also have a Narration that will serve as a guide to the story as well as to point out some of the devices Shakespeare used to achieve his intended effects. As you can see, we are really going all out to make it accessible, exciting and illuminating, and "demystify" his work to the public and to the SPM Literature in English students. There will also be a Q&A afterwards, so students (and teachers!) get a chance to ask the actors questions - eg about the experience, their challenges or interest, the rehearsal, Shakespeare, etc.
Hope you can make it, and would be grateful if you could also mention it on your blog, for your readers who may be interested :)
Many thanks!
Marina
* Happening this JUNE–JULY *
William Shakespeare was one of the best English writers ever. Seriously: Ever. The Shakespeare Demystified project aims to share the joy and genius of the Bard’s masterful storytelling and curious understanding of humanity.
The play – Julius Caesar - is a searing tale of power and ambition; and of the ideals of the state and of society, with a sprinkle of violence and the odd bit of comedy. This 80-minute no-frills show will feature scenes from the play in their original text, with modern-day narration to help iron out any Elizabethan wrinkles.
The performance will consist of an 80-minute “show” (approximately 60 minutes of Shakespeare text interspersed with 20 minutes of narration), followed by a 10-minute break and 20-minute Q&A session. Click here to find out more!
Photos by Kelab Shashin Fotografi KL
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Free Tickets to "Magical Musicals" and Chance to Participate in a Flash Mob
For Readers in Malaysia:
Here's a chance to win tickets to an international level musical presentation especially if you register your blog with The STAR blogger community.
However, the STAR is cooking something up for non-bloggers as well. Be prepared to participate in a flash mob scene!
Source: http://www1.allmalaysia.info/ambp/
Details below:
Here's a chance to win tickets to an international level musical presentation especially if you register your blog with The STAR blogger community.
However, the STAR is cooking something up for non-bloggers as well. Be prepared to participate in a flash mob scene!
Source: http://www1.allmalaysia.info/ambp/
Details below:
May 16, 2011 |
| Free tickets to 'Magical Musicals' |
| Sunway Lagoon is at it again. They're bringing some talented folks over from London's West End theatres to perform right here in KL, just like they did with Peter Pan the Musical last year. This time around, they've promised a bigger, better, more oomph show, and they're doing so by bringing more talents who'll be performing songs that you're familiar with, and oh, they've made some major improvements to the Amphitheatre in Sunway Lagoon. What that translates to is a well, bigger, better, more oomph show, we suppose.  The 90 minute production is called Magical Musicals, and will run from June 10 to July 17 at the Amphitheatre@ Sunway Lagoon. It will feature songs from Moulin Rouge!, Mamma Mia!, Dreamgirls, Fame, Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Footloose, We Will Rock You, West Side Story, Hairspray and even the latest television musical phenomenon, Glee. Anyway, as an AMBP member, you're invited. But you know how it is. When we say "you're invited", what we actually mean is we wish we could give each and every member a ticket to watch the show, but unfortunately, we can't. We've only got 140 Grand Premiere tickets (June 10, mixture of Red and Blue Zone tickets) to give away, so 70 of you will get to win a ticket for yourself and a friend, simply by registering your interest.  For more info on the show, and on how you can improve your chances of winning, mosey on over to our Magical Musicals page. One other way you can get yourself a free ticket is by joining Sunway Lagoon's Flash Mob via AMBP/allMalaysia.info. You'll have to first confirm that you want to participate in the Flash Mob by registering here, but in order for you to win 1 Yellow Zone Ticket to Magical Musicals you'll have to indicate that you're an AMBP member or an allMalaysia.info reader. So if your name is Ibby Oli, and you happen to love to Eg. First Name: Ibby (allMalaysia.info) or Ibby (AMBP) Last Name: Oli So, there you go. Just two of the ways for you to win tickets to watch Sunway Lagoon's Magical Musicals. If you're not a blogger or an AMBP member, and if you're rubbish at dancing, don't fret. We're cooking something up just for you and it won't involve dancing, blogging or chest-thumping. Just visit allMalaysia.info; if we run a contest or giveaway or something, we'll run it there. |
Saturday, January 29, 2011
News: Major Shift in the Literature Component of the Malaysian New English Curriculum
Dear All,
This news is rather old (28 April 2010) but for those who missed the reasons why there was a shift in the Literature Component, please read the news below as it comes from the horses' mouth.
Dr. Mohamed Abu Bakar, a friend whom I will usually meet at ELT Conferences presents the MOE's views on this matter. He clarifies about the previous implementation of the Literature Component and elaborates on the additional time required to teach English.
Rodney Tan
-----------------------------------------------
The Star Online > Lifefocus
Wednesday April 28, 2010
A major shift
MIND OUR ENGLISH
By SIMRIT KAUR
Graphic novels have been included in the literature component of the new English language curriculum.
STUDENTS in lower secondary will be reading graphic novels in the form of famous classics like Black Beauty and Journey To The Centre Of The Earth under the literature component of the new English curriculum to be implemented next year.
‘This fresh approach to teaching literature in Malaysian schools is aimed at providing students with an enjoyable learning environment,’ says Dr Mohamed Abu Bakar.
Plays have also made it into the list of prescribed texts for the first time, but instead of studying Shakespeare, students will be doing works like the new Form Four text, Gulp And Gasp by John Townsend (see chart).
“This fresh approach to teaching literature in Malaysian schools is aimed at providing students with an enjoyable learning environment as well as inculcating the reading habit,” says Dr Mohamed Abu Bakar from the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Centre.
Literature has always been recognised as a vital component of language learning. The new English language curriculum therefore formalises literature’s inclusion in primary school.
New methods will be utilised for teaching literature in schools to boost students’ confidence in the language. These include more “production” activities such as choral reading, acting out scenes from stories and producing works on different literary genres to enhance creativity among students.
The new texts for secondary schools will see the current works, introduced when then Education Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak first announced the introduction of the literature component into the English curriculum in 2000, finally being replaced.
Under the present curriculum for the novel component in upper secondary, schools choose one of three texts – John Steinbeck’s The Pearl, Keris Mas’ Jungle Of Hope or K.S. Maniam’s The Return.
However, about 70% to 80% of schools opt for Steinbeck’s novella, partly due to the availability of learning materials on the Internet.
Teachers also reported that students found the local titles “difficult” and could not relate to the subject matter.
Despite the constraints, the introduction of literature is viewed as a success. It has been reported that the passing rate of students sitting for the English Language subject has improved in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
Dr Mohamed is confident that the new texts, with titles such as Flipping Fantastic by Jane Langford and Qwertyuiop by Vivien Alcock will prove more appealing to teenagers.
He was speaking at a recent colloquium on children’s literature held at Universiti Malaya, organised by the English Department, Arts and Social Sciences Faculty.
Picking titles that would be acceptable to everyone, however, was no easy task for the selectors, especially in a multiracial and multireligious country like Malaysia. Furthermore, as English is a second language, the language used has to be appropriate to the average reader’s proficiency level.
The new English language curriculum for primary and secondary schools will take a modular approach. In addition to the four basic skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – two new modules have also been introduced; grammar and language arts (which includes literature).
Following the government’s decision to discontinue the teaching of Maths and Science in English, the strengthening English policy was initiated. This means that the time devoted to English will increase by three periods in primary schools.
Of the three extra periods, two will be for language arts while one period has been set aside for the teaching of English grammar.
In all, there will be a total of 330 minutes of English per week in Years One, Two and Three and 300 minutes in Years Four, Five and Six.
No announcement has been made about secondary schools, but the number of periods will likely increase too.
This news is rather old (28 April 2010) but for those who missed the reasons why there was a shift in the Literature Component, please read the news below as it comes from the horses' mouth.
Dr. Mohamed Abu Bakar, a friend whom I will usually meet at ELT Conferences presents the MOE's views on this matter. He clarifies about the previous implementation of the Literature Component and elaborates on the additional time required to teach English.
Rodney Tan
-----------------------------------------------
The Star Online > Lifefocus
Wednesday April 28, 2010
A major shift
MIND OUR ENGLISH
By SIMRIT KAUR
Graphic novels have been included in the literature component of the new English language curriculum.
STUDENTS in lower secondary will be reading graphic novels in the form of famous classics like Black Beauty and Journey To The Centre Of The Earth under the literature component of the new English curriculum to be implemented next year.
‘This fresh approach to teaching literature in Malaysian schools is aimed at providing students with an enjoyable learning environment,’ says Dr Mohamed Abu Bakar.
Plays have also made it into the list of prescribed texts for the first time, but instead of studying Shakespeare, students will be doing works like the new Form Four text, Gulp And Gasp by John Townsend (see chart).
“This fresh approach to teaching literature in Malaysian schools is aimed at providing students with an enjoyable learning environment as well as inculcating the reading habit,” says Dr Mohamed Abu Bakar from the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Centre.
Literature has always been recognised as a vital component of language learning. The new English language curriculum therefore formalises literature’s inclusion in primary school.
New methods will be utilised for teaching literature in schools to boost students’ confidence in the language. These include more “production” activities such as choral reading, acting out scenes from stories and producing works on different literary genres to enhance creativity among students.
The new texts for secondary schools will see the current works, introduced when then Education Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak first announced the introduction of the literature component into the English curriculum in 2000, finally being replaced.
Under the present curriculum for the novel component in upper secondary, schools choose one of three texts – John Steinbeck’s The Pearl, Keris Mas’ Jungle Of Hope or K.S. Maniam’s The Return.
However, about 70% to 80% of schools opt for Steinbeck’s novella, partly due to the availability of learning materials on the Internet.
Teachers also reported that students found the local titles “difficult” and could not relate to the subject matter.
Despite the constraints, the introduction of literature is viewed as a success. It has been reported that the passing rate of students sitting for the English Language subject has improved in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
Dr Mohamed is confident that the new texts, with titles such as Flipping Fantastic by Jane Langford and Qwertyuiop by Vivien Alcock will prove more appealing to teenagers.
He was speaking at a recent colloquium on children’s literature held at Universiti Malaya, organised by the English Department, Arts and Social Sciences Faculty.
Picking titles that would be acceptable to everyone, however, was no easy task for the selectors, especially in a multiracial and multireligious country like Malaysia. Furthermore, as English is a second language, the language used has to be appropriate to the average reader’s proficiency level.
The new English language curriculum for primary and secondary schools will take a modular approach. In addition to the four basic skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – two new modules have also been introduced; grammar and language arts (which includes literature).
Following the government’s decision to discontinue the teaching of Maths and Science in English, the strengthening English policy was initiated. This means that the time devoted to English will increase by three periods in primary schools.
Of the three extra periods, two will be for language arts while one period has been set aside for the teaching of English grammar.
In all, there will be a total of 330 minutes of English per week in Years One, Two and Three and 300 minutes in Years Four, Five and Six.
No announcement has been made about secondary schools, but the number of periods will likely increase too.
Source: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/4/28/lifefocus/6079947&sec=lifefocus
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Malaysian 2010 New Literature Component for Secondary Schools
Hi Everyone,
Many of you would have dropped by this blog because you may want to know more about the new cycle for the Malaysian MOE English Literature Component for English.
Many schools would have received the prescibed texts by now. But there are still some novels that have not being issued as they will be used only in Forms 3.
Latest: Form 5 Novels for Literature 2011
There are 3 different novels which will be alloted according to the states; like the old cycle of the 3 novels of Jungle of Hope, The Return & The Pearl.
The 3 novels are:
1) The Curse by Lee Su Ann
2) Step by Wicked Step by Anne Fine
3) Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail
From the feedback and my own study of the text (Forms 4 and 5), I noticed that the texts are generally simple and straightforward. The authors/poets are mainly unfamiliar ones.
I think the literary texts chosen were meant to be very accessible and fun for our students.
The main different with this current selection of literature texts is the inclusion of dramas or plays. I think it bodes well for the teaching of literature as students will find it fun to act it out.
There is a possiblity that the Literature Component would be very much school-based (PLBS and ULBS), with activities and is student-centred.
One thing I've noticed about the authors chosen by the MOE is they must be "politically correct" in terms of the local writer/poet or the contents. It's really a shame. In modern literature, texts used in schools and universities elsewhere, are not based on their "political leanings" but rather, strictly on MERIT.
Below is list of the literary texts without the Novels:
Form 1:
Poems
1. The River -Valerie Bloom
2. Mr Nobody - author unknown
Short Stories
1. Flipping Fantastic -Jane Langford
Form 2:
Poems
1. I wonder - Jeannie Kirby
2. Heir Conditioning - M. Shanmughalingam
Short Stories
1. One is One and All Alone - Nicholas Fisk
Play
1. Rumpelstiltskin -Angela Lanyon
Form 3:
Poems
1. A Fighter's Line- Marzuki Ali
2. Leisure - Willian Henry Davies
Form 4:
Poems
1. In the Midst of Hardship -Latiff Mohidin (The Malay version is found in this blog)
2. He Had such Quiet Eyes -Bibsy Soenharjo (For a fun activity, please go to my blog dated 19th January 2011)
Short Stories
1. QWERTYUIOP -Vivian Alcock
2. The Fruitcake Special -Frank Brennan
Play
1. Gulp and Gasp- John Townsend
Form 5:
Poems
1. Nature -H.D. Carberry
2. Are you Still Playing Your Flute -Zurinah Hassan (The Malay version is found in this blog)
*There's a controversy brewing about this "ïncomplete" poem. Look in my blog for the Malay version.
Please look out for the Pearson Form 4 Literature Workbook which is co-written by Christine Tan and me. We'll be coming out with a third edition as well. There's also a separate resource toolkit.
Rodney Tan
Many of you would have dropped by this blog because you may want to know more about the new cycle for the Malaysian MOE English Literature Component for English.
Many schools would have received the prescibed texts by now. But there are still some novels that have not being issued as they will be used only in Forms 3.
Latest: Form 5 Novels for Literature 2011
There are 3 different novels which will be alloted according to the states; like the old cycle of the 3 novels of Jungle of Hope, The Return & The Pearl.
The 3 novels are:
1) The Curse by Lee Su Ann
2) Step by Wicked Step by Anne Fine
3) Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail
From the feedback and my own study of the text (Forms 4 and 5), I noticed that the texts are generally simple and straightforward. The authors/poets are mainly unfamiliar ones.
I think the literary texts chosen were meant to be very accessible and fun for our students.
The main different with this current selection of literature texts is the inclusion of dramas or plays. I think it bodes well for the teaching of literature as students will find it fun to act it out.
There is a possiblity that the Literature Component would be very much school-based (PLBS and ULBS), with activities and is student-centred.
One thing I've noticed about the authors chosen by the MOE is they must be "politically correct" in terms of the local writer/poet or the contents. It's really a shame. In modern literature, texts used in schools and universities elsewhere, are not based on their "political leanings" but rather, strictly on MERIT.
Below is list of the literary texts without the Novels:
Form 1:
Poems
1. The River -Valerie Bloom
2. Mr Nobody - author unknown
Short Stories
1. Flipping Fantastic -Jane Langford
Form 2:
Poems
1. I wonder - Jeannie Kirby
2. Heir Conditioning - M. Shanmughalingam
Short Stories
1. One is One and All Alone - Nicholas Fisk
Play
1. Rumpelstiltskin -Angela Lanyon
Form 3:
Poems
1. A Fighter's Line- Marzuki Ali
2. Leisure - Willian Henry Davies
Form 4:
Poems
1. In the Midst of Hardship -Latiff Mohidin (The Malay version is found in this blog)
2. He Had such Quiet Eyes -Bibsy Soenharjo (For a fun activity, please go to my blog dated 19th January 2011)
Short Stories
1. QWERTYUIOP -Vivian Alcock
2. The Fruitcake Special -Frank Brennan
Play
1. Gulp and Gasp- John Townsend
Form 5:
Poems
1. Nature -H.D. Carberry
2. Are you Still Playing Your Flute -Zurinah Hassan (The Malay version is found in this blog)
*There's a controversy brewing about this "ïncomplete" poem. Look in my blog for the Malay version.
Please look out for the Pearson Form 4 Literature Workbook which is co-written by Christine Tan and me. We'll be coming out with a third edition as well. There's also a separate resource toolkit.
Rodney Tan
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Views: India--Moving Beyond the Textbooks
Dear All,
In India, there is an effort to use local Indian writers and film/drama directors' writing in the classroom.
Below are the views of stakeholders and a few articulate Indian teens expressing their support and reasons for this move to supplement their English textbook.
Rodney Tan
------------------------------------------------------
Moving Beyond the Textbooks
Mumbai: Lessons learnt through visual medium will register permanently in their mind
The move to include Satyajit Ray and Amitav Ghosh to class XI elective English syllabus of CBSE is a good move. According to me, students should be made to read novels from primary school, because it not only helps them to instil reading habits, but also opens them to a new world of thoughts. At our school, we start reading exercises from class I. We also focus on showing movies and connect them to different subjects. For example, a film like Pay It Forward can be used to understand social study and literature.
Moreover, if a novel is set in England then we teach our students about currency conversion. Mixing different subjects makes it not only interesting but easy for the students. Instead of class XI, CBSE educators should introduce the change from lower classes since it will inculcate a passion for reading among students. It is scientifically proven that stories touch the emotional core of the brain.
This makes learning more powerful. Also, one might forget dates or names, but it is difficult to forget a story or a plot. All education institutes should focus on teaching the works of various authors and directors, since we live in a globalised world. Children need to know about different cultures and literature.
—Lina Ashar, educationist and chairperson-Kangaroo Kids Education Ltd
Pupils need to look beyond video games
Introducing novels and movies apart from the usual English syllabus is a wonderful idea. It will inculcate reading habits in children. Today, children are addicted to the world wide web and spend most of their time either surfing the internet or playing video games. Hence, we need to introduce some reforms so that students start reading books apart from their textbooks. Indian authors like Arundhati Roy, Amitav Ghosh are world class writers.
And reading their books along with international writers will not only provide an insight into what wholesome writing is, but also give an insight into different genres of literature and diverse cultures. ICSE showcases plays by Shakespeare which help students in improving their language skills. Many students might take it as an extra burden and opt for easy options like internet or guides for different subjects, but in the long run it will prove healthy since it will improve their imaginative skills.
—Cyril D’souza, teacher, Campion school
Will create curiosity about fine arts
Today it’s essential that children have to be proficient in all areas. The way our curriculum has been made, it seems that children need to mug up the course. The initiative to go beyond the normal curriculum has some positive aspects. First the positive benefit is that it will create awareness among children about the legendary work of Indian writers and filmmakers. Earlier they were known to be legends in their lifetime but hardly anyone got to know about their creation and work. Secondly, in this way all schools will be forced to inculcate the reading habit and appreciation for films, which is quite exciting for children.
—LK Jain, parent
All education boards must follow this
The initiative of CBSE Board to include a renowned author like Amitav Ghosh and filmmaker Satyajit Ray is really commendable. In this way, our children will get to know the genius of Satyajit Ray and the movies he made. Writing stories in the past and in contemporary age has changed, with a writer like Amitav Ghosh. Since this won’t be an imposed study, the students will enjoy reading the book and watching films. Moreover students have more chances of scoring more marks with their own interest. But the benefit of this idea should be used by all the education boards across the country.
—Kavita Majithia, parent
Dramas and theatrical productions must be part of study
I’m an avid reader. I really relish reading novels
and story books. If such books are made part of the
syllabus, then I will be happy. We will not just read them, but get detailed analysis of the same from the teachers. Many authors and well known filmmakers have established a good reputation aboard, but youngsters, like me, today often miss out on their works. So I think this is a break from the usual academic
learning that we have been doing till date. Of late, our syllabus has moved beyond just rote learning. Apart from novels and movies, it will also be great to watch some plays and give a critical appreciation for the same.
—Tanvi Parulekar, 14, St Ignatius School
Educators must think out of the box to make learning more interesting
Contrary to popular belief, students are keen on reading works by Indian writers and watching classics. I don’t think academics is bookish any longer. There are subjects that involve more than textbook learning. Many changes have taken place during the past few years.
The initiative to introduce films and books for compulsory study, will make learning more interesting. It has the potential of reducing the pressure of purely academic subjects. I think practical knowledge is more important. It will also instil the habit of analysis and appreciation which is diminishing these days. The current education system is good, but such new ideas are welcome.
—Candice Samuel, 14, Carmel Convent School
Will revive interest in cultural heritage and generate creativity
Rigid academic curriculum forces us to study only our syllabus. This makes the course quite boring. Moreover, children source reference material from the internet, so there is hardly anytime to read the valuable contributions of writers and filmmakers. If students will be judged on the same, more students will opt for reading books and watching films of renowned Indian directors. It will introduce a temper of creativity among pupils, they will learn to appreciate more than what is printed in textbooks and guides. Moreover, few remember the classics made by Satyajit Ray due to the overdose of Bollywood movies. It will revive interest in our heritage.
—Noopur Sen, 16, RN Podar School
Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/speakup/report_moving-beyond-the-textbooks_1329891
In India, there is an effort to use local Indian writers and film/drama directors' writing in the classroom.
Below are the views of stakeholders and a few articulate Indian teens expressing their support and reasons for this move to supplement their English textbook.
Rodney Tan
------------------------------------------------------
Moving Beyond the Textbooks
Mumbai: Lessons learnt through visual medium will register permanently in their mind
The move to include Satyajit Ray and Amitav Ghosh to class XI elective English syllabus of CBSE is a good move. According to me, students should be made to read novels from primary school, because it not only helps them to instil reading habits, but also opens them to a new world of thoughts. At our school, we start reading exercises from class I. We also focus on showing movies and connect them to different subjects. For example, a film like Pay It Forward can be used to understand social study and literature.
Moreover, if a novel is set in England then we teach our students about currency conversion. Mixing different subjects makes it not only interesting but easy for the students. Instead of class XI, CBSE educators should introduce the change from lower classes since it will inculcate a passion for reading among students. It is scientifically proven that stories touch the emotional core of the brain.
This makes learning more powerful. Also, one might forget dates or names, but it is difficult to forget a story or a plot. All education institutes should focus on teaching the works of various authors and directors, since we live in a globalised world. Children need to know about different cultures and literature.
—Lina Ashar, educationist and chairperson-Kangaroo Kids Education Ltd
Pupils need to look beyond video games
Introducing novels and movies apart from the usual English syllabus is a wonderful idea. It will inculcate reading habits in children. Today, children are addicted to the world wide web and spend most of their time either surfing the internet or playing video games. Hence, we need to introduce some reforms so that students start reading books apart from their textbooks. Indian authors like Arundhati Roy, Amitav Ghosh are world class writers.
And reading their books along with international writers will not only provide an insight into what wholesome writing is, but also give an insight into different genres of literature and diverse cultures. ICSE showcases plays by Shakespeare which help students in improving their language skills. Many students might take it as an extra burden and opt for easy options like internet or guides for different subjects, but in the long run it will prove healthy since it will improve their imaginative skills.
—Cyril D’souza, teacher, Campion school
Will create curiosity about fine arts
Today it’s essential that children have to be proficient in all areas. The way our curriculum has been made, it seems that children need to mug up the course. The initiative to go beyond the normal curriculum has some positive aspects. First the positive benefit is that it will create awareness among children about the legendary work of Indian writers and filmmakers. Earlier they were known to be legends in their lifetime but hardly anyone got to know about their creation and work. Secondly, in this way all schools will be forced to inculcate the reading habit and appreciation for films, which is quite exciting for children.
—LK Jain, parent
All education boards must follow this
The initiative of CBSE Board to include a renowned author like Amitav Ghosh and filmmaker Satyajit Ray is really commendable. In this way, our children will get to know the genius of Satyajit Ray and the movies he made. Writing stories in the past and in contemporary age has changed, with a writer like Amitav Ghosh. Since this won’t be an imposed study, the students will enjoy reading the book and watching films. Moreover students have more chances of scoring more marks with their own interest. But the benefit of this idea should be used by all the education boards across the country.
—Kavita Majithia, parent
Dramas and theatrical productions must be part of study
I’m an avid reader. I really relish reading novels
and story books. If such books are made part of the
syllabus, then I will be happy. We will not just read them, but get detailed analysis of the same from the teachers. Many authors and well known filmmakers have established a good reputation aboard, but youngsters, like me, today often miss out on their works. So I think this is a break from the usual academic
learning that we have been doing till date. Of late, our syllabus has moved beyond just rote learning. Apart from novels and movies, it will also be great to watch some plays and give a critical appreciation for the same.
—Tanvi Parulekar, 14, St Ignatius School
Educators must think out of the box to make learning more interesting
Contrary to popular belief, students are keen on reading works by Indian writers and watching classics. I don’t think academics is bookish any longer. There are subjects that involve more than textbook learning. Many changes have taken place during the past few years.
The initiative to introduce films and books for compulsory study, will make learning more interesting. It has the potential of reducing the pressure of purely academic subjects. I think practical knowledge is more important. It will also instil the habit of analysis and appreciation which is diminishing these days. The current education system is good, but such new ideas are welcome.
—Candice Samuel, 14, Carmel Convent School
Will revive interest in cultural heritage and generate creativity
Rigid academic curriculum forces us to study only our syllabus. This makes the course quite boring. Moreover, children source reference material from the internet, so there is hardly anytime to read the valuable contributions of writers and filmmakers. If students will be judged on the same, more students will opt for reading books and watching films of renowned Indian directors. It will introduce a temper of creativity among pupils, they will learn to appreciate more than what is printed in textbooks and guides. Moreover, few remember the classics made by Satyajit Ray due to the overdose of Bollywood movies. It will revive interest in our heritage.
—Noopur Sen, 16, RN Podar School
Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/speakup/report_moving-beyond-the-textbooks_1329891
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Announcement: Weekend Drama Workshop
Dear All,
My friend, Audrey Lim, a well-known Literature teacher & dramatist is organising a second drama workshop which would be useful for classroom setting. Facilitators from the Melaka Theatre Group will also be present. Do join this workshop if you have nothing to do this weekend. The RM100 fees will go to the CHIJ School Building Fund. Fees include all meals except dinner & breakfast. Please contact the organiser directly. Details are below:
Drama Works Wonders!
Participate in DramaWorks –
an exciting weekend drama workshop
Break Out of your Shell!
This fun-filled learning experience will kick-off 2010 with a bang and help you make new friends, project your voice and hone your speaking and acting skills.
It will also enable you to strut your stuff on stage, and generally get your creative juices flowing….
Date: Sat. – Sun. 2-3 January 2010 Time: 8.30 am - 4.30 pm
Place: No.1, Wisma WESB,
Taman Bachang Permai,
off Jalan Tun Fatimah,
75350 Melaka.
(Wisma WESB is opposite TEAC on Jln Tun Fatimah, near Kamdar and Giant.)
For all 13 years of age and over. Teachers also welcome to join in the fun!
Fee: RM 100 only.
This workshop organized by the PPA in collaboration with the Malacca Theatre Group is to help raise funds for SMK IJConvent.
NB: This fee is inclusive of lunch, and morning and afternoon tea over the 2 days.
Call Ms Lim 016-6430520 or email audrilim@gmail.com for more details
Don’t delay. Register today for DramaWorks!
Yes, this drama workshop held on 2nd. – 3rd. January 2010 will be a great learning experience for me!
Please sign me up for it straight away! My particulars are as follows:
Name: ……………………………………………………………..(in block letters please!)
Sex: M/F…//School/College: …………………………………………………….........
Age & Form in 2010: ...........................…
Telephone Contacts: Home ………………H/p:…………………………..
Email: ........................................... Pls tell us if you’re vegetarian.
Address:……………......…………………………………………………
...…………………………………………………Postcode: ............Malacca
Please email or call to register. You can pay when you come on 2nd. Jan.
You could also post a crossed cheque for RM 100 made to
Past Pupils’ Association, CHIJ Malacca
along with your form to be sent to:
The Treasurer, PPA
c/o 60A Taman Perkota
75350 Malacca
Signed:………………………… Date: ………………….
NOTE:
You may also give the money directly to Audrey or Janie, but you will get your receipt only on the first day when you hand in your COMPLETED form.
We will confirm your place for the workshop as soon as we get a completed form from you, by email or snail mail.
For more information about this workshop, please phone Audrey (016-6430-520) or Janie ((019-6662827), or email them at audrilim@gmail.com or janieypc@yahoo.com
NOTE:
1. Registration will be faster if you bring a print-out of your form, all completed legibly.
2. Participants will be working barefoot on the floor.
3. Please wear comfortable loose attire, like a T-shirt and long track pants.
4. Bring any prop on the first day – it can be long or short e.g. a tape measure or a mug; light or hard e.g. a scarf or a tin; big or small e.g. a hat, a bat, even a cat (stuffed of cos!) but no rats please! Do use your imagination.
Please pass the word about this workshop around. Thank you for your support.
My friend, Audrey Lim, a well-known Literature teacher & dramatist is organising a second drama workshop which would be useful for classroom setting. Facilitators from the Melaka Theatre Group will also be present. Do join this workshop if you have nothing to do this weekend. The RM100 fees will go to the CHIJ School Building Fund. Fees include all meals except dinner & breakfast. Please contact the organiser directly. Details are below:
Drama Works Wonders!
Participate in DramaWorks –
an exciting weekend drama workshop
Break Out of your Shell!
This fun-filled learning experience will kick-off 2010 with a bang and help you make new friends, project your voice and hone your speaking and acting skills.
It will also enable you to strut your stuff on stage, and generally get your creative juices flowing….
Date: Sat. – Sun. 2-3 January 2010 Time: 8.30 am - 4.30 pm
Place: No.1, Wisma WESB,
Taman Bachang Permai,
off Jalan Tun Fatimah,
75350 Melaka.
(Wisma WESB is opposite TEAC on Jln Tun Fatimah, near Kamdar and Giant.)
For all 13 years of age and over. Teachers also welcome to join in the fun!
Fee: RM 100 only.
This workshop organized by the PPA in collaboration with the Malacca Theatre Group is to help raise funds for SMK IJConvent.
NB: This fee is inclusive of lunch, and morning and afternoon tea over the 2 days.
Call Ms Lim 016-6430520 or email audrilim@gmail.com for more details
Don’t delay. Register today for DramaWorks!
Yes, this drama workshop held on 2nd. – 3rd. January 2010 will be a great learning experience for me!
Please sign me up for it straight away! My particulars are as follows:
Name: ……………………………………………………………..(in block letters please!)
Sex: M/F…//School/College: …………………………………………………….........
Age & Form in 2010: ...........................…
Telephone Contacts: Home ………………H/p:…………………………..
Email: ........................................... Pls tell us if you’re vegetarian.
Address:……………......…………………………………………………
...…………………………………………………Postcode: ............Malacca
Please email or call to register. You can pay when you come on 2nd. Jan.
You could also post a crossed cheque for RM 100 made to
Past Pupils’ Association, CHIJ Malacca
along with your form to be sent to:
The Treasurer, PPA
c/o 60A Taman Perkota
75350 Malacca
Signed:………………………… Date: ………………….
NOTE:
You may also give the money directly to Audrey or Janie, but you will get your receipt only on the first day when you hand in your COMPLETED form.
We will confirm your place for the workshop as soon as we get a completed form from you, by email or snail mail.
For more information about this workshop, please phone Audrey (016-6430-520) or Janie ((019-6662827), or email them at audrilim@gmail.com or janieypc@yahoo.com
NOTE:
1. Registration will be faster if you bring a print-out of your form, all completed legibly.
2. Participants will be working barefoot on the floor.
3. Please wear comfortable loose attire, like a T-shirt and long track pants.
4. Bring any prop on the first day – it can be long or short e.g. a tape measure or a mug; light or hard e.g. a scarf or a tin; big or small e.g. a hat, a bat, even a cat (stuffed of cos!) but no rats please! Do use your imagination.
Please pass the word about this workshop around. Thank you for your support.
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