Working with Language Fonts

While working on my Hindi AV lesson, I had downloaded the Hindi font (Shusha) for helping me in the typing of the Hindi words. Initially, when I planned to conduct this lesson, I thought of making the Hindi teacher write the words and I would scan the same, and cut, copy and paste what I require for the presentation. Once I downloaded a Hindi font which also included its keyboard layout or map, typing in Hindi was a breeze. Though i did have some difficulty in the "chandra kala" format, i did some some work on the same using paint. Chandrakala would not work in my font. hence i had to use the help of Paint to draw the dot for the Chandrakala. Maybe, when I get time, I should find a Hindi font which includes all the letters and letter formations clearly. This keyboard map didnt seem to be of full use since I wasnt able to get certain things. But the good thing about this Shusha font is that, even I could type easily. The letters a, s, d corresponds to the phonetic sounds in Hindi. Now that's what I call easy typing.

Anyways, on preparing slides for Malayalam AV, I did try looking for Malayalam font but somehow the keyboard map was not available. But recently, on the Malayalam teacher's request, I resumed my search. Along with the help of my uncle (who is pro in Malayalam typing), i searched for the Kaveri Malayalam font and luckily, I got the keyboard map along with it. The whole keyboard keys have a corresponding Malayalam aksharam or kootuaksharam (joined letters). Anyways, typing in Malayalam is not so easy as Hindi. Anyways, the keyboard map is of great use here.

I have come across a strange issue in school. At home, i have downloaded these fonts to my laptop and they are still in my system. But in school, once I copy the fonts to the Fonts folder in Control Panel or install the fonts in the Fonts folder, I can work on it immediately. But if i restart the system, the fonts disappear from the Fonts Folder and i have to copy it again. Havent figured out what I issue is. Maybe I should do some research on the same. ( When...I have no idea)

Working on a Skit

Well, my colleagues and myself are now working with the children for an upcoming School Day Program. We are planning a play on the Pied Piper. It seems an enormous task right now. But even the Sports Day seemed like a mountain for us but after it finished, it was just like you crossed a tiny hill.

Maybe it is the effort put in by all of us, which makes it all so wonderful. We can still see or hear sounds of discomfort from here and there, but the show must go on.

I am kind of enjoying my very first hand experience in handling a skit. All of us have been put in groups to work on different characters. Well, the only experience that I remember is putting my language skills in the English skit in college.

I'm also in charge of few characters in the play like the Mayor, Town crier, Councillors and Mayoress. The children are just having a wonderful time. They eagerly look forward for the Zero Period. The world of 'make and believe' is truly an exciting world for any child.

Well, coming back to the Pied Piper, right now, my part is in setting up the backgrounds for the scene, since the school has finally agreed to the use of an data projector for the show. ( Yes!! Yes!! Yes!!)

I would like to share this wonderful line that came in our circular - "Slipping into the world of 'Make -Believe' is an important part of growing up. Through the medium of dance and drama, young children learn to express themselves. "

I am sure we'll have lots of challenges on our path. Challenges make my day!! As long as Allah is with me, I'm sure these challenges are going to be a breeze. ( Do I sound too confident?)

Share...Share...Share...

SHARE...I dont understand why people dont understand the power of this word. If you are not ready to share, you have willingly decided to put a full stop to your life. Now, I am particularly concerned on how some people restrict themselves by not sharing information.
I always believe that each one of us are unique and as a result of that uniqueness, we have something unique to present to this world. As a teacher, I would say, I can learn from others and others can learn from me. Sharing your experience, is in no way, going to make you small. I would say, it would help you open your mind as far as the sky. Associating your big fat EGO with this lovely act of sharing, is a very BIG mistake.
Those who are not willing to accept this fact, are just going to restrict their personal growth. I dont think this would apply to just the profession of teaching.
Anyways, I would still keep my doors open for new ideas and suggestions from all my very good friends and friends-to-be, who are or may not be on the same wavelength as moi. Maybe, the others would learn as time passes, insha Allah.

Weather Audio Visual

The first week of January 2009 - Had an interesting AV lesson on Weather for Grade 1. Basically, they had to be just introduced to four types of weather - sunny, rainy, cloudy, and windy. My lesson composed of pictures showing how each weather can be identified. The children enjoyed discussing about the different things they can enjoy for each type of the day. Before taking them to the AV room, I did make them observe the weather when they were out of the class. Talked about the three types of clouds you can see in the sky. When they were going back to their class after the AV, the children noted the type of cloud they could see in the sky.
I also incorporated a the interactive story on the North Wind and Sun which, I am sure gives them a basic idea that the wind makes the weather cold and the sun makes it hot. Well, the story has a moral too.
Another interesting thing in the lesson was I played them a link which made them hear the different sounds the wind make. That was fun for the kids! I have learnt that introducing sounds to the lesson makes it more real to them. I guess that helps these young fellows to retain something about the lesson.
If I were to evaluate this lesson, I would give a A+.