The Success of CBC at Pre-Primary Level
Contributed to by Bernice Amenya, Headteacher Makini School Migosi
Early Years Education within the Competency Based Curriculum (C.B.C) accommodates pre-primary, which we commonly refer to as pre-school and comprises of learners aged 3-6 years, and lower primary which caters for Grade 1 to Grade 3. The Pre-school education forms the foundation years for all other academic levels. Therefore, it is a very crucial stage in a child`s academic, social, emotional and physical development.
To fully embrace the new C.B.C in pre-primary, educators have to ensure they incorporate tools for experiential learning. In the instance of Makini as a benchmark, we are keen on enabling all our learners to develop the Core Competencies of the curriculum; communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving, imagination and creativity, citizenship, learning to learn, self-efficacy and digital literacy. These competencies are embedded in all the learning areas. The teachers always endeavor to deliver a 21st century lesson which is learner-centered, child friendly and one that sets us apart from other education providers. This, they achieve by employing fun-filled learning experiences that ignite the urge of our learners to acquire new skills, knowledge and competencies. They are willing and happy to learn.
One of the ways in which we achieve this love for learning in our lessons is by incorporating plenty of play during lessons. For instance, a Number Work lesson will not miss exciting games such as the Jenga puzzles, where learners arrange and rearrange blocks to come up with different number values and number sequences. Likewise, in a Language Activity lesson, fishing and the Scrabble game enrich learning experiences. Consequently, all these and more fun-filled learning approaches help develop the imagination and creativity, critical thinking and problem solving of our learners, as they solve word and number puzzles, as well as communication and collaboration as there is a lot of conversation and coordination going on during the games. Furthermore, the learning games help impart values such as patience and respect as learners take turns to play with the puzzles.
Digital literacy is another competency which is at the very heart of learning in the modern world. Where and when possible, lessons can be enriched with short, content related videos, songs and virtual games. Once again, apply an example, I have embraced the use of live worksheets via links sent to respective WhatsApp class groups by class teachers on a weekly basis. Currently, WhatsApp/ the use of mobile phones allows for wider access vis-à-vis the increased ability for a parent to acquire an affordable smart phone. Children to do not need to have their own devices and can use the worksheet time as bonding time with their parents and this has supported the aspect of parental involvement and real time feedback on a child’s progress.
To enhance further practical skills acquisition and to help mold an all rounded pre-school learner, we came up with a Skill Board Room where learners are guided on performing basic tasks such as shoe lace tying, zipping, switching sockets on and off, trimming finger nails, among other life skills. To the little learners, it is always an adventure to learn to perform these tasks that they can relate with what is done within their home and school environment. Such skills instils in our learners a sense of responsibility. These basic but important skills make learning authentic and further help prevent the likelihood of boredom. How fulfilling it is to see the little faces beam up with smiles at the mention of Skill Board Room!
The Competency Based Curriculum in pre-primary can be enhanced and explored in many varied ways using materials that educators have access to within their environment. A little creativity foes a long way. From the use of learning games, live worksheets, skill boards among other learner-centered learning approaches, it is clear that the implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum can be placed at the heart of the day to day activities of a pre-primary. My greatest motivation is to see learners always looking forward to coming to school!
