A Day of Learning, Reflection, and Growth at Chopan Trust
The Chopan Trust Teacher Training Hall came alive this week as educators from different schools gathered for a full day of training under the Chopan 3Es Program. I had the privilege of facilitating the session, and what unfolded felt less like a workshop and more like a shared journey of discovery. We explored the early physical development of children from birth to age two, walking through milestones that shape a child’s first experiences with movement and coordination. As the conversation deepened, teachers connected these stages to their own classrooms, sharing the challenges and joys of working with very young learners. From there, we moved into the Reggio Emilia approach. Many teachers had heard the name before, but this session helped them see how simple ideas like giving children control over their materials or creating calm, organized learning spaces can transform the classroom. We talked about how children learn better when the environment around them supports curiosity, independence and respect. One of the teachers spoke quietly during a break and said something that stayed with me:“I am learning ideas and skills here that help me in the classroom, but also at home. I handle my own children so differently now. I understand them better.” Her words captured exactly why these trainings matter. When teachers grow, children grow in every space they touch. Later in the day, we explored bodily kinesthetic intelligence and simple movement-based activities that help children express themselves. This part of the training sparked a lot of laughter as teachers tried the activities themselves. The room felt lighter, more connected, and more open to trying new things. We also discussed anger management in children. Many teachers admitted that this was an area they struggled with. Together, we practiced ways to calm heated situations, respond to emotional outbursts, and teach children to recognize what they’re feeling. These conversations were honest and sometimes emotional, and they reminded us that teachers carry a heavy emotional load that often goes unnoticed. Our final session focused on nurturing nature-smart children. Teachers shared memories of their own childhoods and how nature shaped their imagination. We talked about how even small steps like caring for plants, observing insects, or using natural materials can help children feel grounded and connected to the world. Perhaps the most inspiring moment came from Patras Boota, Principal of Knowledge Zone School. With a proud smile, he spoke about his wife, Hina Patras. “She was never a school teacher,” he said. “But after attending these trainings, she is working like an expert ECCE teacher and helping to develop the school.” Stories like this remind us that progress is not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it grows quietly in the background until one day you see the change clearly. As the day ended, teachers left with new ideas, practical tools, and renewed motivation. But even more than that, they walked out with confidence in their ability to guide young children with patience, understanding and purpose. These one-day sessions are part of a much larger journey, and each workshop shows us that the investment in teachers is an investment in families, communities and the future of our children. At Chopan Trust, we look forward to building on this work and continuing to support every teacher who steps into our training hall with a desire to learn and grow.– Anser Javed Executive Director Chopan Trust
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