One of the best features about Children of Hope School is our ability to be flexible in meeting the learning needs of each of the children. Unlike many other private or public schools, we are able to create any class setting that may be a benefit to a student. So, we keep our classes sizes at 10 or less. We may also move a child to a different class whenever it will benefit that child and we create classes as we see fit. Kindergarten started this year with 14 kids, so we made two kindergarten classes. Another class of six had two children with special kids who needed more reading interventions, so we split that class into one class of four and one of two. Another student was progressing quickly in math and could be moved to a higher level, so he moved up to the next math class in the middle of the quarter. With small classes, teachers are keenly aware of their students' progress and needs. What a wonderful "luxury" it is to be able to be in tune to the children's learning needs AND to be able to do something about it!
The Children of Hope School's Christmas program of 2011 had many highlights. There was a bit of everything - a violin trio, a flute duet, piano solos, a vocal solo, puppets, dance numbers, story telling, a speech choir, and a big choir ensemble.
The program started with the Children of Hope School students' speech choir under the direction of Teacher Francis. They told the story of Christ's birth. Then the preschoolers teamed up with their friends, the puppets, and delivered a lively performance of "Deck the Halls." Then there was a vocal solo by Arleen, a piano solo by Bernardo, and a flute duet by Jenive and Teacher Tammy. Angelica, Mae Ann and Margie teamed up with their violins and gave their first violin performance. Maricris also made her solo debut on the piano playing "Ode to Joy." The girls of Heaven's Wings dance group performed a ribbon dance to Darlene Zaschech's "Hallelujah." The boys of the Skunk Republic dance group returned for their third year with another entertaining performance.
The evening ended with a performance from the Children of Hope School choir together with the Evangelical Theological College of the Philippines choir. They performed an original arrangement by Teacher Francis of "Joy to the World" and Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." It was a great end to a great evening!
Watch the children in action in the videos and pictures below.
The preschoolers led a chapel style morning meeting. One of the popular songs around the shelter is "Counting on God," so the preschoolers sang it. This was the second morning meeting which the preschoolers led and it showed. They performed well and without hesitation. They actually had fun up in front. After the singing, Uncle Tarex gave a message to the children about God's love.
Wow! We have a new math curriculum! Everyone at school is enjoying the new math curriculum we started using in June. The teachers are learning how to use all of the different parts of the curriculum and the students are enjoying the colorful and inviting materials. There is something for everyone no matter at which level each student is currently working. The teachers are able to easily assess new students to see where they best fit into classes. The students can use the many materials to help them understand each lesson. We will enjoy and use this curriculum for years to come!
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