We are really proud of all the teachers at our early childhood centres around Nepal as they transform their classrooms from dreary and uninspiring rooms to colourful and nurturing classrooms, where children delight in exploring at their own pace. To measure this success we have developed our own simple and easy to use monitoring system that allows us to rate classrooms, whether they are in far Eastern Nepal or closer to home in Sindhupalchok.
The First Steps classroom monitoring system is a simple, effective way to easily record and track the changes in our project schools. “Because, we regularly record different elements in each classroom in a systematic and standardized way, we are able to accurately track specific improvements in each classroom over time. We are working in almost 100 classrooms across Nepal, so having a standardised system is crucial” says Director of Operations Durga Aran.
Our supervisory team monitor classrooms on a regular basis.
The top score in the monitoring system is 5 which is equivalent to a good pre-school in many parts of the world. “Often schools just starting our programme are a zero initially before becoming a one.” explains Durga. “ The hardest leap is between the 3 and 4 scores, when teachers really need to develop their teaching skills, classroom management and allow the children to direct their own learning.”
Below are images of schools who have and consistently achieving a score of 4 or above
First Steps Nepal ECD centre in Sangachok
Golma Devi School ECD, Jitpur
Aadarsa School ECD, Mulkharka
Jana Jyoti School ECD, Dyali
Kalidevi School ECD, Kadambas
A huge congratulations to all of those excellent ECDs!
We are transforming early years education in rural Nepal classroom by classroom!. Our methods are simple, economical, effective and sustainable. Help us bring change to many more schools by becoming a Friend of First Steps Himalaya. For as little as $40 a month, your donation helps us support rural schools with teacher training, classroom refurbishment, supervision and monitoring. Be part of the change. Find out more here.