Learning activities/Dictionary

Notes from Nigeria 5/07

The first initiative: Five boys, in Primary 4, found out that Abiword doesn't recognize Nigerian words. When B. explained why, they decided to make a list of words (“a Nigerian dictionary”) to make sure that it recognizes the words they consider important. They started with their names and their classmates' and came to me to make sure they were making the correct list. They split their work so each one wrote different words, but they were all sitting together.

Five Primary 4 children are working on a dictionary of their local languages. The project has been modified from a list of words that Abiword did not recognize to a formal-looking local language to English dictionary. They split the team into two to work on two different local languages simultaneously. So far, it has about three words and their meaning in English. It is simple but outstanding work. The children work during school hours when they have no assignment in class and have to be quiet. --Carla Gomez Monroy, Learning Consultant, OLPC

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