An idea of the School

I've spent the last week observing the teaching at the Makumbaya Lower Basic School. I'm amazed. Most teachers are terribly dedicated, but half untrained. The class sizes are outrageous; from 33 to 47. Last year half the class came in the morning and half in the afternoon, but the government said that unless there are more than SIXTY students in the class, that would not be allowed!!!! Can you imagin 45 first graders? How in the world can you teach that many students the basic of reading and math. My job is to come up with techniques. If any of you want to suggest one, please do.
The children come to school at 9 and at 11:30 have a half hour break where mothers sell food. Most children have a couple dalasis to purchase. I pity those that don't, but can't help them. At noon they go back in for another hour instruction. Then there are a few third and fifth grade students whose parents can pay 15 dalasis a month for further instruction from two to four.
There is also an advanced placement class for the best of the sixth grad and they're testing now for the fifth grade class. On Friday I began the folktale to drama road with the sixth by reading Anansi and the Tug-of-War.
Twice a week the students begin their day by standing in line for A HALF HOUR for assembly. THat's the time the deputy tells them about being on time and studying hard. It's incredibly boring and of course as far as being on time he's "preaching to the choir" since the late comers aren't their yet. I just can't imagine US students successfully doing that!
Corporal punishment is legally not allowed, but it happens anyhow. I don't condone it, but how can untrained individuals, or even trained teachers handle so many students for such long times without having a bit of fear instilled in them . It's part of their life and it surprises me that the children are still enthusiastic about learning. They still volunteer to go to the board even though if what they write in incorrect, instead of being aided to succeed, they'll be told, "Wrong! Take your seat. Don't waste our time!" (I've heard those words in at least six classrooms!) I'm hoping to instill in the teachers the idea of "positive reinforcement" by the time I leave.
As I was told, there are few supplies other than chalk and a piece of sponge to erase and a book for the teacher. When there are student texts, there are only a few. I observed a reading lesson in a fifth grade of 45 students who had nine texts. THey did group so five were sharing each book, but two were trying to read up-side down. Then there was the first grade with 45 students and nine books where the teacher gave a book to 9 individual students and the others didn't even have a chance to see. This truly is an emense challenge.
Well, on the positive side, so far, suggestions seem to be appreciated and several teachers have used them. Hope it lasts.
Many more things to tell, but time is running out. Loving life here, challange after challange.