From New Zealand to the Phaung Daw Oo Monastic High School (PDO)

tonipercy

Toni Percy at the office of Förderverein Help-Myanmar Foto: Toni Percy

Hello. My name is Toni and I’m from NZ. I’m a TEFL ( Teaching English as a foreign language) trained teacher but work in Marketing in NZ. I’ve been volunteering at PDO since July this year. It’s my second time here as I enjoyed the first time so much!

I’m teaching adult students in the TEAMS (Teaching English for Monastic Schools) programme. Their English ability is upper intermediate so I’m designing some fun and challenging lessons. Some of these students are teachers at PDO. My focus here is to improve their speaking and listening skills.

There are many other teachers in the school who want to improve their English. I have a class where we focus on conversation – listening and speaking with a small amount of grammar and writing. These teachers have requested topics such as Classroom Commands.

I’m also teaching Kindergarten – a big difference to adults! I enjoy the fun and laughter that we have in learning through song and movement. Some of the children’s writing needs work so I’m teaching an extra class for those that need it.

Grammar is not a favourite topic but it is important. I’m teaching a Grade 8 class grammar and seeing positive results in writing improvement.

Lastly, I teach one morning a week in a General English class for those wanting to apply to different programmes in PDO next year.

Volunteering at PDO is a great experience that can enrich your life. I encourage you all to give it a go if you have the time.

2016-11-19 Toni Percy
Foto : Toni Percy

Volunteers, NTTC