“Teachers are the life blood of the success of any school”- Sir Ken Robinson

To know Crayons Count is to know that we are dedicated to the early childhood education cause in every facet. Our primary objectives are to provide recommended learning resources to early childhood institutions across Jamaica and increase awareness of the importance of early childhood education and good early childhood practices. We are for little ones; the future. One major element of providing the very best for the children of Jamaica; is ensuring that their teachers are well trained and prepared for the cause.

A proud teacher showing off her masterpiece

Teaching the age groups 3-6 years old is quite different from other age groups. Children aged 3-6 years old need to be encouraged to participate in group activities, be engaged in such a way that is fun and inspiring, given opportunities to test out new things, sights and sounds and be allowed to make their own choices; and even their own mistakes. Through the Crayons Count Teacher Training Workshop, we are helping teachers to understand key early childhood principles and best practices as it relates to how children learn and develop at this age. Therefore the teachers are better equipped to stimulate the children in and out of the classroom. Additionally,we are providing training for teachers on how to use the learning tools to meet curriculum objectives. That is where the Crayons Count Teacher Training Tours come into ‘play’. The Crayons Count Teacher Training School tour rolled out Tuesday, September, 17 at St. Boniface ECDC and Thursday, September, 19 at Joy Town Learning Academy and has been training teachers from over 300 basic schools in the Kingston and St. Andrew area.

See our Taking It Island Wide: Crayons Count Teacher Training School Tour blog post.

A crazy, colorful face

The response has been overwhelming from the teachers who all love and appreciate the tours. Approximately 411 schools have benefited from the tours so far. That’s almost 395 teachers from Kingston and St. Andrew alone. Can you say ‘wow’? The lorry has been the site for each training session. The teachers have been bursting with energy and ideas after every session. Look below to see all the schools trained to date.

Every week brought new ideas, colourful moments and questions galore. Look at our Facebook album to get a peek into the sessions. Crayons Count Teacher Training School Tour album here.

But don’t take our word for it; look at the many, many comments left on our evaluation sheets.

What did you learn from the session?

“I learnt that ‘toys’ are tools for learning. I also learnt how the tools provided in the Crayons Count kit can be used to teach lessons to early childhood students. I learnt that these tools foster integration of lessons and can cover may topics.”

“I learned that as an Early Childhood Teacher I can be more creative. I can interact with the children more. I learned more creative ways to use the materials given to us. I learned how to get the children enjoy using the activities and use them as learning tools.”

“New and different ways to make learning more fun for the children and also enhance learning by having them do more hands on activities”

Please share your feedback on your experience during the session (Any good,happy, uplifting or positive experience)

“The information presented was well prepared and presented in ways that was easily understood. The participation among teachers and children was good. I think we could spend more time sharing.”

“The feedback was uplifting, informative and educational. I shared the information learned with my colleagues so that the children at our school can use the materials given to them in a creative and meaningful way.the session uplifting and interesting it was amazing to see the way in which the children were able to manipulate the objects to achieve their goal”

“Yes! It was very informative, fun and interesting. It gave me a positive feeling toward educating the younger generation and I think I couldn’t have chosen a better career path”

Please share your feedback on your experience during the session (Any unclear, sad, or disappointing experience)

“Everything was brought across by the facilitator clearly”

“NONE”

“There was nothing disappointing with the session”

Any recommendations, comments or suggestions?

“I thought this experience was very rewarding. I firmly believe that every teacher should get the opportunity to sit in sessions like this one. “

“Glad to be a part of the experience and it’s great when corporate Jamaica can step in an play a part in educating our nation’s children. Big ups to the facilitator as she was fun and jovial and and imparted valuable information to us.”

“We need to have more training like these it help to motivate us”

The gathering of great minds: teachers in the learning lorry

With comments like these, how can we go wrong? We have to thank all the schools who sent teachers to be trained and the schools who hosted the learning lorry for the day. Teachers are on fire for learning, for teaching and for students. As the weeks roll on, we expect to teach more integrated lessons that allow children to develop communication through expression, critical thinking and high level learning. The Crayons Count Teacher Training tours have been the perfect opportunity to diversify teaching methods and  activities and teach all main concepts regardless of themes. Let’s give a great big thumb up for ALL the individuals involved with this initiative. Crayons Count is not done yet as we are heading to other parishes island wide.

Thanks again to the National Baking Company for being a champion in the early childhood cause and for sponsoring these tours.

Gifts bags from the National Baking Company

Donate to Crayons Count and help us give the youngest generation the solid foundation they need.