Stories don’t just live on the page in Teacher Aina’s classroom at SK Lavender Heights. They leap from the mouths of sock puppets, inviting students to step into characters, speak through unfamiliar voices, and discover their own.

In this classroom of mixed abilities, learning wasn’t always straightforward. Some students read fluently and shared confidently. Others struggled with pronunciation and retreated into quiet corners.

To meet these diverse needs, Teacher Aina drew on HIP-FINCO Reads 2025 trainings, setting clear learning objectives and designing student-centred lessons.She met students where they were, using reading assessments to tailor support. The Interactive Reading Corner (IRC) sparked excitement, giving students a hands-on space to explore ideas and enjoy reading.

Building on these strategies, Teacher Aina wove language arts into lessons. From puppet shows to live cooking demos inspired by a food blog, students explored ideas, practised English confidently, and supported one another. ‘I want my students to enjoy learning English and express themselves creatively,’ she shared.

These strategies led to tangible growth.Post-assessment scores showed improved fluency, stronger written work, and higher overall English proficiency. Beyond measurable outcomes, students gained confidence, became eager to participate, and supported one another throughout their learning journey.

Perhaps the true transformation was not just in the lessons, but in the learners themselves, ready to surprise us with their growth.