Pashai girl reading her MT alphabet chart.( Afghanistan) © Serve, Afghanistan
The idea of developing an alphabet for an unwritten language may seem very difficult. However, with help from linguists, hundreds of language communities in every part of the world have done just that and with great success. Even while they are still testing their alphabet, MT speakers can begin creating graded reading materials for their MTB MLE programme. In fact, the process of writing stories, and asking other MT speakers to read them, is an excellent way to test the choice of letters and / or symbols used in a new alphabet. An important point to remember is that it’ s best to use an inexpensive process( such as photocopiers) to print classroom materials, at least until MT speakers accept their alphabet and it has been officially approved.
Curriculum and teaching materials
Community members are usually not responsible for developing curriculum and teaching materials for MTB MLE programmes established in the formal education system. But they have an essential role in checking that the materials used in their school use the language correctly, affirm the children’ s cultural heritage and build on the knowledge and skills that children bring when they begin school. Here are some of the things that MT speakers contribute to the process of developing curriculum and teaching materials for their MTB MLE programme:
• • They identify the things that small children have already learned by the time they enter school. When teachers have this information, they can use what the students already know to help them understand new math, science and other concepts.
Booklet for Community Members
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