“Toilet break” takes on a new meaning

Zhangde Primary School pupils responded to their principal’s challenge to enhance the learning environment in the school - by creating and transforming restrooms into centres of learning. “Each restroom has a different theme, based on the school syllabus,” explained restroom ambassador Shoba Laxmi at the MOE ExCEL Fest 2007. “For example, teachers can bring their P1 students to learn about farm animals in a restroom that was done up for that purpose. The idea is also very successful because our restrooms are now very clean!”

Just a quick look at the photographs of the Learning Restrooms gives an impression of bright and entertaining spaces, completely the opposite of what you would normally expect. The pupils have gone into the restrooms (so to speak) with a very clear plan of attack. As another restroom ambassador Goh Yanlin explained, “We use the ADOPT approach for the Learning Restroom: A - adopt toilet, D - design ways to beautify it, O - opportunity for learning, P - promote innovation and interaction, T - transform toilets into learning restrooms.”

Having done so much to liven up their school restrooms, Zhangde Primary pupils have also taken their concept out of their school. They decorated a restroom at Labrador National Park and even one in Beijing, at Yuxiang Primary School. Students from the latter visited Zhangde Primary School in July, to study the Learning Restrooms as part of a twinning programme.

“Learning Restrooms” was one of the two Innergy Award (Silver) winning projects at this year’s ExCEL Fest.

Story boards which have gone commercial - inspired by Pasir Ris Prmary School teachers (from left) Ms Ardianawati bte Abdul Rahman, Ms Shela Yeo Si Qi and Ms Lulubhaina Ismail.

Students’ projects go commercial

Speaking of good ideas that have gone beyond the classroom (or restroom), Pasir Ris Primary School pupils have literally sold their ideas to local bookstore chain, Popular. Their thematic learning packs, comprising cards which can be used for storytelling at the primary and kindergarten levels, are now available at the bookstore’s outlets islandwide.

Inspired by traditional Japanese story cards called kamishibai, these cards are scripted, designed, drawn and illustrated by upper primary pupils. Teacher Ms Lulubhaina Ismail elaborated, “Our themes are very much related to National Education, highlighting important issues such as honesty, tolerance, friendship and accepting differences.” Another teacher Ms Shela Yeo Si Qi pointed out that the cards are designed with notes printed on the back: “In this way, the pupils’ attention is better focused on the picture and what the teacher is saying, and won’t be distracted by the words.” Pupils are then given worksheets at the end of the session to consolidate their learning.

A third teacher, Ms Ardianawati bte Abdul Rahman, explained the process behind creating each set of cards: “It takes about ten weeks to complete one pack - from inception to preparing the materials for production. We work with other subject teachers so that they can guide the students during their lessons.” For example, pupils may illustrate or colour the cards during their art lessons.

The learning packs were launched at this year’s World Book Fair on 28 May 2007 and cost S$25.90 each at Popular bookstores.

The “Kids Weave and Teachers Spin a Story” project won the Innergy Award (Silver).

Look out for part 2 of Schoolbag’s round-up of the MOE ExCEL Fest 2007 tomorrow, with star projects that enhance special education or utilise SMS technology.