Every Child's Path Primary Education Program - Our Children Africa | Our Children Africa

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Every Child’s Path Primary Education Program

Every Child’s Path, developed by Anne Kinch is a primary teaching program that teaches children how concepts in literacy and math are interconnected. Children learn how letters, numerals, words, numbers, sentences, pages and books work in similar ways.

A large carpet called the Noticing Mat is used to focus the children’s attention to necessary information as new concepts are introduced. This program ensures that children become actively involved in the learning through ongoing participation in the educational process.

In 2007, this program was introduced in the Ackropong Region of Ghana to a small number of schools with very positive results. Since than over 800 teachers have received training . Feedback from teachers shows how excited they are by the significant difference in their children’s performance in literacy and math. Both teachers and children have responded with enthusiasm to this active programme, and discipline issues have been minimized.

Some of the comments from teachers reflect the success of the program:

The level of fluency in English has improved by responding in sentences, and so have their reading and mathematical skills.

The Noticing Mat develops critical observation skills and cognitive development. The program is child centred, promoting child friendly activities and social development. Everyone participates and the children are continually engaged.

This program is wonderful. It is here to stay. We want it to be extended to all the schools in this district so that all our children can enjoy good education. With each lesson in Every Child’s Path, the children are expected to answer many questions about what they see on the Noticing Mat. Because they get frequent practice in how to respond, they are able to answer questions in sentences, using English. They are ready to do everything with confidence. The praise that is promoted, motivates the children. With feedback, even if they are incorrect, they try once more and are able to correct themselves. The way the program is planned, they notice many things and analyze what they notice. They see details, similarities, differences and pick out the most important things. It carries over to other subjects and makes teaching easier. You can’t believe it. The schools using Every Child’s Path are called the Noticing Mat Activity schools.

- Rose Ofari, Primary Co-ordinator, Akropong Region

I teach 59 children who are 3 and 4 years old. This program is enlightening. My children have learned how to notice many things and have responded very well. They are always excited about the mat and are interested in what we will be doing. The children have learned how to answer questions in sentences and are learning how to write. Teaching this program is very easy and enjoyable. It has much impact on the children. Children who move on to the next school have great achievement. One child had to be moved up from class one to class two.

- Tina Gogo, Teacher Youth Hope International School

I have been teaching for twenty-four years using other programs, but I prefer this one. It is very good. My children are able to grasp whatever I teach in class because what they have learned in Every Child’s Path helps in other subject areas. They answer and speak in simple sentences. They notice sounds of the alphabet. [We made a Ghanaian alphabet where the letters look like something the children would know that began with that sound. s is a snake, t is a tree etc.] They have learned how to put the consonants and vowels together to make simple words. They know how to compare things they notice. This program has made a big difference.

- Vivian Opare, Teacher

For further information on Every Child’s Path curriculum and program, visit the Every Child’s Path website.

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