...stones can turn into a bowl of steamy rice...

I get asked questions on topic resources for teaching and learning quite regularly. I think it is a MUST question every time I am invited for a talk or meeting with the new teachers.

As a teacher, I think we need to have a bigger view of resources. Yes, we can always wait for the school to approve a budget to buy spe
cific resources for teaching and learning, but we can also make use of the things around us. I think it is really important to look at things around you as possible teaching and learning tools. Sometimes, simple things like chairs, tables, pens, pencils, post-it-notes, stones, dried leaves can become meaningful items to be used in the classroom. They are more real, authentic, concrete and have a stronger connection with the children.

When I was in school, I loved to observe children and see how they play and talk to their friends. Their imaginations sometimes can turn flowers into a beautiful gold necklace, stones can turn into a bowl of steamy rice and chairs can turn to a soldier's camp! That's what teachers need to do as well. Let the imagination goes wild and be creative. Look at the things around you in a way that they can be your teaching and learning tools in the classroom. Try to relate to your surroundings and then no more worries about the resources that you need. I'm not saying that you should not buy materials that you really need to teach in a classroom, but I am suggesting that you also maximise the opportunities around you without spending pennies! Necessity is the mother of invention!

It is the same with technology in school. I believe that technology can be used in a way that it is applicable to your school's needs. Limited resources can become a headache when introducing technology in a class but don't limit your thinking and what you can do. You know what? Sometimes even when you ave 100 computers available to you, and networks happen to work properly, you will struggle to use it if you do't put thought into it. You can do a lot with a little. One computer can transform a classroom or even a whole village! I believe you know more than I do and I believe that you can make it better than I do :)

Last say, make use of stuff around you! Be creative! Be innovative! Be the factor of change in you school! Yay!

PS: I am in the mood for writing!...ahahahaha...