Poetry from Shawn Schooley

Late to the Second Coming

Irreverential, blasphemous

silence;

profane void, 

absence of Presence.

Shallow, knee-shaped

dimples, slowly

disappearing from the

hassock before coagulating wine.

Sanctuary air,

not stale; 

trace symphony of

pheromonic Bachian notes.

Wafer white

quartered-halves;

bread of life crumbs

trailing the Way?

Multi-hued tendrils

caressing the 

onion-thin parchment;

celestially highlighting

1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Stole-draped,

cross-adorned

pulpit.

“Eli, Eli

lama sabachthani.”

The nighttime thief 

has come;

revelation dawns…

A fool in want of oil.

Poetry from Kristy Ann Raines

White middle aged woman with reading glasses and very blond straight hair resting her head on her hand.
Kristy Raines

In Your Eyes

Different colors of red I paint on your lips with mine

and one soul has always been shared between us

You have walked every step with me in this life

And we will continue together through eternity

No other hand will ever touch my skin

And no other heart will ever beat with mine

In your eyes I’ve seen the glow of the moon at night

and the beauty of the golden sun at dawn

There has never been anyone who can compare

to the heart which holds all the love within me.

Look upon me as you always have…

Like a thief waiting to steal a precious treasure from within me.

Long Ago I Wrote a Love Poem

Long Ago, I wrote a love poem

that filled the pages of my heart

I never said who I was writing it for

I don’t think I even knew at first

Then I found that something was missing

with each love poem I tried to write

Every poem I had written with you came easily

but without your lines, they felt incomplete

I watched others try to finish your poems

I never spoke a word of discouragement

But in my heart I knew the reason

and now, I think you do too

No one can finish your poem but me

because we write as one person together

And the same goes for my poems without you.

A bond that has always baffled us both

now makes perfect sense… 

Our Colorful Dream 

I have had more intimate conversations with you

looking into your eyes in silence than speaking.

Life was so empty until you appeared one day

as a result of a prayer I prayed in sadness.

You now bring the sun into my once dark life

and have transformed my hues from black to gold.

You became the knight in my once woeful tale

and I long to stay the beautiful dream in your realm.

I have watched our love grow so strong over time

that no evil could ever penetrate our colorful dream. 

You are the love story who became my reality.

Kristy Ann Raines is an American poet and author born in Oakland California, in the United States of America. She is an accomplished Global Poet and Writer who has written and published three books.

* “The Passion Within”, by Kristy Raines

* “I Cross my Heart from East to West”, by Kristy Raines and Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai

* “Echoes Across the Oceans”, by Kristy Raines and Nasser Alshaikhahmed

Kristy is right now writing a few children’s books, which will be released sometime this year.

Poetry from Khadija Ismail

Mother earth

The earth whispers to the universe ''don't hurt me ''.
With trees, barks, waves and sunshine bearing witness.
It pleaded in soothing, calm voice.
Yet the universe take charge, it was offended by the comment.
It says '' I'm not hurting you I'm saving you''.
Oh that's an irony!

How could you be claiming to save her when you are busy taking what she loves an cherishes the most.
When her first child the soil loses purpose by you burning it, 
' we are looking for treasure' a biased point you always try to make.
When the rock is suffering from your excavations, yes there's a fortune there.
When bloods shatters and run down the water banks, and your waste moves faster than the waves.
When you were busy cutting trees, it tears thicker than the gums you use to hold things together.
When it confident was hitted in the ass
It courage is melting like a magma
It looses it comfort at your mercy—holding your feets begging for survival
Her pride was like that of a dust
Your ego was boosted what a macho man you are.
You didn't just hurt her, you destroy her.
Just like a horny dog wanting to have a taste of the honeypot ey


She cried she pleaded till the tears dried like an abandoned pond.
Like that lake that now resembles valley,  like a godforsaken shrine
And now when she takes charge, punishing you for your crime.
You started playing victim's card—what a manipulator you are.
You worried when rain doesn't drop, blaming it on her
When it was your flames and fire that stopped it.
You cry when the temperature rises to 44 with no trees to seek refuge to.
We chant an anthem of climate action every day but we ignored it
We raise actions on plant trees while the ones in our neighborhood are dying 
When our land have become barren and no drop-not a single drop of water can make it alive nor fertile.
Then we are busy playing hunger games, with zero point or a merit to win.

When you start running after her family asking for forgiveness, they said '' No there's a fortune there, go eat it'' 
Then now you remember that '' you can't eat your cake and have it''.
Crying won't solve any problems you have, you created it so you have to pay for it.

It's high time we start been intentional with what we do and say.
We can't be hiding behind the screen saying we'd change the world when we can't change ourselves and the way we think.
We can't be climate change activist when waste flooded our homes.
Our rooms smells like garbage 
Our drainage have to turned to refuse
Change starts from me, so let it rises from here 
Let's stand up and take action in our hands,
Let's start building a greener environment 
Let's dispose our waste properly 
 then may be may be the earth will heed to our calls
And the climate will be friendly to us all

Khadija Ismail is a student of Medical lab science, a Hausa novelist, writer, poet, essayist and content writer. Her works centres on society and romance, she uses words to address issues like GBV, Mental and public health. She is the writer of Nisfu Deeniy and Wani rabo. Her work will be published in Yanar gizo anthology.

You can connect with her on Facebook as Khadija Bint Ismail and Deejasmah Writer on Instagram and Tiktok.

Essay from Taro Hokkyo

Older East Asian man with salt and pepper hair and reading glasses.

THE COURAGE TO LOVE

Eva suffered many misfortunes in her childhood. She endured even more discrimination and humiliation. She channeled that hatred into fuel, throwing herself into her studies.

Eva consistently ranked first in her class, earned scholarships through graduate school, and landed a job at a top-tier company. But that’s where she stumbled. She couldn’t keep up with the workplace relationships. After much turmoil, she quit the company.

Eva had become distrustful of people. She enrolled in nursing school and became a nurse. She ended up working on a cancer ward.

But physical labor didn’t suit Eva, and she couldn’t bear the bullying from her colleagues at work. She fought desperately against the urge to cling to someone. She was also exhausted by the constant stream of patients being wheeled in, only to die.

One day, Eva heard the words of a dying patient. Before passing, they invariably confessed their sins and expressed gratitude to many people. There were no exceptions. Knowing this, she found the courage to love.

Eva learned the strength of the power to love and the weakness of the power to hate. Eva realized that most people in the world did not know this. She came to know that humans are born only to die. Eva succeeded in living, loving others without hating them. And Eva is everywhere, living with a smile on her face at all times.

1998 Rekitei Shinei Award winner in Japan. 2021 Arab Golden Planet Award winner in 2022, Awarded the title of Doctor of Letters from the Arabic-speaking world in 2023 My poems are published in Orfew.al magazine in Albania. Also translated into Italian in 2024 My poem is published in the Daily Global Nation in Bangladesh. My poems published in Samantaral Bhabna, India. Interview with an Algerian newspaper is published. My poem is published in Greek Police Magazine. Received a certificate of honor from English poets. Published in a Korean magazine. Published in Koltaka jishu International Poetry Magazine, India. My poem is published in a Greek e-magazine. My poem is published in the Barcelona Literary Magazine. My poem is published in Poetry Planetariat, a Nepalese poetry magazine. My poetry collection is published in Bengali-speaking countries. Three of my poems were published in India’s Half-yearly magazine. Three of my poems were published in the Raft of Dreams Literary Magazine. My poem is published in Hyperpoem Anthology, founded by Alexander Kabishev from Russia.

Essay from Zinnura Yuldoshaliyeva

Young Central Asian woman with dark hair up in a bun, brown eyes, and tiny earrings and a burgundy sweater.

History: Our Today and Our Tomorrow

History is not just a collection of past events. It is an important teacher that shapes our present and future. By studying past eras, we have the opportunity not to repeat mistakes and continue good experiences. Every historical event, every decision helps us understand the causes and consequences of our life today.

Our present is directly related to history. The work that each of us does, the knowledge we learn, and the decisions we make affect the future. For example, values such as preserving the environment, rational development of technologies, and ensuring justice in society are a fairy tale created by our present. History teaches us that every small action leaves its mark on the future.

Therefore, studying history means not only knowing the past, but also consciously creating our life and future. Our actions, decisions, and work today will be the foundation for making our tomorrow better. The more we learn about history, the more we can shape the future in a more informed, just, and creative way.

Everything we do today is history written for our tomorrow. Therefore, every action, every decision we make matters. History not only reminds us of the past but also shows us the way to create the future and make our tomorrow better. The more we learn about history, the more we can shape the future in a more informed, just, and creative way.

Everything we do today is history written for our tomorrow. Therefore, every action, every decision we make matters. History not only reminds us of the past but also shows us the way to create the future. 

Zinnura Yuldoshaliyeva was born on June 17, 2011 in Rishton district, Fergana region. She is a student of the 8th grade of the Fergana branch of the Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Specialized School.

She has actively participated in various educational and intellectual projects, including “Anim Camp”, “Future Founders Online Forum”, “Young Reader”, and the regional stage in STEM subjects. Her scientific article was published in the book “Feelings on Paper”, and another article was published in the journal “Synchronized Chaos”. In addition, she has participated in many other projects and initiatives, demonstrating strong academic interest and leadership skills. 

Essay from Rakhmanaliyeva Marjona Bakhodirjon qizi

Young Central Asian woman holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing a white blouse, surrounded by four young elementary school girls in white blouses and black skirts.

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY PRIMARY EDUCATION
EFFECTIVE EDUCATION AND STIMULATING INTEREST AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

RAKHMANALIYEVA MARJONA BAKHODIRJON QIZI

Abstract: This article explores effective teaching methods for primary school students, ways to stimulate interest, and pedagogical approaches. It highlights the use of interactive methods, games, visual materials, and reward systems to enhance students’ active
participation in the learning process.


Introduction
Primary school is the period when a child acquires fundamental knowledge and forms social skills. Therefore, it is crucial that education at this stage is effective, sparks students’ interest and makes the learning process enjoyable. The main task for educators
is to encourage students’ active participation and create opportunities to reinforce knowledge.


Primary education serves as the foundation for a student’s successful learning in later stages. It is precisely during this period that children develop an interest in learning, independent thinking, a thirst for knowledge, and social skills. Consequently, organizing
education effectively in primary school and engaging students in subjects requires a thorough methodological approach from the teacher.

The Principles of Effective Education

  1. Active Teaching Methods
    Young children learn faster through play. Therefore:
    Interactive games
    Role-playing activities
    Group tasks

Question-and-answer methods strengthen their desire to participate actively in the lesson process.
Example:
Solving math problems through the “Who’s Faster?” game, or explaining the content of
a text using the “Find and Tell” technique.

  1. Using Visual Aids
    Younger students master topics better when they see them. Therefore:
    Pictures
    Charts
    Colorful flashcards
    Video materials
    make the topic interesting and understandable.
  2. The Importance of Game Technologies
    Play is a child’s natural psychological need. Play-based learning develops skills such
    as:
    a) Attention
    b) Memory
    c) Thinking
    d) Creativity
    Types of games:
    a) Didactic games
    b) Active/movement games
    c) Logical games
    d) Interactive digital games
  3. Individual Approach
    Since each student’s:
  4. Level of knowledge,
  5. Character,
  6. Pace of learning
    is different, the teacher must choose an individual approach.
    Examples:
  7. Assigning more complex tasks to strong students.
  8. Giving easier, step-by-step tasks to struggling children.
  9. Applying an encouraging approach.
  10. Motivation System
    Praising a student improves their emotional and motivational state.
  11. Oral evaluations like “Excellent!”, “Great job!”
  12. Stars, stickers,
  13. Small gifts
    strengthen their interest in the lesson.
  14. Using Technological Tools
    Modern educational tools:
    a. Interactive whiteboard,
    b. Tablet,
    c. Multimedia lessons,
    d. Online platforms further increase students’ interest in subjects.
  1. Teaching Through Real-Life Examples
    Children understand topics more easily when connected to real life.
    Example:

a. Mathematics: Using market prices as examples.
b. Native Language: Constructing sentences based on daily conversations.
c. Science: Collecting samples from nature.

  1. Learning Environment and Psychological Comfort
    A classroom that is:

a. Bright,
b. Comfortable,
c. Aesthetically pleasing, and a teacher who is kind and attentive increases children’s desire to come to class.

Effective Methods for Stimulating Interest Among Students

  1. Questioning Technique
    Interesting questions, puzzles, and logical riddles increase motivation.
  2. Engaging Introduction
    Starting a lesson with a conversation, video, picture, or short game yields good results.
  3. Mini-Projects
    Assigning small research tasks to students:
    a. A poster on the topic “My Family,”
    b. A presentation about “My Favorite Animal.”
    This strengthens their creativity and independence.
  4. Collaborative Learning
    Working in pairs or dividing into small groups allows them to learn from each other.
  5. Allowing Free Expression of Thought
    If a student can answer as they wish and explore on their own, their interest in learning increases.

MAIN PART

  1. Effective Teaching Methods
    The following approaches are important for effective education in primary school:
    Interactive Lessons: Engaging students in active participation; e.g., Q&A sessions, role-playing games.
    Visual and Audio Materials: Explaining topics through diagrams, pictures, and videos.
    Practical Activities: Laboratory work, experiments, and game-based tasks.
  2. Methods for Stimulating Interest

Games and Quizzes – make the learning process interesting.
Motivation System – creating motivation through praise, points, certificates.
Small Group Work – develops cooperation, idea exchange, and social skills.
Individual Approach – assigning tasks according to each student’s interests and abilities.

  1. Pedagogical Recommendations
    Keep lessons short and dynamic; it’s difficult for young children to maintain focus for long.
    Connect every topic to real-life examples; students learn knowledge they can apply in their own lives.
    Create a positive environment; allow freedom from fear of mistakes and the opportunity to express opinions freely.
  2. Pedagogical Approaches
    The teacher’s role is very important in effective primary education:
    Active Approach – Actively involving students in the lesson process, allowing them to ask questions and find answers.
    Differentiated Approach – Considering each child’s abilities, interests, and needs.
    Project-Based Method – Students learn topics through practice by creating small projects.
  3. Interest-Stimulating Strategies
    Game Methods – Incorporating game elements in teaching knowledge (e.g., quizzes, role-playing, puzzles).
    Visual and Audio Materials – Explaining topics using pictures, videos, diagrams, and interactive boards.
    Motivation System – Encouragement tools like points, praise, certificates, “most active student of the day.”
    Practical Activities – Reinforcing knowledge through experiments and hands-on crafts.
  4. Interactive Forms of Lessons
    Small Group Work – Children solve problems together and exchange ideas.
    Brainstorming – Gathering students’ ideas on a new topic.

Role-Playing – Performing scenes or character roles based on the topic.
Short Tests and Quizzes – Determining students’ knowledge level and increasing activity.

  1. Modern Technologies
    Interactive Whiteboards and Tablets – Make lessons visual and interesting.
    Digital Games and Applications – Gamification (adding game elements) in learning knowledge.
    Videos and Animations – Help explain complex topics easily.
    Online Platforms – Allow maintaining student interest in distance learning as well.
  2. Pedagogical Recommendations
    Keep lessons short and dynamic; primary school students cannot maintain attention for a long time.
    Connect every topic to real-life examples; students learn knowledge they can apply in their own lives.
    Create a positive environment; allow freedom from fear of mistakes and the opportunity to express opinions freely.
    When assessing students, consider not only the result but also the process.

CONCLUSION
Effective education in primary school is directly linked to stimulating students’ interest. Interactive methods, games, visual materials, and motivation systems make the educational process interesting and ensure the reinforcement of knowledge. The task of educators is to encourage the activity of each student and maintain their interest in
learning.


References

  1. Jalolov, B. Boshlang‘ich sinflarda ta’lim metodikasi [Teaching Methodology in Primary School]. Tashkent: O‘qituvchi, 2019.
  2. Pirogova, L. Innovative Methods in Primary Education. Moscow: Prosveshchenie, 2017.
  3. Smith, J. Engaging Young Learners: Techniques for Primary Schools. London: Routledge, 2020.
  4. Rahmonov, A. O‘quvchilarda qiziqishni uyg‘otish va motivatsiya [Stimulating Interest and Motivation in Students]. Tashkent: Fan, 2021.
  5. Brown, H. Active Learning in Early Education. New York: Springer, 2018.

Poetry from Slobodan Durovic

Middle aged Eastern European man in a  brown coat and eyeglasses outside on  a sunny day.

NESUČELNI SUĐENICI

Nerazvejan na repove konjma 

po predelu šupljem ko sačma

kad jezgrom otvori crno oko

pa belim usijanjem se raspe

tako te ljubljena polulud iskah

dok cela vaseljena mi se ruši –

zgromljen iznutra od groma

ko nepokajnik pred Zidom plača

pod zemlju ukopan, a skokom

hoće nimbus tvoje čari da naspe

iz studenca, između dva vriska

mog i tvog neodaziva u tmuši –

Okrenula si se plamteća kometo

a nisi Euridika, čežnja da te mori

niti ja Orfej no hiljadita žica

na harfi, izbledela od haba

neukog carića što je svračka

podražaj slušao mesto slavuja –

pa ko propali muzikant svetom

glavinja, osrednjak koji se bori

da njegovo naličje vide s lica

i po trbuhu lupa se, ko dabar

a svi zvižde jalova da se tačka

što prije okonča, ta bujad –

Koja divne cvetiće bi da potre

i grmuše s lati što se glasi:

jedino si me ti slušala revno

uhlebljem bila što me hlebi

ko kad se od žbuke umeša cigla

koju su prokleli zidatri, vrgli –

ko najurenog trubača sa smotre

što više nigde da se skrasi

ne može – svud za prekorednog

drže ga, premda svija se tebi

zmijom ne bi li ga zmajem digla

iz tame adske božanskoj kugli –

UNFRIENDLY JUDGES

Unswayed on horse tails
through the hollow landscape like a shot
when the core opens a black eye
then crucifies with white heat
so I, your beloved, half-mad, have cried out
while the whole universe is collapsing to me –
crushed from within by thunder
like an unrepentant man crying before the Wall
buried underground, and with a leap
the nimbus of your charms wants to rise
from the well, between the two screams
of mine and your unresponsiveness in the gloom –

You turned, a flaming comet
and you are not Eurydice, longing to torment you
nor am I Orpheus but the thousandth string
on the harp, faded from wear
of the ignorant little emperor who listened to the shrew
as a stimulus instead of a nightingale –
and like a failed musician in the world
a hub, a mediocre one who struggles
to see his reverse side from the face
and beats his belly, like a beaver
and everyone whistles in vain so that the period
can end as soon as possible, that bujad –

Which beautiful flowers would you like to chase
and bushes with a lati which reads:
only you listened to me zealously
you were the bread that breaded me
like when a brick is mixed from mortar
which the masons cursed, threw –
like the most decorated trumpeter from the parade
who can no longer settle down
-everywhere for an outcast
he is considered, although he curls up to you
like a snake in order to lift him
like a dragon
from the darkness of hell to the divine sphere –