Suneeta Kulkarniwww.solesandsomes.wikispaces.com

When they first came….• Barely recognized

the English alphabet• Could read only 3-4

words• Could not write their

own name in English

• Did not know how to use a computer

• Did not know how to use the internet

What they did to begin with…

• PAINT [and learned the names of colours and objects]

• Number games• Picture matching• Alphabet games• Word games• Listened to

stories & songs• Pattern

recognition games

Despite going to school…

• Could not read a simple passage

• Nor answer questions on it

• Rely on rote or immediate imitation

Just a few days later…. They were…

• Playing games• Helping each

other• Searching for

more other material

And a few months later…

• can read about 75 words in English

• Can sing songs • Can play games on

the computer • Can use the

computer and internet to search for games and answers to simple questions

Some of the skills they are developing…

• Learning to read & write in English

• Not just rote, with understanding

• Search for information on the internet

• Cooperation

ALL on their OWN!

Manifestations of the children’s skills

• Singing songs along with the computer

• Figuring out how to play new games

It may not help with Home Work, but…..

• Learning to work together [collaboration]

• Joy of learning!• Teaching

another / sharing what they have learned

• Learning about the world

Initial activities relating to school work

• Matching• Counting• Subtraction • Letters /

Alphabets• Vocabulary • Pronunciation

Look at what they can do…

• Read a few words• Spell & write some

words• Search for games

& information• Navigate from one

site to another• Be a little quieter…

more helpful

Skills they will need in the future

• Reading & writing with understanding

• Use computers & the internet

• Getting information

• Decision making

So how is all this going to help?

• Apply for a gas connection / mobile phone / ADHAR card

• Go in for varied vocational training• Get admission to college• Get a job• Interact with people in different

settings

The same child…1 Supriya

Before• Recognized only 2

or 3 English words• Could only copy

from text• Didn’t know how

to use the computer

After• Knows many

different words• Can spell/write her

name in English• Tries out different

activities• Can play many

games• Shows others how to

play a game• Sings songs in

English

The same child…2 Basu

Before• Couldn’t spell his

name• Recognized only a

few words• Didn’t know how

to use a computer• Worried about

‘failing’

After• Spells his name

easily• Uses the

computer with ease

• Tries out different games

• More confident