Introduction:

Research shows that the earlier a child is introduced to a language the better. English is not a language present in the environment of Indian rural children. So the only way for them to pick up English is by reading written text. Hence teaching them to decode text through phonics is the first step. The research-based method of phonics is recommended and is accessible to children from privileged background as early as when they are 3 or 4 years old. Tamilnadu govt. syllabus is yet to incorporate phonics. Often times, English becomes the missing ingredient in the employability of rural children which Vidyarambam has tried to address through the Easy Learning English program for grades 6 to 9. Vidyarambam now wants to start addressing this problem even earlier.

The Background:

This summer across five districts of Tamil Nadu, more than one thousand 5th graders in select government schools were part of an exciting program. And what is more - this 2 week unique summer program was conducted by 9th graders who won the English Proficiency Contest held by Vidyarambam Trust!

These 9th grade toppers (100 out of 1600 students), had been chosen to be the “teachers” for a period of 2 weeks and were given the title of “Vidyarambam Trust Young Teachers” (VTYT)! They initiated the little ones in Grade V into the “World of

English”- alphabet, their symbols and sounds, blending the sounds to read words and some basic vocabulary in a play-way method.

This strategy designed and delivered by Vidyarambam Trust, captured the imagination of the school principals, and excited the winning 9 th

graders as they got to not only impart their knowledge in English but also motivate their juniors through this program!! Vidyarambam also rewarded these young tutors with a stipend – a way to build confidence and leadership skills in the real world

The pilot program received fantastic feedback from the schools! And this has inspired us at Vidyarambam to look beyond the summer and here is how!!

HeadStart – English Decoded

A 18 session program named HeadStart has been designed and will be delivered to STD V and STD IV students across the state which will focus on imparting skills to read English words and write simple sentences in English using innovative teaching methodologies. The HeadStart program will be taught over a period of a month by Vidyarambam trained tutors who will work with the children using specially designed books and resources. The teacher to student ratio will be 1 : 30. Classes will be held during school hours in the time designated by the schools for HeadStart.

Objectives of HeadStart

To provide early childhood intervention in learning English and enable children from 4th and 5th standard to read and write English without error

To develop the leadership skills of children in 9 th standard, by encouraging them to teach their juniors.

Goal and Timeline:

Reach one lakh 4th and 5th standard children across TN in the current academic year (2014-2015).

Expected Outcome:

We are confident that this program will not only provide the foundational basics to the students, but also dispel their fear and give them the

confidence that “THEY CAN” learn English! With the training in decoding written English, we are hoping that students will become more comfortable and confident with the English content that they will be exposed to in their schools in the upper primary classes and in the subsequent years.

Budget:

And all it takes is Rs.200 per child and Rs.2 crores for 100,000 children.

Indicator & Impact:

There will be a diagnostic test and post test conducted to gauge the improvement in the child

We will also ensure the child getting the benefit of Rs. 200/- will directly communicate (in English) to the donor through our website.

Appeal:

Be a part of this exciting yet ambitious journey, and support as many children as you can! Give them a head start in English and in life through this program! To donate please click: http://vidyarambam.org/fund-a-program.htm