'Teaching through play' - Hope Demonstration finds right formula to engage students

Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

WILLIAMSFIELD, Manchester:

HOPE DEMONSTRATION Basic School is seen as the standard-bearer for early-childhood education in the parish of Manchester.

The institution is one of the first model basic schools in the island, and it has been consistently producing top-quality students. Principal Gail Anderson and her staff do this through the concept of teaching through play.

The school was established in 1957 in Hope Village, Williamsfield, as a kindergarten institution for Alcan workers' children. In 1964, it became a preparatory school.

It was handed over to the Government in May 1980 to be the infant department of the McIntosh Primary School. After being impressed by the performance of the children at a school-leaving service in 1989, then president of Alcan, Dr Keith Panton, decided to adopt the school. Through his assistance, a new wing - housing a kitchen, restroom, office, bathroom and shower - was added to the school.

In 2006, further transformation came about through the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government. Four new classrooms were added - an indoor playing area, a computer room equipped with seven computers, a dining area, restrooms, and an outdoor playing area - bringing the total to six. The school population increased from 40 in the early days to a current enrollment of 152 students, six teachers, and the principal.

Enhancing learning

"The school was designed to enhance learning as a part of the model project. The size of the classrooms, as well as the shape and size of the desks and chairs, is designed to foster social development. The children have their individual cubby holes to put their lunch bags labelled with their names," explained Anderson.

She added: "Lecturers from Shortwood Teachers' College have been conducting workshops, which has helped us. We apply the concept of teaching through play, which has proven to be very effective. Hope Demonstration is all about making learning fun."

Anderson said the children are taught basic Spanish and use the computers to enhance what they are taught. The indoor playing area plays an integral role in the learning process.

Motivating students

"We use it (indoor playing area) as a motivational tool. If a student is well behaved, that student gets to go on one of the rides for a stipulated time," Anderson said. "We also have an arrival-free play session in the mornings where lessons which are being taught are reinforced through play."

Hope Demonstration also has ramps to cater for children with special needs.

Teachers from other schools at times visit Hope Demonstration to access information and get ideas for their schools.

On the school's notice board at the front of the school, parents can see what is being taught on a weekly basis for the respective classes. "We try to encourage a continuation of learning at home," Anderson said. "We encourage parents to talk to the children, find out what is being taught or what is happening at school so that they (parents) can get involved in their children's learning. We also encourage parents to label their environment at home, which contributes tremendously to children's learning process."

rural@gleanerjm.com

PHOTOS BY DAVE LINDO