Neema Wants To Learn

Discussion Starters and Activities to Promote Self-Determination

For Self-Awareness Discussion starter: Neema knows what she likes and she knows what she wants. She is thoughtful about what she is doing throughout her day. What do you like to do? What kind of job would you like to do when you’re grown up?

Classroom activity: Divide the class up in pairs. Have each student write or draw the answers to the following questions. Have students take turns sharing their answers.1. What’s your favorite thing to do? What do you want to be when they grow up?2. What do you guess is your partner’s favorite thing to do? What do you think he or she wants to

be when they grow up?

For Responsibility Discussion starter: Neema is very responsible. She helps Mama Mdemu in the kitchen and with the care of the younger children. How do you help your teacher? How do you help your parents?

Classroom activity: Divide the class into groups of five or six students. Give each group a paper with a task on it: making a garden, preparing a meal, cleaning a room, fixing a flat tire, or caring for a pet. Have each group identify a list of responsibilities for completing the task. In addition have each student in the group choose a responsibility. Ask each group to share their plan of taking responsibility for completing their assigned task.

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Neema Wants To Learn

For Problem Solving: Discussion starter: Neema watches Mama Mdemu and realizes she sits a certain way to effectively rip the coconut. She watches Mama Mdemu to learn her body language during playtime. This indicates what direction she will throw the ball. She watches Joseph and sees that he jumps rope without wearing any shoes so he can jump easily. How do you use your sight to figure out problems? Can you give an example of a problem you’ve solved?

Classroom activity: Divide the class into a group of girls and a group of boys. Have the groups compete to see which group can solve these problems most quickly or in the funniest way: 1. The door to the classroom is stuck. How will you get it opened?2. You forgot your lunch. How will you get something to eat?3. It’s snowing and you forgot your coat. How will you stay warm?4. Your best friend is mad at you. How will you get them to be your friend again?

For Goal Setting and Planning: Discussion Starter: Neema knows that she wants to become a teacher. Mama Mdemu helps her by providing her with opportunities to learn and to teach. She practices teaching Joseph how to play a game and teaches the young children a song. Do you have a goal of something you want to do someday? How are you preparing to achieve that goal?

Classroom activity: Have each student draw a picture of a goal they have. Ask them to make a list or draw little pictures of things they could do to help them achieve that goal. Have students share their goals.