Whole class simulations such as River Crossing are also employed. A few children are now starting to actually attempt to read and interpret a task for themselves. Free choice of tasks by the children is an issue. Activities for young children have been hard to come by. Attention spans are lengthening.
Motivation seems high - children are keen to come to the centre.
Children are talking about the tasks in their own language, developing concepts and strategies which they translate into English to discuss with the teachers. I keep a card file to make anecdotal notes on 3 or 4 children each session. Another useful assessment tool has been the use of peer teaching. At this time there has not been emphasis placed on student recording. I have asked teachers to provide written feedback and the results have been very positive.