“It’s chaos at the property!” Theresa reported in our last phone call check-in with a big laugh. She was referring to the huge wave of enthusiasm that continues to ripple through the program resulting from the introduction of the typing program and the recorded books. Children (and grown ups!) are lined up every day, eager to participate.
When I read this week’s email that the teachers sent with a report on the current happenings in their extra lessons, I was struck by their description of working with the recorded books. They reported how the children listen, excitedly following along with the pictures in the books, and repeat the words as they are spoken. The books are recorded either by Sangha here in the U.S. or by Theresa. So, whether in an American accent or a clear Zambian English accent, the words are all enunciated clearly and correctly. What struck the teachers is that the children are able to mimic the pronunciation accurately.
And what struck me was how readily the teachers step out of the way. With the exception of Theresa, the rest of the Living Compassion teaching team have not had much exposure to spoken English and lack the practice of correct pronunciation. They make an “r” sound where there is an “l,” add an “h” sound at the start of words where there isn’t one, drop the “h” sound where there is one, and so on. When they realized the children were picking up the correct pronunciation from the recordings, they gladly joined the ranks of the learning and are letting the recordings teach them All.
In practice, especially in facilitation, we talk about the gift of “getting out of the way,” letting go the ego-I and letting Life live through us.
I just love how, when we truly want what is best for All, each of us is ready to play whatever role Life calls us to play, and it’s fun!
Gassho,
Jen