MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA
Celta certified English teacher with a bachelor's degree in Modern languages and literature (Majors: Spanish and English). l'm currently based in Barcelona, where l teach both online and off-line.
Location BELGIUM (Brussels)
Activity
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Ho capito quasi tutto!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Perfetto!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Marie, tu sei russa, no? No, sono francese.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Sardo, Siciliano, Pugliese, Ligure e Piamontese. No sono sicura si ci escrivere con lettera maiuscola...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Sono Mary. Sono belga di Bruxelles. Vivo a Bruxelles.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA replied to Lauren Melling
Buongiorno, mi chiamo Mary. Sono Belga. Sono di Bruxelles ma da origini da Ouganda e Kenya. Quindi mezzo Belga, mezzo Ugandese, mezzo keniota!
-
Grazie!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Michiamo Mary: Emme-a-erre-y
"Y" en italiano? -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Ciao a tutti! Io sono Belga! Piacere!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Grazie per il vocabulari! Is this correct?
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Ciao a tutti!! Mi chiamo Mary!! Piacere
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
What are your beliefs about language learning and teaching?
Language learning and teaching are connected like mentioned already by other participants. We are never too old to learn something (a language or something else) and personally, l have even appreciated more "learning" because of teaching. Opening someone's door to another language and culture has... -
@AleshaRoss Yes, totally right and like someone once said, "a great teacher never stops being a student". If we all continue to believe in that, then we definitely embrace what we are doing.
-
@SheonaGilmour Okay thanks and l will!!
-
Hi Grissell, l would also like to work at international schools. From which university, will you have your PGCE done? Thanks for sharing!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Thanks so much dear educators for the course filled with such enriching information about childhood learning and development! Also a big thanks to all fellow participants because l really had great pleasure reading your comments and experiences all along this course.
Also l received the certificate and thanks!!! l just wanted to find out what l should do to...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
l agree with all of them except the first one! Having had a deep and clear understanding of play-based learning, children actually learn best if they're playing and teachers have to create as many variety of games as possible for children to deepen their learning through different types of play .
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
The course has been really an enriching one for me. I wasn't really teaching young Learners before the lockdown (mainly teenagers and adults) but the Lockdown brought new opportunities for me (teaching online and also l started to teach really young children, l was scared because l really didn't know how to go about it). This course miraculously appeared at...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Thanks for sharing all this material!! It has been more than a pleasure learning, commenting, reading others and watching all these videos!! The course has been very engaging from the broad material provided!! Thanks for your time and making this period very fruitful for some of us!!
Just a question about the certificate. l have received one and thanks a...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Were you surprised by anything that James said? Suprised no but great information definitely!
How do you think we can best measure a child’s progress? From the information gathered from the course (videos, comments, etc), we need to measure the child's progress through examining all the different areas of their development and not narrowing to "just" some... -
Hi Jackie King, l also loved the article about ADHD! My brother has ADHD and it has been such a struggle in the family as my parents never really understood how to help him even after all the doctors, information, advice they were given. He is now 21 and l feel like he never got the right treatment from the early stages of his ADHD. Just wanted to share as you...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Speaking, reading and writing are all essential to communicating, so what can we expect from young children learning English as an additional language? When are children ready to start speaking, reading and writing? l guess when they start to say things that they have been learning slowly by slowly. As teachers, we can just continue to support them with the...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
How do we help children learn, and what does this mean for children learning English as an additional language? Like Tracey Chapelton explains it clearly in the video, the different activities that we do with the children adapting them to their capacities, age groups, etc, they at the same time help in the child's development. For instance, carrying out an...
-
@KatieLockwood Thanks for sharing! Well expressed and totally agree! Parents' collaboration in providing relevant information gives room for broad assessment of a child, therefore being a key "piece of the puzzle" just as expressed above.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Were you surprised by Anne-Marie’s definition of assessment? No at all given the age category.
After watching the video, has your understanding of ‘assessment’ in early childhood changed in any way? Yes, l have got a better and profound understanding of what exactly assessment is about in this age category. Assessment in Early childhood learning isn't about... -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Can you remember a recent magic moment for one of the children in your care? Yes, am currently teaching online, l have two young learners whose L1 is French and they're learning English with me. The 7 year-old always tells me when she is going to look or get something, "l'm going to "CHERCHE" a pen or crayon. ("Cherche" = French for "get"/"look for") and l...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
1. During free play, note down what the children are doing, who they are playing with, some of the different things that each child can do, and the different things they are interested in.
2. What things did you notice? Were you surprised by anything you saw or heard? When observing the learners l was teaching (like mentioned before, teenagers and adults),...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Were you surprised by anything that Anne-Marie said? No, only builds on what l already knew.
Why is it important to take the time to celebrate children’s achievements? It encourages both children and their parents! Children feel happy and more motivated to learn more and share their the progress with the parents, who support and value them more. -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
What are your experiences of observation, assessment and planning? Although l haven't been teaching Very or Young Learners, l still think one still needs to observe their learners (adults or teenagers, in my case ) in order to better plan suitable activities / materials. l have also been observed while doing my CELTA by other trainees and the feedback was...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
In agreement with the above mentioned and like majority of fellow participants have commented here, l don't see the necessity of any kind of assessment of children through, exams or tests. Their progress should be tracked through the different activities that are play-based organized for them.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Through observations (understanding each child individually and in a group, identifying areas of child's needs, progress, etc), keep clear and accurate information about the child with parents to help you evaluate the child accurately.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
ENJOYED!!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Great week and as an online tutor with some young learners taking classes with me, l want to create my virtual enabling environment through using more interesting props/flashcards, suitable decorations and reinventing myself abit more in a very positive manner. I learnt new terms such as "key person" and deeply understanding the importance of this particular...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Again, am glad to be busy with this course while on holidays so to enjoy the extra ressources to read!!! Thanks for genuinely sharing!!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Children have to be taught that each one is unique and important. Teachers have to encourage children to love each other even when they seem to be a mixture of different nationalities/languages/cultures. It's through so doing that they will value themselves as well as their classmates. It's a crucial age and it all begins with their teachers, who have to keep...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
My ideal class would be a division in corners (like someone suggested already) that are themed (nature, technology, aquatic, relaxing, kitchen, etc), where the children have the chance to learn through the mentioned themes above and l would try to create others corners after (every "x" months) let's say. These corners would be safe, bright and allow a lot of...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
All these points are highly important and if you can have at least 3 to 4, it's a good start. All of them caught my attention, particularly these:
Provide optimal conditions for rich play: space, time, flexible resources, choice, control, warm and supportive relationships.
Provide space and time for movement and dance both indoors and outdoors.
Encourage... -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
How does a strong partnership between families and early childhood settings contribute to an enabling environment? Parents need to trust the teachers in order to help their children, this comes about through: clear communication between parents and teachers, respect and willingness to support the children by giving relevant information that may help the...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Am not surprised, l agree and even enjoyed certain details such as, meeting the parents at the beginning of the year before meeting the children.
-
@LetyReyes Yes, depending on the country and type of school, it can really change in number. In most African schools, it's the same but the private and international ones, less ofcourse.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
The children really look happy just as their carer, which can only be explained by the carer's strong and positive bond with the children. She knows how to make them feel happy about coming there everyday and the "goodbye" song shows that they will be happy to be back just to learner others. The details matter to children (the high-five, being called by their...
-
I agree and indeed beneficial for children to have that "KEY" person ouside their inner family. This key person in certain cases even plays the whole role of certain absent or abusive parents. Farthermore, the key person can help children get out of unhealthy family homesteads because of that relationship built where the child feels safe to say when things...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
We talk of a class teacher in Belgium (For the primary and secondary level) but am not sure of the title given at lower levels.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
To begin with, my dad!!! I mentioned before that l have always been a "slower learner" but my dad managed to see all the "POSITIVE" things in my "Slow learning to encourage me. He always said, l had perseverance, patience and l was dedicated. l never gave up even after hours of just trying to understand something that my siblings understood in a couple of...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Can't wait!!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
What is your understanding of a ‘positive relationship’? A relationship of trust, smooth and clear communication and mutual respect that's created between educators and children and between parents and educators.
What do you think the term ‘enabling environment’ means? Once there's a positive relationship, resources needed for children and safety, then an... -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
We sang lots of songs in kindergarten, so l enjoyed it. Through the songs and also the stories that were read to us, l learnt a lot as singing always made me a happy child and excited me.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Thanks for the week and also happy to read other participants' favourite children books. l have only just started teaching young learners therefore, very interesting for me to have loads of ideas. Thanks everyone!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
So much has been provided and really a lot to take in if you don't already work in early childhood. Every piece of information has been more than appreciated. My take aways can be summarized with some key words: the importance of play in children's learning, creating meaningful learning activities, learning English and other areas of Learning and Development...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
As all the other weeks, very enriching, interesting and broad information that is to be applied to the intended category as well as be adapted to other learning categories. Am ready for week 5!!! Thanks !!!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Obviously, when it comes to activity planing, the following general information is taken into account: age, level, interest, etc. In the case an old group, l also adapt activities, in continuity with prior knowledge and through observation on what worked well and what didn't to creatively come up with a better activity without forgetting the: fun, engaging and...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
l have loved this video because definitely by listening to the parents /educators, am always picking up something new or just new ways of being creative with children!
l mainly teach teenagers but l must confess that even for them, it's good to include play in their learning just like James Nottingham had emphasized "play" being key for children as well as... -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Similar but l got more significant details, which l appreciated so much.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Learning through play.
What? Prior knowledge (camping vocabulary , e.g "tent"),Animal names, their sounds and their movements
Developed skills: physical, mental, social and emotional skills. -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
The teacher explains two main concepts: wet and dry and she uses connections such as: water, rain, corresponding gestures and the right voice intonation. The teacher uses does a good job with the age group through using: resources, body language and the right language.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Musical instruments: To create and repeat beats. The children will listen to a "beat" and they will have to try and repeat it. And then, another, etc. In so doing, they are encouraged to copy, repeat and try to follow a pattern.
This activity will encourage: listening, repeating, creating a pattern and also self-control as they struggle to play the exact... -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
The adult's support is key in any kind of learning that children are doing because it is also a crucial period, where proper guidance is needed in order to avoid so many regrets later. As far as learning English as a second language is concerned, adults are responsible for creating a comfortable and secure space for the purpose. The adult must show a positive...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Just confirming that l agree and it's indeed through listening and following their interests that we can have their attention in order to teach them
-
Yes, very interesting, we can talk about, Taste and Flavour: salty, sour, bitter, sweet, etc and make basic mixtures to create them!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
All activities opening the mind to language acquisition. Children are moving and having fun, a great contribution to learning the new language in context.
By playing with the blocks, indeed like mentioned already below, children are learning, colours, size, shape, height, etc. The dressing up, children can ask educators to help them; zip up/ tighten, parts... -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
1° What’s your experience of teaching or learning another language? I started learning other languages when l was in Africa, where when l stayed in another area, l just simply picked up that language through, playing with the children of the neighbours, everything came very naturally because l was young and didn't ask myself questions about the language l was...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
If it was solely about "just teaching English" and nothing more, l guess it would be extremely boring not only for the learners but the teacher as well. Learning a language is an art and therefore, the preparation involved, is part of the beauty, excitement and creativity that one puts in it while teaching it to others.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
l remember that l learnt how to make colourful mats for sitting on in different styles and African handmade baskets, all through observing my grandmother.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Again, very much enjoyed this week and a whole bunch of good information!! This course has come in handy as apply what am learning with some of the young learners l teach online.
Can't wait for week 4!!! -
I had an online class on Monday with a 6 year old girl and she sets my mood for the week because she is very energetic during the classes. She is learning English as an additional language and given the factor that she is also learning two other languages at the same time, l really appreciate her efforts and l do all can to encourage and make the learning...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
The teacher has asked lots of closed questions because of their low understanding and at the same time, she can gauge how much they get. Thanks for exemplifying the "closed questions" for us!!
-
Positive tone and attitude for communication with the kiddies by the teacher.
The teacher is very interactive; she asks questions and does lots of repetition (which tent colour?/ which colour, yellow or green?), she models what's to be done and appropriate language usage for age level. -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Joining in / entering the child's world is a key step here and l totally agree. Usually, we tend to take over or again try to control the way it should be done. It's good to understand that children bond more with us if we just "join in and naturally play with them" without trying to do it our way.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
I agree with what James says about labelling. l have a family example story about labelling children.
l remember that my mum's friend son was nicknamed or labelled "goodboy" since he was a baby and everyone called him so. The problem is, as he grew up, many people actually didn't really know or couldn't remember his REAL name but also him being the first... -
l don't remember being compared to others and am thankful for that. All l remember are the encouraging words my dad used to describe my personality. l have always been a "slow learner" and it bothered me but my dad always said that it was also a very positive factor for me, because it made me very patient and perseverant. This has helped alot as a teacher and...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
I agree with him and l must say that he is right about being conscious to praise without over exaggerating because it can spoil kiddies if over done .Was interesting to distinguish internal and external motivators and would love to read more about these two factors.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
1= C. Will help and show the child how to clean up
2= A .
3 =C -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Children need to feel safe first and foremost and if the environment is right for them, the positive effects will show through their learning. Like every human being, we tend to "block" if we are insecure about something andso will the child if they're in an unwelcoming environment. If carer wants to get learners fully engaged and have fun while learning, then...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Thanks so much and can't wait for week 3!!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
I have always valued play as an important factor in childhood learning but this week l have even appreciated more and more so, understood better why play-based learning is key! It was also very enriching reading other teachers' thoughts ! Looking forward to week 3!!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Thanks so much for this enriching information!!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
l'm usually very impressed by the young learners that am teaching, when they come to the next lesson and they know the vocabulary of the previous class. So actually the repeating over and over of the vocabulary is very helpful. It is just more interesting to try and present that same vocabulary in different ways or scenarios.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
The children are definitely having fun as they learn vocabulary such as: tent, camping, torch, fire, etc. They are engaged because they are enjoying the activity. The teacher repeats words as much as she can and eventually the children can pick up one word or the other. It's great!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
l agree and as mentined already, be patient and give learners time to try and say something and help them by either completing their sentence, pointing at the object or repeating. l usually build words from what they tell me so that it remains in the context.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Children were engaged and could recall what they had learned previously.
They were abl to say some English words (Great!!) and furthermore, they felt confident and comfortable in their learning environment. -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
For sure, these challenges are general for most of us but we have to be patient enough and stay consistent with the manner in which we encourage the learning (I try to finish sentences for them, to use gestures, praise them as much as possible, use basic phrases, etc). It remains an interesting challenge especially when we see results after a while.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
A good safety practice is that whenever learners finish an activity / play, the routine of clearing and ensuring that the learning space is tidy should be introduced and followed.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
My experience teaching young learners is very recent but what l have used so far are: flash cards, songs, cartoon images, etc and it's all online since am carrying out online classes.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Her classroom seems really well equiped and it's well organized and spacious, a welcoming and safe learning environment for children.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Children learn in different contexts and play is one of the most important one.
A child's language development can be enhanced through role-plays, songs, quizzes, etc . Play being associated with fun, it's a big booster in any type of language learning. -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
No, am not surprised because it's so true, we were all once kiddies and we did play, just we played different games and in different circumstances. As we grow, we tend to become so busy and forget about playing. James Nottingham's point is that, no matter the age, play is still important and it can be done indirectly or directly through various ways (the type...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
I agree with Tina Bruce's 12 features and l was thinking point number 10, "Child-led play is characterised by deep concentration", l can imagine so because the child is in control of everything, doing it their way and at their own pace.
‘If it’s too much fun, they’re not learning. l don't agree with this statement at all because in each play, there's always... -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Play like mentioned already here below is essential in children learning growth. l always observe that children get so excited when it's play time because they laugh more, have more fun, learn from other children, they fall, cry, etc and they eventually learn from all this.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Adult-led activity: Maybe the adult being in control will provide more security in case it's necessary and the adult can get feedback on the how succeful that particular activity was.
Adult-initiated activity or play: It is beneficial in the sense that the adult can help the learners with the names of the learning material or how to use it, which is the... -
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
l played with dolls that were made of "banana leaves" back then when l lived in Africa. l also played alot with soil, where by l tried to create my own garden and plant in things that l liked. Playing with the dolls, l was learning how to take care of a baby and know when to feed it, put in bed and sing for it songs.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Thanks so much for week 1!!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Week 1 has already clarified most of my confusion concerning how young children learn a second language and yet there're still learning their L1 as well. l have appreciated the advice given in order to support the learners and not force them or even panic because they aren't at the same level of learning as their peers.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Very useful!!! Thanks!!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
These pieces of advice are really handy right now for me as am teaching online and l got some young learners sign up. Am excited to be learning here and applying it directly to my young learners. What l have also discovered after now three months of teaching young learners online, is for example, if a learner gets distracted and can no longer concentrate, l...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Very interesting and important to know why we should expose our little ones to additional languages because of how easily their brains take it all in without all the "insecurities", that we adults have when learning new languages in general. l also understand better why songs, chants, sound is important for them, they really enjoy it!!
-
For me, it is the immersion, where they speak the L1 at home and then add on another at school for example. Also in the second example, where she explains how after learning a second language, your brain gets used and then learning a 3rd or 4th may become easier.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
I found it interesting when she said that you can introduce a second or third language as long as your early learners are fully engaged in the cativity that you're carrying out. Totally agree with her on everything!
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
1° Babies understand language about twice as fast as they speak.
2° Children can’t really learn a language if they are playing = I totally disagree
3° An adult’s brain is far more active than a three-year-old child’s brain = Not sure but l can imagine that it's the opposite since a 3-year-old's brain is still actively developing.
4° Children learn...
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
l think the check list above shouldn't be followed to the letter but more just as a guideline since every child is not only unique as a human being but also in their growth. And indeed as mentioned already below, this kind of checklist can put alot of pressure on the child's natural development.
-
MARY COLLETA AKUMU MAKOKHA made a comment
Thanks so much and just can't wait to join another!!!
