Here is a glimpse of my life in Kuwait....teaching....at American Creativity Academy (ACA)....this is Sunday's schedule, 1st day of the week:
6:10 am....bus transportation arrives
6:20 am...drop off at Girls campus
6:30 am....drop off at Boys campus (this is my campus)
in classroom...setting up the schedule for the day on the message center board, changing the classroom helpers, getting worksheets together for the copy center.
6:55 am...go to playground to pick up the boys
7:00 am - 7:25 am is Homeroom...boys come in - unload the rolling backpacks (everything they have goes home and returns everyday..plus lunch boxes as there is no cafeteria)...7:20 morning announcements begin with the playing of the Kuwait National Anthem..followed by short quote from the Quran, followed by any announcements from the principal.
7:25-8:15 am - Islam class taught by male instructor
8:15 -9:05 am - Math - taught by me
9:05 - 9:20am - snack break
9:20 - 11:00 am - Language Arts...writing, reading, vocabulary and 6 boys get pulled out for special ESL resource - taught by Ms. Jenny (teacher)
11-11:30 am - recess (duty free)
11:30 - 11:45 am - lunch (leftovers from 9:05 break) - in the classroom
11:45 - 12:35 pm - Social Studies (or Science) - taught by me
12:35 - 1:25 pm - Arabic class - taught by Arab female teacher
1:25 - 2:15 pm (but really ends at 2:00 pm) - PE (or Art on Wednesday)
3:00 pm - bus transportation arrives for teacher pickup - departs school at 3:10 arriving at Girls campus @ 3:20pm...
3:30 pm - arrive at apartment.
4:55 pm - dark outside and call to prayer sounds
6:30ish...last call to prayer
and early to bed...since alarm rings at 4:45 am!
By the time my day is finished...my family and friends in the USA are just waking up to their coffee and newspapers! It's 8:46 pm Kuwait time..current temp is 18 C - or about 66 F and tomorrow high is forcast to be 28 C or about 86 F. Humidity is 34%...very warm and dry!
Enjoy your Sunday! You could be in Kuwait!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Kuwait - week 3
We're into our 3rd week here. Last week was a busy week getting ready for the Eid holiday and preparing report card scores...Report cards will go home after the break. I finished out the week teaching Math. After the break, the science block will become social studies. So, I will take over Math and Social Studies in the classroom. But for now....we are on the Eid break....so there is no school. We have been tourists this week so far. We visited the Scientific Center (aquarium), the national museum (which was closed - so we couldn't go in), and Failaka Island. We took the ferry over to the island. It's a 1.5 hour ride....with no seating! However, I feel very lucky that we found some shade! It's still pretty hot here...mostly in the upper 80's to 90 degrees. Although there was hardly anything on the Island, it was an eerie feeling being in a place where people used to live. There are bullet holes in all the buildings...some are completely destroyed. The Iraq army seized control of the island during the invasion and forced the people off. Then they used the buildings as target practice and as a command center. I stepped inside what used to be an apartment. There was no roof...and pieces of sheet rock were falling off the walls. Among the rubble, was a high top man's boot and a child's toy. Remnants of what would have been a beautiful courtyard all done in blue tiles could be seen from the doorway! Such waste...it was hearbreaking! We hear that there is an effort being made to re-do the island and make it habitable. The mines on the beaches placed by the Iraqi's have been removed and a new hotel has been built further inland (we didn't see this part). The part we visited is called the Village. There is a man made lake where you can rent paddle boats and a small display of live animals....and 3 restaurants attached to a motel - that looked vacant. On the beachside, there is a nice area to rent jet ski's on the beach. There's tables and sofa's that you can enjoy with a picnic lunch! Other than that, there is nothing to see....except the devestation. Our ferry was to leave the island at 5:30...but was cancelled! I wondered if we would have to spend the night! But alas...a ferry arrived at 7:30 and we started the 1.5 hour ride back to the mainland! The gulf was beautiful in the moonlight. We had the best view coming back - on the front of the boat - watching as the city landscape got bigger and bigger! I was glad to have taken that journey...but glad to be heading back to civilization!
Today I visited the "titanic" mall. I was told that the building was built to the exact specifications of the ship The Titanic! It is huge! There are 5 floors all opening to a central courtyard so you can see all the floors. There were stores that you would recognize...Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, McDonalds, KFC...and I had lunch at Fuddruckers! Yes, I had the best hamburger I've had in 3 weeks! I've posted a picture of 1/2 of the building....
I've also posted a picture I called the "Solitary Man". I wondered what he was thinking as he gazed into the gulf....the wind blowing his disdasha?
Today I visited the "titanic" mall. I was told that the building was built to the exact specifications of the ship The Titanic! It is huge! There are 5 floors all opening to a central courtyard so you can see all the floors. There were stores that you would recognize...Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, McDonalds, KFC...and I had lunch at Fuddruckers! Yes, I had the best hamburger I've had in 3 weeks! I've posted a picture of 1/2 of the building....
I've also posted a picture I called the "Solitary Man". I wondered what he was thinking as he gazed into the gulf....the wind blowing his disdasha?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Kuwait - week 1 reflection
As of today, we have been in Kuwait for 1 week! In some ways, it seems like a lifetime! I think it's because of the jet lag! It really took us several days to acclimate to the time difference, the heat, the noise, and the schedule! Plus, we really had no time to rest before we jumped right in! We arrived on Tuesday afternoon - having left home on Monday morning - had dinner with our partnership teachers even though I think we were all sleep deprived and in a fog! On Wednesday, toured the schools, shopped for food, ate dinner and crashed! Thursday morning at 6:10 am - we were in the classroom....and I took over teaching Math on Sunday! The week here is Sunday - Thursday, as Friday is the Holy day and Saturday is like our Sunday! On Friday, we went to the souq (local market) and visited the twin towers! On Saturday, we visited the Grand Mosque and went to another souq out of town! And then Sunday arrived and we were in the classroom - teaching! However, the day goes by very quickly and we usually crash early at night! (most of us - anyway - not me because I tend to be a night owl - then I suffer the next day!)
The people here are very nice - mostly. It doesn't feel like a Middle East country - except for the "men in white" and "women in black" wardrobe that is everywhere! It's comforting to know that the majority of the population prays 5 times a day - there's no alcohol - and no crime that I know of! Most of the people that I interact with on a daily basis speak good English (except for the bus drivers - who are Egyptian or Indian or Palestinian - and who knows what language they are speaking!) The people drive like maniacs! Their philosophy is to blow the horn and make a hole! I don't know how they avoid hitting each other - the space between us can be measured in yactometers (one trillionth of a trillionth meter - or some such). On the merging roads...there are no lines to define lanes. So, drivers try to cram as many cars and buses and vans in that space as possible. However, that merging road eventually narrows to 1 turn lane or 2 lanes! Vehicles literally ride bumper to bumper..(without touching)..blowing horns....and squeezing in where there was no space 1 second before! It's MADNESS! I really have to close my eyes or pay no attention - and then I worry that we'll get hit and I wouldn't have seen it coming!!! Any way - enough about that!
The school is amazing! Looking at the outside, you would never know that sheer chaos is taking place on the inside! There are 1700 students at the boys campus - ranging in age from 3 (pre-K) to high school! 99% of those students arrive by car - being driven by the nanny (maid) or driver! They arrive very early - mostly because of the traffic - and have to congregate at the play area (hard top - soccer field - under shelter because of the heat - until they are retrieved by the teacher at 6:55 am! They are English language learners - most do a pretty good job. They have 7 blocks of classes consisting of Arabic, Islam, Resource (Art, PE, Computer), Character Education (once a week), Math, Language Arts (2 blocks divided into reading and writing/phonics), and Social Studies/Science! The Arabic, Islam, Resource, and Character Ed is taught by other teachers....so there are days that we are finished our part of teaching by 11:45 am! However, we can't leave....so we use the excess time for planning and meetings! Most of the younger grades have TA's who are Arabic - as a liaison for the students and the "American" teacher - who speaks no Arabic! And then the day ends at 2:00! And the mass pick up begins!
It's very interesting and I am so glad to have had this experience! I'm sure the next 5 weeks will fly by!
The people here are very nice - mostly. It doesn't feel like a Middle East country - except for the "men in white" and "women in black" wardrobe that is everywhere! It's comforting to know that the majority of the population prays 5 times a day - there's no alcohol - and no crime that I know of! Most of the people that I interact with on a daily basis speak good English (except for the bus drivers - who are Egyptian or Indian or Palestinian - and who knows what language they are speaking!) The people drive like maniacs! Their philosophy is to blow the horn and make a hole! I don't know how they avoid hitting each other - the space between us can be measured in yactometers (one trillionth of a trillionth meter - or some such). On the merging roads...there are no lines to define lanes. So, drivers try to cram as many cars and buses and vans in that space as possible. However, that merging road eventually narrows to 1 turn lane or 2 lanes! Vehicles literally ride bumper to bumper..(without touching)..blowing horns....and squeezing in where there was no space 1 second before! It's MADNESS! I really have to close my eyes or pay no attention - and then I worry that we'll get hit and I wouldn't have seen it coming!!! Any way - enough about that!
The school is amazing! Looking at the outside, you would never know that sheer chaos is taking place on the inside! There are 1700 students at the boys campus - ranging in age from 3 (pre-K) to high school! 99% of those students arrive by car - being driven by the nanny (maid) or driver! They arrive very early - mostly because of the traffic - and have to congregate at the play area (hard top - soccer field - under shelter because of the heat - until they are retrieved by the teacher at 6:55 am! They are English language learners - most do a pretty good job. They have 7 blocks of classes consisting of Arabic, Islam, Resource (Art, PE, Computer), Character Education (once a week), Math, Language Arts (2 blocks divided into reading and writing/phonics), and Social Studies/Science! The Arabic, Islam, Resource, and Character Ed is taught by other teachers....so there are days that we are finished our part of teaching by 11:45 am! However, we can't leave....so we use the excess time for planning and meetings! Most of the younger grades have TA's who are Arabic - as a liaison for the students and the "American" teacher - who speaks no Arabic! And then the day ends at 2:00! And the mass pick up begins!
It's very interesting and I am so glad to have had this experience! I'm sure the next 5 weeks will fly by!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Student teaching reflection
I finished my student teaching on Friday, October 22nd with 37 consecutive days! My 21st Century Teaching project was electronically posted 13 hours ahead of the deadline. I went clothes shopping today to finish out the wardrobe for the new country.....now I've just got to get all of this stuff into the suitcase!
It was an interesting internship. The students were a challenge and it technically wasn't MY classroom, so I had to do "things" the way my partnership teacher would have done things...if that makes any sense! I learned a few things that I will NOT do in MY future classroom and I have some great ideas that I will use! It was such a busy - whirlwind, I haven't had time to stop and think about everything.
However, on Monday, I'll have 20+ hours of traveling time to digest everything. That's on my list of things to do while I'm flying over the Atlantic - and Europe - and into the Middle East!
Next stop Kuwait!
It was an interesting internship. The students were a challenge and it technically wasn't MY classroom, so I had to do "things" the way my partnership teacher would have done things...if that makes any sense! I learned a few things that I will NOT do in MY future classroom and I have some great ideas that I will use! It was such a busy - whirlwind, I haven't had time to stop and think about everything.
However, on Monday, I'll have 20+ hours of traveling time to digest everything. That's on my list of things to do while I'm flying over the Atlantic - and Europe - and into the Middle East!
Next stop Kuwait!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
State-side final count-down
It's hard to believe that I am finishing week 6 of student teaching! Big project is due 2 weeks from today....then 4 days later, I'm off to the new school in Kuwait! I can hardly wait! I'm anxious to meet the boys in my next class assignment! We're on the count-down! We received our plane reservation confirmations and itinerary tonight...which suddenly made the trip a "reality". All of a sudden, I'm a little nervous. Not about going...but just getting there! It's going to be a long flight! What do people do on an airplane for 13 hours???? I guess I'll find out!
My students here are finally calming down a little. Schedules are running smoother. I seem to be yelling less and they seem to be responding better to instruction...just in time for me to leave! It's been an interesting internship, thus far. I knew that it was going to be a difficult semester, but wasn't expecting it to be SO HARD! The extra work required by the university...reflections, projects, 6-point lesson plans, observations, Prof Development seminars, record-keeping....all of that... on top of teaching math, language arts - including reading and writing, and social studies - every day - all day long is exhausting! Those of us who survive--and believe me, there are those who don't....deserve an award for not suffering a nervous breakdown!
Here are the things I've learned..........
1. A teacher's work is never done. Especially, if you're the type of teacher who cares about the success of your student.
2. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. Whatever you plan, better have a backup....technology fails and sometimes the students just can't handle "centers" today!
3. Activities that you think (and plan for) will take an hour, may actually take 1.5 hours throwing everything else off....and vice-versa...things that you thought would take an hour, are finished in 30 minutes (and then what?????)
4. "Idle hands (and bored students) are the devil's workshop" - you have to watch them every second of every day...or someone gets in trouble!
5. You love them and tell them every day that they are important...and encourage them to dream big and study hard...because they may not get that love and attention at home.
6. You plan for 27,000 seconds every day....so that the day is full of teachable moments..... in an effort that just one child will remember 1 second....and hope that it will have made a difference!!!!!
My students here are finally calming down a little. Schedules are running smoother. I seem to be yelling less and they seem to be responding better to instruction...just in time for me to leave! It's been an interesting internship, thus far. I knew that it was going to be a difficult semester, but wasn't expecting it to be SO HARD! The extra work required by the university...reflections, projects, 6-point lesson plans, observations, Prof Development seminars, record-keeping....all of that... on top of teaching math, language arts - including reading and writing, and social studies - every day - all day long is exhausting! Those of us who survive--and believe me, there are those who don't....deserve an award for not suffering a nervous breakdown!
Here are the things I've learned..........
1. A teacher's work is never done. Especially, if you're the type of teacher who cares about the success of your student.
2. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. Whatever you plan, better have a backup....technology fails and sometimes the students just can't handle "centers" today!
3. Activities that you think (and plan for) will take an hour, may actually take 1.5 hours throwing everything else off....and vice-versa...things that you thought would take an hour, are finished in 30 minutes (and then what?????)
4. "Idle hands (and bored students) are the devil's workshop" - you have to watch them every second of every day...or someone gets in trouble!
5. You love them and tell them every day that they are important...and encourage them to dream big and study hard...because they may not get that love and attention at home.
6. You plan for 27,000 seconds every day....so that the day is full of teachable moments..... in an effort that just one child will remember 1 second....and hope that it will have made a difference!!!!!
Friday, September 24, 2010
A Day in the Life of an Intern (Teacher)........
7:10 am: arrived at school. Had lots of stuff to take in for a "fiesta party" today.
7:10-7:50am: reviewed lessons for the day, organized materials that would be used today, etc
7:50-8:04am: took attendance, student lunch selection - emailed cafeteria, pledge to American Flag, class pledge, answered a "bazillion" questions about what time the party started, etc etc etc, tried to get students settled and started on morning work,
8:05-9:00am: observed reading group today. Am thinking that I need to become a reading specialist....small groups limited to 6, nice-quaint room with all the amenities, quiet, no "unusual smells"....yep, I need to check into that!
9:00-10:00am: Math centers with 40+ students. Took away place value dice from one group that insisted on throwing them at each other, assisted another group with 2 digit/3 number addition strategies, broke up argument between group who couldn't decide who would go first, sharpened 48 pencils, negotiated 40+ student maze - trying not to step on hands and other body parts
10:00-10:15am: bathroom break - monitored bathrooms sending in 2 at a time in an effort to prevent yesterday incident of writing on the bathroom wall with "unknown" substance.
10:20-11:09am: delivered students to resouce: PE today. Made phone calls home as requested by notes received that morning, organized LA worksheets for the year-separating by theme/story so they could be filed. Cleaned up math center materials, pencils, papers, etc, straightened desks, put books away, made sandwich for lunch, took a tylenol cold tablet for scracty throat and cough.
11:10am: picked up students from gym...spoke to PE teacher about students who misbehaved in class today....gave mini-lesson on how to conduct self in gym and how to walk in a line to the cafeteria....one student forgot lunch box, so sent back to room to get it(oops, forgot their lunch number cards today, so I'll need to avoid the cafeteria cashier who will not be happy).
11:20am: student spilled HOT mashed potatoes on bare legs at lunch table. Rushed student to sink for cold water, applied ice pack, dried tears, and replaced spilled potato order.
11:30am: ate lunch...while watching 24 students chew with open mouths, screaming across the table to be heard over the roar of the other classes at lunch.
11:40am: served iced cream (student birthday today) to 24 students - one bowl at a time.
11:45am: left cafeteria - back to classroom for Lang Arts (and math test unable to give at 9 am due to lack of time). Sent student to nurse to check for 2nd degree burns - filled out incident report.
11:45am: math test
12:15pm: spelling test - 25 words - repeated 2 times and used in sentences. One student mis-numbered paper, so had to repeat list for 3rd time to check mistake.
12:40pm: collected spelling tests - stretch
12:42pm: language arts test on story of the week.
1:18pm: collected LA test. Lined up students for recess - sent outside with partner teacher
1:20pm: set up fiesta party food, decorations, arranged artifact table.
1:40pm: students in from recess - tried to play game using questions from social studies as a review before test. Game ended prematurely due to fight between 2 students.
2:05pm: Social Studies test on Mexico.
2:25pm: lined up students to go to partner teacher room for fiesta party
2:35pm: began trying to serve food...cake, chips and salsa, juice to 48 students who thought they were at "BK" and could have it their way!
2:45pm: served last student
2:55pm: collected trash, packed up, distributed report cards, answered another "bazillion" questions...tried to get students to settle down to wait for dismissal bell.
3:00pm: dismissal by pods....walked my class and next door class students to bus (32+students). At bus parking lot, heard screaming from behind. Student cut finger on vegetable can (was in book bag for art-not turned in). instructed student to apply pressure to wound (with napkin in pocket from fiesta party). Took student to nurse - again (ps...missed bus), called home to come pick student up, cleaned up fiesta party, met with parent of injured student, disinfected 48 student desks and chairs, filed year's worth of LA worksheet papers organized earlier, changed date and resource for Monday, planned with other teachers for next week's lessons, sharpened pencils, erased white board, organized social studies test thrown on desk in haste to get to party, organized spelling test, LA test, math test - to take home and grade, filled away books on Mexico and replaced with books on China - country for next week, checked back door, checked turtles, turned off light.
6:00 pm.....HOME - survived week 4! 4 more to go! (but who's counting)
(6:50pm....99 degree fever - croup-like cough!!!)
7:10-7:50am: reviewed lessons for the day, organized materials that would be used today, etc
7:50-8:04am: took attendance, student lunch selection - emailed cafeteria, pledge to American Flag, class pledge, answered a "bazillion" questions about what time the party started, etc etc etc, tried to get students settled and started on morning work,
8:05-9:00am: observed reading group today. Am thinking that I need to become a reading specialist....small groups limited to 6, nice-quaint room with all the amenities, quiet, no "unusual smells"....yep, I need to check into that!
9:00-10:00am: Math centers with 40+ students. Took away place value dice from one group that insisted on throwing them at each other, assisted another group with 2 digit/3 number addition strategies, broke up argument between group who couldn't decide who would go first, sharpened 48 pencils, negotiated 40+ student maze - trying not to step on hands and other body parts
10:00-10:15am: bathroom break - monitored bathrooms sending in 2 at a time in an effort to prevent yesterday incident of writing on the bathroom wall with "unknown" substance.
10:20-11:09am: delivered students to resouce: PE today. Made phone calls home as requested by notes received that morning, organized LA worksheets for the year-separating by theme/story so they could be filed. Cleaned up math center materials, pencils, papers, etc, straightened desks, put books away, made sandwich for lunch, took a tylenol cold tablet for scracty throat and cough.
11:10am: picked up students from gym...spoke to PE teacher about students who misbehaved in class today....gave mini-lesson on how to conduct self in gym and how to walk in a line to the cafeteria....one student forgot lunch box, so sent back to room to get it(oops, forgot their lunch number cards today, so I'll need to avoid the cafeteria cashier who will not be happy).
11:20am: student spilled HOT mashed potatoes on bare legs at lunch table. Rushed student to sink for cold water, applied ice pack, dried tears, and replaced spilled potato order.
11:30am: ate lunch...while watching 24 students chew with open mouths, screaming across the table to be heard over the roar of the other classes at lunch.
11:40am: served iced cream (student birthday today) to 24 students - one bowl at a time.
11:45am: left cafeteria - back to classroom for Lang Arts (and math test unable to give at 9 am due to lack of time). Sent student to nurse to check for 2nd degree burns - filled out incident report.
11:45am: math test
12:15pm: spelling test - 25 words - repeated 2 times and used in sentences. One student mis-numbered paper, so had to repeat list for 3rd time to check mistake.
12:40pm: collected spelling tests - stretch
12:42pm: language arts test on story of the week.
1:18pm: collected LA test. Lined up students for recess - sent outside with partner teacher
1:20pm: set up fiesta party food, decorations, arranged artifact table.
1:40pm: students in from recess - tried to play game using questions from social studies as a review before test. Game ended prematurely due to fight between 2 students.
2:05pm: Social Studies test on Mexico.
2:25pm: lined up students to go to partner teacher room for fiesta party
2:35pm: began trying to serve food...cake, chips and salsa, juice to 48 students who thought they were at "BK" and could have it their way!
2:45pm: served last student
2:55pm: collected trash, packed up, distributed report cards, answered another "bazillion" questions...tried to get students to settle down to wait for dismissal bell.
3:00pm: dismissal by pods....walked my class and next door class students to bus (32+students). At bus parking lot, heard screaming from behind. Student cut finger on vegetable can (was in book bag for art-not turned in). instructed student to apply pressure to wound (with napkin in pocket from fiesta party). Took student to nurse - again (ps...missed bus), called home to come pick student up, cleaned up fiesta party, met with parent of injured student, disinfected 48 student desks and chairs, filed year's worth of LA worksheet papers organized earlier, changed date and resource for Monday, planned with other teachers for next week's lessons, sharpened pencils, erased white board, organized social studies test thrown on desk in haste to get to party, organized spelling test, LA test, math test - to take home and grade, filled away books on Mexico and replaced with books on China - country for next week, checked back door, checked turtles, turned off light.
6:00 pm.....HOME - survived week 4! 4 more to go! (but who's counting)
(6:50pm....99 degree fever - croup-like cough!!!)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Week 1 reflection
I survived week 1 of the new school year! I came home today with a sore throat and the sniffles! Just my luck! I'm sure some little person has shared their germs! I am exhausted! I spent all week teaching...staying up until 12 or 1 am writing lesson plans...getting to school at 7 to make copies (ahead of the other teachers)...staying at school until after 5 pm! Welcome to the life of a teacher (especially a 1st year teacher who has no lessons from last year to pull from) Unfortunately, my partnership teacher doesn't have any either as this is her first year teaching 3rd grade! So...we are learning the curriculum together...
But I had a great time! I'm exactly where I want to be and I have a nice long 3 day weekend to plan for next week's activities! 7 more weeks......
I've posted a picture of my first writing assignment and display I made in the hallway!
But I had a great time! I'm exactly where I want to be and I have a nice long 3 day weekend to plan for next week's activities! 7 more weeks......
I've posted a picture of my first writing assignment and display I made in the hallway!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
First Day of School
Wow! The first day of school was an exciting day for the students and the teachers! I had butterflies in my stomach as I entered the classroom. I took a look around at the work that we had accomplished over the last 2 days. The desks were all lined up; all of the books and materials were in their respective places. Yes, we were ready!
My observation revealed that I was unprepared for the amount of supplies that arrived on the first day. Many of those supplies were delivered by the parents and not the students. Of course each of those parents wanted to speak to the teacher (who most had already met during the open house, just 2 days before). I frantically unpacked each plastic grocery bag and carefully sorted composition books, crayons, notebook paper, boxes of pencils and tissues, 3-ring binders, glue sticks and bottles of hand sanitizer into organized piles. I now know that 24 students times "classroom supplies" equals the top area of 7 student desks! Luckily for us, we had planned for the students to spend the first hour on the carpet (not at a desk); which gave me time to find a better place for all of those materials. Because of this observation, I am lead to prepare a better method of collecting supplies in my classroom. I'm thinking a labeled tote for each item, in an assembly line format, would ease the chaos of that collection process. This is significant because many teachers face this day without a second set of helping hands!
In between my sorting job, I was recording transportation changes. "I'll pick "Billy" up today, since it's the first day of school". It sounds so simple. However, it's a transportation nightmare for a teacher who has already prepared the list of "car riders" and "bus takers"! I have since concluded that an "adult volunteer" in the classroom on the first day of school is an absolute necessity.
I know that the first day is a hard for the students as well. Most are still in "summer vacation mode". Their routines and sleep and eat habits have been disrupted. I learned that it is important to establish the ground rules on the first day, from the first hour. Schedules have to be followed and manners have to be re-taught. I believe the importance of these first day activities lead the way to a successful school year. We spent a significant amount of time discussing and practicing the daily procedures. Math and Comprehension assessments were completed and ability groups were defined so that relevant instruction could begin.
I focused on establishing who I was in the classroom; as a person of authority, to be respected and obeyed; because very soon, I will be the teacher!
My observation revealed that I was unprepared for the amount of supplies that arrived on the first day. Many of those supplies were delivered by the parents and not the students. Of course each of those parents wanted to speak to the teacher (who most had already met during the open house, just 2 days before). I frantically unpacked each plastic grocery bag and carefully sorted composition books, crayons, notebook paper, boxes of pencils and tissues, 3-ring binders, glue sticks and bottles of hand sanitizer into organized piles. I now know that 24 students times "classroom supplies" equals the top area of 7 student desks! Luckily for us, we had planned for the students to spend the first hour on the carpet (not at a desk); which gave me time to find a better place for all of those materials. Because of this observation, I am lead to prepare a better method of collecting supplies in my classroom. I'm thinking a labeled tote for each item, in an assembly line format, would ease the chaos of that collection process. This is significant because many teachers face this day without a second set of helping hands!
In between my sorting job, I was recording transportation changes. "I'll pick "Billy" up today, since it's the first day of school". It sounds so simple. However, it's a transportation nightmare for a teacher who has already prepared the list of "car riders" and "bus takers"! I have since concluded that an "adult volunteer" in the classroom on the first day of school is an absolute necessity.
I know that the first day is a hard for the students as well. Most are still in "summer vacation mode". Their routines and sleep and eat habits have been disrupted. I learned that it is important to establish the ground rules on the first day, from the first hour. Schedules have to be followed and manners have to be re-taught. I believe the importance of these first day activities lead the way to a successful school year. We spent a significant amount of time discussing and practicing the daily procedures. Math and Comprehension assessments were completed and ability groups were defined so that relevant instruction could begin.
I focused on establishing who I was in the classroom; as a person of authority, to be respected and obeyed; because very soon, I will be the teacher!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
New Beginnings.......
On one insignificant Wednesday morning in March, 51 years ago, I was born. Ironically, on a Wednesday morning, 6 days from now, I will embark on a new beginning! It took a huge amount of courage and a giant leap of faith,(to some...a decision made by an insane woman in the midst of a mid-life crisis) to leave a good paying and comfortable job to become an unemployed teacher! The University really should consider giving "students" my age, CPL (credit for prior learning) for the real life teaching I have already done...raising 2 children, teaching many lessons in VBS and SS, and many, many Cub Scout activities and Boy Scout Merit Badges. However, the thought of having a classroom of my own, without the experience of this student internship semester, scares me to death! So, I understand the importance of this next step. Even now, I begin to doubt my own ability! How do you get started? What sentence comes after "Welcome to my class"? How do you decide what to teach when? Do you start on page 1 of the book (or is there a book!)? I've spent the last 2 years in methods courses learning "how to...", but for some reason, can't remember a single thing! It's like singing a solo and forgetting the first word....but I know it'll come to me, as soon as the music starts! (or at least I hope it will)
OK....so now that the panic attack is behind me....fasten your seat belts because the next 16 weeks is going to be an incredible ride! The first 8 weeks will be fast and furious as I work deligently on the 21st century teaching project...as it is due, the day before I leave for Kuwait! The last 6 weeks will be spent in a foreign country in an all boy classroom of ELL students! What an adventure!! What an opportunity!! Stay tuned.....here we go..........
OK....so now that the panic attack is behind me....fasten your seat belts because the next 16 weeks is going to be an incredible ride! The first 8 weeks will be fast and furious as I work deligently on the 21st century teaching project...as it is due, the day before I leave for Kuwait! The last 6 weeks will be spent in a foreign country in an all boy classroom of ELL students! What an adventure!! What an opportunity!! Stay tuned.....here we go..........
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Walking in the shoes of an English Language Learner……..
I have a new and deeper understanding of what it must feel like to be an English Language Learner. I recently spent 22 good days (24 total) as a Spanish Language learner in a country that speaks very little English. Simple phrases came easy…hola, como estas, donde esta el bano, cuanto cuesta, gracias, con mucho gusto, no entiendo…..you know those important words that can get you through the day….hello, how are you, where is the bathroom, how much does it cost, thank you, you’re welcome (Costa Rica’s version) and I don’t understand. The vocabulary words are easier to remember when knowing them is crucial to your daily needs!
There were times in those 24 days that I thought I would scream if I didn’t talk to someone in English. There were also times that I wondered if I had a brain at all as I struggled to stay focused and concentrate on what was being said around me. I had a million questions that I would have liked to ask and didn’t because I didn’t have the vocabulary….To make that conversation just took too much effort!!
The 5 students who went on this adventure with 2 professors seriously thought we were some kind of psychological experiment for the University! It was definitely a test of Brian Cambourne’s Conditions for Learning (7 or 8….depending on what website you read). We were “Immersed” in the culture, the language, and the family life. We were saturated with content, context, feelings, sights, sounds and tastes in every aspect of our day. We had “demonstrations” in class, at our family homestays, in restaurants, etc. Many times I resorted to a game of charades with my families so that we could converse! We knew that the teachers at CPI had high “expectations” for our learning…as they sometimes refused to speak any English…insisting that we only spoke Spanish in the classroom. Although, this was very frustrating, this strategy worked. It forced us to use the vocabulary and other resources we had at our fingertips. Problem solving became our “responsibility” as we worked through our language barrier, took charge, and became accountable for our own learning. We approached and passed ZPD’s daily in our language class. I’ll never forget a moment during the last week in Monte Verde, we were having a great conversation with Jackie (our teacher) about losing things….keys specifically….She told this funny, funny story about a time when she locked herself out of her house. We laughed so hard….but the amazing – ah ha – moment was that she told that story completely in Spanish….and I understand what she said!!!! We celebrated those “ah-ha” “approximation” moments almost daily. We also had the opportunity to “practice” what we were learning…sometimes more practice that I actually wanted! We had “feedback” from our teachers and fellow classmates…and support from each other!
I believe that all of Cambourne’s conditions were present and that those principles are applicable to learners of all ages….and all subjects! I learned some things about my own style of learning too! I need to see, hear, write and repeat before I can comprehend. I also need to apply and the content needs to be relevant! When those stipulations were met….the language was easier. I’ve learned some strategies that I will use in my future classroom…..which was the primary reason for my trip!
I loved Costa Rica and could not have picked a better place to go for 24 days! The country is breathtakingly beautiful. The people live simple lives and care deeply for one another. I am inspired by their dedication to preserve the flora, fauna, and wildlife…and their desire to make the whole country a better place to live! I applaud their commitment to be a carbon free country and their commitment to education. There is a “surprise of the day” every day just around the corner in Costa Rica~
There were times in those 24 days that I thought I would scream if I didn’t talk to someone in English. There were also times that I wondered if I had a brain at all as I struggled to stay focused and concentrate on what was being said around me. I had a million questions that I would have liked to ask and didn’t because I didn’t have the vocabulary….To make that conversation just took too much effort!!
The 5 students who went on this adventure with 2 professors seriously thought we were some kind of psychological experiment for the University! It was definitely a test of Brian Cambourne’s Conditions for Learning (7 or 8….depending on what website you read). We were “Immersed” in the culture, the language, and the family life. We were saturated with content, context, feelings, sights, sounds and tastes in every aspect of our day. We had “demonstrations” in class, at our family homestays, in restaurants, etc. Many times I resorted to a game of charades with my families so that we could converse! We knew that the teachers at CPI had high “expectations” for our learning…as they sometimes refused to speak any English…insisting that we only spoke Spanish in the classroom. Although, this was very frustrating, this strategy worked. It forced us to use the vocabulary and other resources we had at our fingertips. Problem solving became our “responsibility” as we worked through our language barrier, took charge, and became accountable for our own learning. We approached and passed ZPD’s daily in our language class. I’ll never forget a moment during the last week in Monte Verde, we were having a great conversation with Jackie (our teacher) about losing things….keys specifically….She told this funny, funny story about a time when she locked herself out of her house. We laughed so hard….but the amazing – ah ha – moment was that she told that story completely in Spanish….and I understand what she said!!!! We celebrated those “ah-ha” “approximation” moments almost daily. We also had the opportunity to “practice” what we were learning…sometimes more practice that I actually wanted! We had “feedback” from our teachers and fellow classmates…and support from each other!
I believe that all of Cambourne’s conditions were present and that those principles are applicable to learners of all ages….and all subjects! I learned some things about my own style of learning too! I need to see, hear, write and repeat before I can comprehend. I also need to apply and the content needs to be relevant! When those stipulations were met….the language was easier. I’ve learned some strategies that I will use in my future classroom…..which was the primary reason for my trip!
I loved Costa Rica and could not have picked a better place to go for 24 days! The country is breathtakingly beautiful. The people live simple lives and care deeply for one another. I am inspired by their dedication to preserve the flora, fauna, and wildlife…and their desire to make the whole country a better place to live! I applaud their commitment to be a carbon free country and their commitment to education. There is a “surprise of the day” every day just around the corner in Costa Rica~
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 23 -24 Last weekend in Costa Rica
We left early Saturday morning for the 4 hour ride from Monte Verde to San Jose. What a culture shock! I think we were all overcome by the noise and busy lifestyles of the city! We vistied the National Theatre and the National Museum. Both places were very interesting.
We had dinner at a favorite place....we had been to before! The food was wonderful and we sat around sharing some of our stories of the 3 week adventure. I think Costa Rica has a special place in all of our hearts.....
The country is so beautiful! The people live simple lifestyles; where the phrase of the day is "Pura Vida"....pure life!
Our plane departed at 12:30 Costa Rica time for Fort Lauderdale and our connecting flight landed safely in Myrtle Beach around 9:40. It made for a very long day of traveling. Walking out of the airport was like walking into a sauna...the heat and humidity was oppressive! Yep....we were home! I'm already longing for the cooler temperatures of the cloud forest, the quiet nights, and the fruit drinks!
We had dinner at a favorite place....we had been to before! The food was wonderful and we sat around sharing some of our stories of the 3 week adventure. I think Costa Rica has a special place in all of our hearts.....
The country is so beautiful! The people live simple lifestyles; where the phrase of the day is "Pura Vida"....pure life!
Our plane departed at 12:30 Costa Rica time for Fort Lauderdale and our connecting flight landed safely in Myrtle Beach around 9:40. It made for a very long day of traveling. Walking out of the airport was like walking into a sauna...the heat and humidity was oppressive! Yep....we were home! I'm already longing for the cooler temperatures of the cloud forest, the quiet nights, and the fruit drinks!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Day 22, Viernes, 4 Junio 2010
We had the morning free today so that we could begin the task of packing for the return trip home. I went into town today so that I could pay the departure tax ($26). Today is Helen’s birthday! Allan surprised her with a new pair of tennis shoes this morning in her favorite color…light blue (this is her very first pair of tennis shoes). I gave her a pair of light blue earrings that I found at a local gift shop. Final plans were being made to celebrate her birthday at a local restaurant tonight with all of their friends….of course, the family members will be there as well! So, I’ll be able to end my last night in Monte Verde at a huge birthday party. Unbelievably they are sad that I am leaving! It has been so much fun to be a part of their family these last 2 weeks.
We wrapped up our final day in Spanish class by studying the verbs that are most important. Of course, I will be bringing those workbooks back to the US so that I can continue my language development (and homework)!! We were also treated to a slide show with pictures of our activities….and a certificate of completion…60 hours of Spanish classes….and a small graduation ceremony! It really made all the studying and homework worth it! I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning the language…by immersion! Our CPI tour guide (Sonia) has been wonderful….and of course…my hat goes off to Dr Debbie Powell for making this a trip (and learning experience) of a lifetime!!!
We leave at 7 am tomorrow morning for San Jose; where we will spend the weekend. Our plans are to visit the National Museum, Theatre, and do some last minute shopping!
I’m going to miss Monte Verde and the Cloud Forest!!
End of Day 22……. (T-2 to home)
We wrapped up our final day in Spanish class by studying the verbs that are most important. Of course, I will be bringing those workbooks back to the US so that I can continue my language development (and homework)!! We were also treated to a slide show with pictures of our activities….and a certificate of completion…60 hours of Spanish classes….and a small graduation ceremony! It really made all the studying and homework worth it! I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning the language…by immersion! Our CPI tour guide (Sonia) has been wonderful….and of course…my hat goes off to Dr Debbie Powell for making this a trip (and learning experience) of a lifetime!!!
We leave at 7 am tomorrow morning for San Jose; where we will spend the weekend. Our plans are to visit the National Museum, Theatre, and do some last minute shopping!
I’m going to miss Monte Verde and the Cloud Forest!!
End of Day 22……. (T-2 to home)
Day 21: Jueves, 3 Junio 2010
We had a slight change in plans today. We had heard that bad weather was on the way from the pacific, so the zipline tour that was scheduled for Friday was moved to today! So……we took a tour through the Canopy of Monte Verde by way of a zipline! What an incredible tour! There are 9 lines; each one a different height and length. All of the lines are above the canopy so that you can see for miles! We were fortunate that we finished the tour before the rain came….about 30 minutes later….and has been raining all day since! We have been so lucky with all of our outdoor activities! Yes…it has rained (after all, it is the rainy season – their winter), but for the most part our activities have been completed in good weather!! There are all kinds of lessons that can be derived from this tour today….as we discussed the merits of “fun” activities and the definition of educable moments! We came up with at least 20 lesson ideas from the very basic discussion of various shades of the color green to the more complex discussion of physics, pulleys, and gravity!
Our class is coming to an end, so we gathered for a while afterwards (and before lunch) to try to wrap up some of our thoughts.
We learned a Spanish song today in class! And had the opportunity to sing and practice some of the verbs that we have been learning this week!
Only 3 more days left in Costa Rica as day 21 ends….
Our class is coming to an end, so we gathered for a while afterwards (and before lunch) to try to wrap up some of our thoughts.
We learned a Spanish song today in class! And had the opportunity to sing and practice some of the verbs that we have been learning this week!
Only 3 more days left in Costa Rica as day 21 ends….
Day 20: Miercoles, 2 Junio 2010
This morning we spent a couple of hours at the Coffee Co-Op in San Luis, Monte Verde. We planted coffee plants. It was hot and strenuous work! However, in 3 – 4 years, there will be coffee beans produced on the plants that we transplanted. That’s an awesome thought! There are 42 members of the Monte Verde Coffee Co-Op. Of course they only grow Arabica coffee…as it is the best and is perfect for the rich volcanic soil and climate. Some of the coffee that is produced is exported to Texas and Montana. The product varies from year to year depending on the crop produced. There is a Coffee Co-Op Café in Monte Verde where they sell and offer samples of their product. Costa Rica has 2 main export products: Coffee and Bananas.
We had lunch at Stella’s Café and continued our Spanish language classes as usual in the afternoon.
Meanwhile at home, Allan is planning the birthday party that will be held on Friday night for Helen (who will be 28 years old). He showed me his party list and there were 37 persons to be invited. He is trying to decide whether to have the party at a restaurant instead of their house! We heard tonight on the news that a tornado went thru Manual Antonio last night. Several trees were down, cars were crushed, and houses destroyed…..
Otherwise; a successful end to day 20 in Costa Rica.
We had lunch at Stella’s Café and continued our Spanish language classes as usual in the afternoon.
Meanwhile at home, Allan is planning the birthday party that will be held on Friday night for Helen (who will be 28 years old). He showed me his party list and there were 37 persons to be invited. He is trying to decide whether to have the party at a restaurant instead of their house! We heard tonight on the news that a tornado went thru Manual Antonio last night. Several trees were down, cars were crushed, and houses destroyed…..
Otherwise; a successful end to day 20 in Costa Rica.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Costa Rica: Week 2 summary and insight
The question is: Is total immersion the right way to learn a 2nd language? That is basically what we do to our ESL/ELL students in our classrooms. We chastise them for speaking to their peers; we isolate them from all that was familiar; we stick them in a corner or send them to the office when they shut down; we put them off to the side during a math or social studies lesson when we feel the content is too hard or we give them mindless activities to keep them busy. Before coming to this country, it bothered me somewhat that there were so many advertisements and signs written in Spanish and English. My thought was that if you were going to be in America, you should know how to speak the language….English! Thank God there are signs here in English! I am also glad that there are people here who speak my native language! If nothing else, this trip has taught me what it feels like to be a second language learner and to have that reverse discrimination. It was very frustrating to be turned down by 2 available taxi drivers because I could not communicate effectively in Spanish!
I have learned that I need to speak to my peers (who speak my language); I have learned to gather those things around me that I am familiar with; I have learned that it’s almost impossible to go a full day without reaching the saturation point and shutting down; I have learned that I can grasp complex concepts through content, group discussion, practice, and application…..which I can’t do from a corner!
Immersion works, but we need to give those special considerations for our ESL/ELL Students too!
I have learned that I need to speak to my peers (who speak my language); I have learned to gather those things around me that I am familiar with; I have learned that it’s almost impossible to go a full day without reaching the saturation point and shutting down; I have learned that I can grasp complex concepts through content, group discussion, practice, and application…..which I can’t do from a corner!
Immersion works, but we need to give those special considerations for our ESL/ELL Students too!
Day 19: Martes, 1 Junio 2010
We visited the Cloud Forest School in Monte Verde this morning. It’s a private school for local and international students which started in 1991. It’s considered a bilingual school with instruction primarily in English. It’s also a creative school. I learned yesterday that in order to attend a Costa Rican public school, the student must be a Costa Rican. We spent a couple of hours at the school this morning touring the campus and discussing their history and mission. We were unable to observe a classroom. We had lunch at Stella’s bakery and café. We learned today that the owner is the son of the original owner (Stella) who is one of the Quakers that came to Costa Rica in 1950. We had an interesting conversation about his mother and father and a small part of the history. We only had 1 hour of Spanish classes today because of our outside activities. We then returned to the Cloud Forest School and participated in a workshop (led by Dr Powell) with the teachers. It was an interesting discussion about different Genre’s.
In the newspaper today was a picture of the devastation that the rain is causing in Guatemala. A huge sinkhole has formed in the middle of a neighborhood that is the equivalent of a 3 story building. Many people and houses have been lost. There was also some discussion tonight on the news about the earthquakes that have been occurring in this country over the last 2 weeks. There was another earthquake last night about 9:30 in Quepas….near Manuel Antonio. Unfortunately, I was already asleep and did not notice! Early to bed and early to rise is the norm in this country!
End of day 19…..
In the newspaper today was a picture of the devastation that the rain is causing in Guatemala. A huge sinkhole has formed in the middle of a neighborhood that is the equivalent of a 3 story building. Many people and houses have been lost. There was also some discussion tonight on the news about the earthquakes that have been occurring in this country over the last 2 weeks. There was another earthquake last night about 9:30 in Quepas….near Manuel Antonio. Unfortunately, I was already asleep and did not notice! Early to bed and early to rise is the norm in this country!
End of day 19…..
Day 18, Lunes 31 Mayo 2010
Happy Memorial Day! Of course, it is not a holiday in Costa Rica. Our group had the morning free today. So, I took advantage of that time and caught up on my research project. I had lunch at a local restaurant called “Johnnie’s” today. Yo tengo una hamburgesa, papas fritos, y fresas fresco (hamburger, homemade potato chips and strawberry fresco). I started my last week of Spanish classes with a new teacher. We continued our study of verbs and started learning the names of places. It’s hard to believe that our adventure is almost over! After classes were over at 5:15, we participated in a Salsa dance class! I had so much fun! When I hear Latin Salsa music in the future, I’ll always remember this dancing lesson! I hope I can recall the steps when I get home! I’m starting to enjoy the music in Costa Rica!
I had a conversation with Allen and Helen when I got “home” about the dance class and music. Allen was in the United States in 2000 (Montana). He showed me a CD that he purchased when he was there. Guess what song was popular????….”Who let the Dogs Out”!! I can only imagine what kind of impression he came home with!!!! We had a good laugh about that!
End of Day 18 (and count down to home)……although we still have a lot of things to do this week! Muchas actividads!
I had a conversation with Allen and Helen when I got “home” about the dance class and music. Allen was in the United States in 2000 (Montana). He showed me a CD that he purchased when he was there. Guess what song was popular????….”Who let the Dogs Out”!! I can only imagine what kind of impression he came home with!!!! We had a good laugh about that!
End of Day 18 (and count down to home)……although we still have a lot of things to do this week! Muchas actividads!
Day 17, Domingo: 30 Mayo 2010
This morning Shelby and I were sitting on our porch about 6 am (enjoying a cup of Café Britt), when a great white cloud came pouring out of the volcano! Within seconds, we heard the rumbling roar! The volcano was awake and singing! I guess I would call that a little burp! There were 5 or 6 burps this morning before we left La Fortuna!
We spent the morning lounging around the hotel. Around 11 am, we departed for La Fortuna Waterfall. Although we cancelled our hike, we were able to view the waterfall from a lookout point not far from the main entrance. We had lunch at a local restaurant and celebrated Dr. Huber’s birthday! We arrived back in Monte Verde at 5 pm. What an exciting weekend!
Allan and Helen had spent the weekend moving his sister from Abuella….a district in the South of Costa Rica. He now has 2 brothers and 2 sisters living in the same neighborhood of Monte Verde! Families like to be close to one another in this country. He and Helen spent some time this evening socializing with his family before dinner.
End of day 17…..
We spent the morning lounging around the hotel. Around 11 am, we departed for La Fortuna Waterfall. Although we cancelled our hike, we were able to view the waterfall from a lookout point not far from the main entrance. We had lunch at a local restaurant and celebrated Dr. Huber’s birthday! We arrived back in Monte Verde at 5 pm. What an exciting weekend!
Allan and Helen had spent the weekend moving his sister from Abuella….a district in the South of Costa Rica. He now has 2 brothers and 2 sisters living in the same neighborhood of Monte Verde! Families like to be close to one another in this country. He and Helen spent some time this evening socializing with his family before dinner.
End of day 17…..
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Day 16: Sabado, 29 Mayo 2010
Today we traveled to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. We arrived around 11 am and what a difference in the climate! You could tell we had descended from the cloud forest. It was close to 90 degrees. We walked around town for about an hour then had lunch at a local spot before checking into the hotel.
We spent a couple of hours walking the trails around the Volcano. We were able to observe 2 families of howler monkeys high up in the trees….mom, dad, and babies. It was so interesting to watch them as they went about their evening routine. We left the trails just before dusk and went to the volcano observation point where we sat for a while watching the lava flow from the mouth of the volcano. It was such a perfectly clear night, we could see the bright red rocks as they tumbled down the side of the mountain.
We had dinner at Baldi Hot Springs and enjoyed the waters of the hot springs for about 2 hours. We then decided to go back to the observation point and watch the volcano. It was a beautiful night with a full moon; we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see it again! There were so many people gathered around at the local meeting places. On this second visit, there were mostly local families. I would describe it as a picnic! They had food cooking on grills and were socializing with one another….while in the background….the mountain provided the fireworks! Lava, lava, lava….was being chanted as the fireballs slid down the hillside! It was so exciting! How often can you say that you spent Saturday night watching an active volcano! It was a once a lifetime experience!~
End of day 16……
We spent a couple of hours walking the trails around the Volcano. We were able to observe 2 families of howler monkeys high up in the trees….mom, dad, and babies. It was so interesting to watch them as they went about their evening routine. We left the trails just before dusk and went to the volcano observation point where we sat for a while watching the lava flow from the mouth of the volcano. It was such a perfectly clear night, we could see the bright red rocks as they tumbled down the side of the mountain.
We had dinner at Baldi Hot Springs and enjoyed the waters of the hot springs for about 2 hours. We then decided to go back to the observation point and watch the volcano. It was a beautiful night with a full moon; we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see it again! There were so many people gathered around at the local meeting places. On this second visit, there were mostly local families. I would describe it as a picnic! They had food cooking on grills and were socializing with one another….while in the background….the mountain provided the fireworks! Lava, lava, lava….was being chanted as the fireballs slid down the hillside! It was so exciting! How often can you say that you spent Saturday night watching an active volcano! It was a once a lifetime experience!~
End of day 16……
Day 15, Viernes 28 Mayo 2010
We have been in Costa Rica now for 2 full weeks. We spent a few hours this morning hiking in the Santa Elena Natural Reserve. The Y-Challenge trail was absolutely beautiful. The reserve is on the continental divide and we were specifically on the Caribbean Side. It was amazing how the weather changed while we were there….the sun actually came out and we all rushed to get pictures of the blue sky (it’s been raining since Monday here)! There was a nice breeze there as well! We saw lots of hummingbirds and a few other species of birds…and lots of flora and fauna! I saw a walking stick like I have never seen before and a species of birds that our guide said we don’t see very often..unfortunately, I forgot what it was! The reserve is maintained by the St Elena High School in an effort to teach ecological conservation and preservation and about biodiversity. We talked a lot about the plants growing on trees….the regeneration of the forest, etc! Like a hands on laboratory…I hope the students know how lucky they are to have such a wonderful lab! The weather had cleared in Monte Verde as well! I am amazed at how quickly everything dried up and the dust on the road appeared!
Spanish class was a hoot! We worked on verbs and vocabulary and played a fruit and vegetable BINGO game! We talked about hobbies, future business ventures, the gasoline issue in CR …just to name a few! I know that my understanding of the language is improving, as I can usually figure out what the instructor is saying…plus I can communicate back! What a wonderful feeling!
Emily and I took the night hike in Sainta Elena (I think I’ve spelled that differently every time I write it). It was about a 2 hour hike thru a dense forest outside of town and was led by a local tour guide. We saw several CR raccoons, CR porcupines, and was able to coax a tarantula from her habitat! I know it was a female, because there are no male tarantulas in la casa…because the females kill the males after the first date! She was a lovely creature, but I was glad to see her go home! We saw a lot of “cutter ants” as well…always working 24/7!! Emily and I had dinner at the “tree house” (literally a restaurant built around a HUGE tree). I had a wonderful seafood soup and blackberry drink. We took a taxi home….which was uneventful! Learning the directions helped!
That is the end of day 15….and our first week in Monte Verde!
Spanish class was a hoot! We worked on verbs and vocabulary and played a fruit and vegetable BINGO game! We talked about hobbies, future business ventures, the gasoline issue in CR …just to name a few! I know that my understanding of the language is improving, as I can usually figure out what the instructor is saying…plus I can communicate back! What a wonderful feeling!
Emily and I took the night hike in Sainta Elena (I think I’ve spelled that differently every time I write it). It was about a 2 hour hike thru a dense forest outside of town and was led by a local tour guide. We saw several CR raccoons, CR porcupines, and was able to coax a tarantula from her habitat! I know it was a female, because there are no male tarantulas in la casa…because the females kill the males after the first date! She was a lovely creature, but I was glad to see her go home! We saw a lot of “cutter ants” as well…always working 24/7!! Emily and I had dinner at the “tree house” (literally a restaurant built around a HUGE tree). I had a wonderful seafood soup and blackberry drink. We took a taxi home….which was uneventful! Learning the directions helped!
That is the end of day 15….and our first week in Monte Verde!
5/27/10 Jeuves - Day 14
We visited the elementary school again this morning in Santa Elena. We taught 2 different science lessons to 4 classes. I taught a lesson to a class of 2nd graders. The lesson asked the students to prepare a “rainbow” of colors: favorite color, eyes, hair, skin, and favorite food color. I lead the majority of the lesson in Spanish; but asked for the students to repeat the colors and count in English. I learned that the students are “programmed” to copy what is on the board without much thought to the content….especially when the directions/words are in English. For example: I drew a rainbow on the board with each category labeled with what goes there (favorite color, etc). I wanted them to color the “section” of the rainbow with their favorite color, but they copied what I wrote and the classroom teacher had to explain/translate it several times in order for the students to grasp the directions. I have also learned that the students have to hear the English words several times and repeat them…much as I need to hear and repeat the Spanish words several times (and write them)… in order to use them.
Spanish class at CPI was much better today. Our teacher was out sick, so we had a substitute. This instructor taught with a totally different strategy and I enjoyed the class today! We played Jinga….with Spanish verbs written on the blocks and a symbol (+, - , or?) to indicate whether we were to use the verb in a positive, negative, or interrogative sentence. It was a lot of fun and a great way to practice verbs in pronunciation and in application!
Can you believe it rained today in Monte Verde? The rain is causing a lot of flooding problems in the Pacific Northern part of the country (where we are). The newscasts (Noticias) tonight were full of videos showing the flooded streets and houses…I was able to understand a word or two here and there…plus the pictures tell the story!
End of day 14…………….
Spanish class at CPI was much better today. Our teacher was out sick, so we had a substitute. This instructor taught with a totally different strategy and I enjoyed the class today! We played Jinga….with Spanish verbs written on the blocks and a symbol (+, - , or?) to indicate whether we were to use the verb in a positive, negative, or interrogative sentence. It was a lot of fun and a great way to practice verbs in pronunciation and in application!
Can you believe it rained today in Monte Verde? The rain is causing a lot of flooding problems in the Pacific Northern part of the country (where we are). The newscasts (Noticias) tonight were full of videos showing the flooded streets and houses…I was able to understand a word or two here and there…plus the pictures tell the story!
End of day 14…………….
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Day 13 in Costa Rica: Miercoles, 26 Mayo 2010
Today, we took a tour of El Trapiche Coffee and Sugar Cane operation. It is a family run business (now in the 4th generation). They process coffee beans and sugar cane. We also had a buffet lunch. It was a great tour...despite the rain! It was very interesting to see how the coffee was picked, shelled, dried, and roasted. The Sugar Cane was pretty amazing too...and we made 3 different kinds of "sugar cane candy".
There was also another earthquake this morning around 6:50 our time. I was sitting on my bed doing my homework when all of a sudden the room started to sway. Just before that happened a huge flock of birds flew overhead that I had just caught a glimpse of out the window...so at first I thought that maybe I was dizzy or something. It was a strange feeling! I haven't heard anything on the news about it...again, it's a common occurance here...so probably wasn't mentioned! I told my family that our presence was "shaking up" the country! ha ha!
We had a difficult Spanish lesson today. We are learning all kinds of new verbs past and present tense, fruits, and vegetables. Just before class ended, our instructor gave us an article about the education system. I knew that the information that I needed for a research project was in my hands and I couldn't understand it! It was very frustrating! I asked the instructor to share the article's content with us in English...and she refused! Again, this class is intense. She insists that we speak every word in class in spanish! I can tell you that I was furious...I almost left the class that instant! How frustrated are our students in classrooms who have the answers to their questions in their hands and can't read/understand the words! I am working on translating the article word by word from my dictionary. But do our students have that luxury? My CR family has offered to help, but I'm not sure we will have enough "Spanglish" between us to make sense. Do our students have someone at home to help translate their assignments?
End of Day 13...frustrated!
There was also another earthquake this morning around 6:50 our time. I was sitting on my bed doing my homework when all of a sudden the room started to sway. Just before that happened a huge flock of birds flew overhead that I had just caught a glimpse of out the window...so at first I thought that maybe I was dizzy or something. It was a strange feeling! I haven't heard anything on the news about it...again, it's a common occurance here...so probably wasn't mentioned! I told my family that our presence was "shaking up" the country! ha ha!
We had a difficult Spanish lesson today. We are learning all kinds of new verbs past and present tense, fruits, and vegetables. Just before class ended, our instructor gave us an article about the education system. I knew that the information that I needed for a research project was in my hands and I couldn't understand it! It was very frustrating! I asked the instructor to share the article's content with us in English...and she refused! Again, this class is intense. She insists that we speak every word in class in spanish! I can tell you that I was furious...I almost left the class that instant! How frustrated are our students in classrooms who have the answers to their questions in their hands and can't read/understand the words! I am working on translating the article word by word from my dictionary. But do our students have that luxury? My CR family has offered to help, but I'm not sure we will have enough "Spanglish" between us to make sense. Do our students have someone at home to help translate their assignments?
End of Day 13...frustrated!
Day 12 in Costa Rica: Martes, 25 Mayo 2010
Today was better! However, we have been here for 2 days and it is still raining. Does the sun ever shine in Monte Verde? We visited the Elementary School in Santa Elena today. The students are on a split schedule with several grades attending in the morning and others in the afternoon. So the morning schedule is from 7 to 12:10 or so and then the afternoon schedule is 12:30 to 5:40? I think. Teachers are at school from 6:45 to 6:00...I assume as they teach both sessions! Something to think about as we plan our days around a 7:45 to 2:30 schedule. There were 35 - 38 students in each classroom today....lots of kids! We had a class of 1st graders that we read books to. They were very simple books in English that we translated into Spanish...so that both sentences were on the same page. The students enjoyed this activity as it gave them an opportunity to hear words in English and us an opportunity to practice our Spanish! We also taught a Science AIMS lesson to a 5th grade class. It was a math/graphing activity using jelly beans. We taught this lesson to the group of students in Heredia too. My groups (2), loved this activity. My second group was better behaved than my first group...don't know why except that the lesson was taught just before recess! I think they got "antsy"(sp?).
The AIMS lesson was in Spanish and I taught the lesson in English. This gave them an opportunity to hear the words in English that they could see in Spanish on the worksheets. I think this is a good strategy to use with ESL/ELL students. After being in Spanish class where all of the instructions and lessons are in Spanish, I can understand the importance of having those instructions in the "native" language. It takes a lot of concentration to decode words (looking at context, using what little vocabulary I have)and then complete the assignment! They also have vegetable and flower garden at the school; as well as a well maintained trail into the forest with an outdoor classroom area (see picture).
I spent some time tonight at the local internet cafe called the "Tree House". It's in downtown St Elena. I also visited the local SuperMercado (much like our Walmart) and picked up a local newspaper about the eruption of the Volcano Arenal that happened on Monday. I am still translating that story, so I don't have all of the "news" yet. It's another lesson learned about how much we depend on news in our language to keep us informed....the simple things that we take for granted...until we are in a "foreign country"! By the time I get this story translated, it's old news....but a great practice exercise. Everynight my CR family watches the news at 7pm. They are called Noticias. I know there are things going on in the country, community, and the world...but I don't know what they are.........end of day 12! Do you think our students feel the same????
I had an interesting experience with trying to hire a taxi tonight to get home. There were 3 of us at the cafe, so we wanted to share a ride. We were turned down by 2 different drivers, before we found a person that was willing to take us! Imagine that! It took 2 translators and several of us showing our maps of our family houses with directional instructions, before we were able to convince our driver that we knew where we were going and could show him if he was willing to risk it! Please remember that there are no addresses in CR. The house is listed a 800 meters west from the cemetary and 75 meters south of the Villas...4th house in the forest! First thing tomorrow in Spanish class...is to get the words for "turn right here" and "turn left here" !!!!!!
End of day 12....
The AIMS lesson was in Spanish and I taught the lesson in English. This gave them an opportunity to hear the words in English that they could see in Spanish on the worksheets. I think this is a good strategy to use with ESL/ELL students. After being in Spanish class where all of the instructions and lessons are in Spanish, I can understand the importance of having those instructions in the "native" language. It takes a lot of concentration to decode words (looking at context, using what little vocabulary I have)and then complete the assignment! They also have vegetable and flower garden at the school; as well as a well maintained trail into the forest with an outdoor classroom area (see picture).
I spent some time tonight at the local internet cafe called the "Tree House". It's in downtown St Elena. I also visited the local SuperMercado (much like our Walmart) and picked up a local newspaper about the eruption of the Volcano Arenal that happened on Monday. I am still translating that story, so I don't have all of the "news" yet. It's another lesson learned about how much we depend on news in our language to keep us informed....the simple things that we take for granted...until we are in a "foreign country"! By the time I get this story translated, it's old news....but a great practice exercise. Everynight my CR family watches the news at 7pm. They are called Noticias. I know there are things going on in the country, community, and the world...but I don't know what they are.........end of day 12! Do you think our students feel the same????
I had an interesting experience with trying to hire a taxi tonight to get home. There were 3 of us at the cafe, so we wanted to share a ride. We were turned down by 2 different drivers, before we found a person that was willing to take us! Imagine that! It took 2 translators and several of us showing our maps of our family houses with directional instructions, before we were able to convince our driver that we knew where we were going and could show him if he was willing to risk it! Please remember that there are no addresses in CR. The house is listed a 800 meters west from the cemetary and 75 meters south of the Villas...4th house in the forest! First thing tomorrow in Spanish class...is to get the words for "turn right here" and "turn left here" !!!!!!
End of day 12....
Day 11 en Costa Rica; Lunes, 24 Mayo 2010
Today was a bad day for me. Nothing seemed to “suit me”. I think I am just beyond tired! A new bed, a new family to interact with, a new Spanish teacher at CPI, a new town to figure out, cloudy and rainy all day, and 4 hours of sleep. I had a moment or two of extreme homesickness! Monte Verde may be a lovely town, but you can’t see it!
My new family is a young couple. No children. Allen and Helen have been married for 4 years. Allen spent 3 months in Montana – 10 years ago – working in a coffee packaging and shipping company…..similar to what he was doing in Costa Rica. He speaks a little English and I speak a little Spanish….so between the 2 of us we speak “Spanglish” and are able to communicate. We spent a lot of time talking about music – likes and don’t likes. He played some of his music and I shared some of mine. He showed me 100’s of pictures! I shared the pictures of the snow and he showed me lots of pictures of his trip to Montana (also in the snow)! He works in a tourist souvenir shop which has a place for live music, open on the weekends. Helen works at Poco y Poco hotel…on the computer….all day…Maybe in reservations/front desk. Helen is also a student. She has night classes on Wednesday and Thursday night. She is studying accounting.
My new Spanish teacher is difficult. She is young, married, has a 2 year old daughter. She rides a 4-wheeler for 1 hour to CPI for work. I can understand why…the roads here are AWFUL! She tolerates no English in Class…insisting that we talk to one another and ask our questions in Spanish. I guess that’s her strategy for forcing us to learn! It’s not working! It’s frustrating…..my 2 classmates agree
My new family is a young couple. No children. Allen and Helen have been married for 4 years. Allen spent 3 months in Montana – 10 years ago – working in a coffee packaging and shipping company…..similar to what he was doing in Costa Rica. He speaks a little English and I speak a little Spanish….so between the 2 of us we speak “Spanglish” and are able to communicate. We spent a lot of time talking about music – likes and don’t likes. He played some of his music and I shared some of mine. He showed me 100’s of pictures! I shared the pictures of the snow and he showed me lots of pictures of his trip to Montana (also in the snow)! He works in a tourist souvenir shop which has a place for live music, open on the weekends. Helen works at Poco y Poco hotel…on the computer….all day…Maybe in reservations/front desk. Helen is also a student. She has night classes on Wednesday and Thursday night. She is studying accounting.
My new Spanish teacher is difficult. She is young, married, has a 2 year old daughter. She rides a 4-wheeler for 1 hour to CPI for work. I can understand why…the roads here are AWFUL! She tolerates no English in Class…insisting that we talk to one another and ask our questions in Spanish. I guess that’s her strategy for forcing us to learn! It’s not working! It’s frustrating…..my 2 classmates agree
Monday, May 24, 2010
Week one in Costa Rica: Insights/Summary
We have been in Costa Rica for a week now! Cultural immersion is a wonderful experience. I think it’s the best way to experience how the people live and work. Each of us in our group had different experiences based on the family demographics, etc. I had a very stress free week, as it was just Maria and me. We didn’t spend a tremendous amount of time together in the evenings that would have made the language barrier awkward. We were able to communicate using hand gestures and visual displays. As the week progressed, my vocabulary improved…so the conversations improved. The Tico people are very family oriented and care much for each other. Every morning at 6 am (or there abouts), Maria walked 1 block from her house to get fresh bread. She also got bread and the newspaper, for a neighbor across the street, who is an invalid and home-bound. I loved being in her house and she took very good care of me! My laundry was washed and pressed everyday and she always had dinner ready when I got home from school! Unfortunately, I did not learn as much about her as I would have liked…because of our limited time together.
Our Spanish instructor was a young single woman. She has been teaching at CPI for 7 years and spent 2 years at CPI in Monte Verde. She said she would like to travel and would consider living somewhere else for 1 or 2 years, but would always return to Heredia, Costa Rica because that is where her family and friends are! I think that’s how the people here feel….they want to be where their family is!
It is sometimes frustrating to be in a country where I don’t speak the language; but I do not find it unmanageable. I have learned that I need to see the words, write the words, say the words (and repeat), before I can understand them. That’s a long complicated process that I imagine ESL/ELL students in classrooms deal with every day! There have been many days that I just couldn’t “take in” one more word. It’s hard to describe how that feels and is a new feeling for me. I was playing Bingo on Thursday night, and within 2 hours could no longer distinguish the number 5 from 20! It was as if my brain was on overload and simply locked up! Mentally exhausted took on a whole new meaning!
Some strategies I think will be helpful in the classroom: 1) Use visual displays 2) Label every object: books, walls, light switches, etc! 3) Use limited amounts of verbal instructions and use groups to complete assignments 4) Provide written instructions with the verbal instructions (important words translated or highlighted) 5) Use music and most important…6) Realize that ESL/ELL students will have days where they “shut down” and nothing will gained beyond that. Provide a period of rest or relaxation if possible.
Our Spanish instructor was a young single woman. She has been teaching at CPI for 7 years and spent 2 years at CPI in Monte Verde. She said she would like to travel and would consider living somewhere else for 1 or 2 years, but would always return to Heredia, Costa Rica because that is where her family and friends are! I think that’s how the people here feel….they want to be where their family is!
It is sometimes frustrating to be in a country where I don’t speak the language; but I do not find it unmanageable. I have learned that I need to see the words, write the words, say the words (and repeat), before I can understand them. That’s a long complicated process that I imagine ESL/ELL students in classrooms deal with every day! There have been many days that I just couldn’t “take in” one more word. It’s hard to describe how that feels and is a new feeling for me. I was playing Bingo on Thursday night, and within 2 hours could no longer distinguish the number 5 from 20! It was as if my brain was on overload and simply locked up! Mentally exhausted took on a whole new meaning!
Some strategies I think will be helpful in the classroom: 1) Use visual displays 2) Label every object: books, walls, light switches, etc! 3) Use limited amounts of verbal instructions and use groups to complete assignments 4) Provide written instructions with the verbal instructions (important words translated or highlighted) 5) Use music and most important…6) Realize that ESL/ELL students will have days where they “shut down” and nothing will gained beyond that. Provide a period of rest or relaxation if possible.
Day 10 in Costa Rica: Domingo, 23, Mayo 2010
On Sunday, we had a buffet breakfast of fresh fruit down by the pool. I spent several hours by the pool before we checked out at lunch time. The majority of our group spent a couple of hours at the beach.
We traveled to Monte Verde to meet our new families for the next 2 week stay! What an exciting adventure! The scenery was incredible as we traveled up one mountain after another. In several places we could see the pacific ocean in the distance. The paved road ends about an hour from Monte Verde and becomes a broken rock/gravel path to the top of the mountain. We had been told that the road sometimes has dangerous washed out sections during the rainy season! Luckily for us, it was not raining!!
My new family is a young couple, Allen and Helen. Both work in Monte Verde. They are very sweet! Allen said on a clear day you can see the lights on the beach at Puntarenas. It should be an interesting 2 weeks! Many hills to walk to and from school and most of the roads are not paved!
We traveled to Monte Verde to meet our new families for the next 2 week stay! What an exciting adventure! The scenery was incredible as we traveled up one mountain after another. In several places we could see the pacific ocean in the distance. The paved road ends about an hour from Monte Verde and becomes a broken rock/gravel path to the top of the mountain. We had been told that the road sometimes has dangerous washed out sections during the rainy season! Luckily for us, it was not raining!!
My new family is a young couple, Allen and Helen. Both work in Monte Verde. They are very sweet! Allen said on a clear day you can see the lights on the beach at Puntarenas. It should be an interesting 2 weeks! Many hills to walk to and from school and most of the roads are not paved!
Day 9 en Costa Rica
Day 9 in Costa Rica: Sabedo, 22 Mayo 2010
Today we traveled to Manuel Antonio. When spent the first 5 hours here in the National Park. We saw 2 –toed sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, and several species of lizards and other creatures. After lunch, several from our group took a second hike to a beach area. I spent a couple of hours on the beach and visited the shops. The beach is so different from “my beach”. The mountain literally drops off into the sea. There are big rocks on the beach and just off shore. There was a small stream/river that was flowing into the ocean at one end. Green turtles and some others lay their eggs at Manual Antonio. We had been warned that they monkeys come down to the beach and steal personal items…food, cameras, bookbags, etc. I did not see any monkeys on the beach today! The area offers many tours and activities: iguana tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.
We spent Saturday night in a villa (Villas Nicolas?). They were fully equipped apartments with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean! They have a “jungle path” that leads down to the beach, but it was closed. On top of the villas, there is a restaurant and bar called Aqua Azul. Look it up…..it has a breath taking view!
Today we traveled to Manuel Antonio. When spent the first 5 hours here in the National Park. We saw 2 –toed sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, and several species of lizards and other creatures. After lunch, several from our group took a second hike to a beach area. I spent a couple of hours on the beach and visited the shops. The beach is so different from “my beach”. The mountain literally drops off into the sea. There are big rocks on the beach and just off shore. There was a small stream/river that was flowing into the ocean at one end. Green turtles and some others lay their eggs at Manual Antonio. We had been warned that they monkeys come down to the beach and steal personal items…food, cameras, bookbags, etc. I did not see any monkeys on the beach today! The area offers many tours and activities: iguana tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.
We spent Saturday night in a villa (Villas Nicolas?). They were fully equipped apartments with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean! They have a “jungle path” that leads down to the beach, but it was closed. On top of the villas, there is a restaurant and bar called Aqua Azul. Look it up…..it has a breath taking view!
Day 8 en Costa Rica
Day 8 in Costa Rica: Vernes, 21 Mayo 2010
We participated in a Social Service project this morning with the Humanitarian Foundation in La Carpio. La Carpio is a community where all of the immigrants from Nicaragua have settled (there may be other immigrants there at this point). It is a very poor community. We visited with a Montessori school, a med clinic, and delivered a bunk bed to a mom who had nothing for her children to sleep in (the bed was in parts that will be put together). We also helped to construct another bunk bed. The work that Gail is doing (and has done since 1971) in this community is beyond amazing. Because of her, these people have a school for their children, a medical clinic, food, and other services that I can not even begin to name. I felt good about my involvement in this project, but it just wasn’t enough. We spent some time with the children at the Montessori school as well. They were practicing their numbers 1 – 5 (concentrating on 5 today). We helped with a craft, sang songs, and worked in centers. I would say most of these children were 1 – 4 years old. It was a very sad but worthwhile experience!
We returned to CPI for our last day of Spanish classes and had our last dinner with our families. I went with my mama tica to a gymnasium where they were having live music and dancing. She and I and four of her Bingo friends, wrapped Bingo prizes for about 2 hours! I have learned that Dona Maria is very popular and very involved with BINGO!
We participated in a Social Service project this morning with the Humanitarian Foundation in La Carpio. La Carpio is a community where all of the immigrants from Nicaragua have settled (there may be other immigrants there at this point). It is a very poor community. We visited with a Montessori school, a med clinic, and delivered a bunk bed to a mom who had nothing for her children to sleep in (the bed was in parts that will be put together). We also helped to construct another bunk bed. The work that Gail is doing (and has done since 1971) in this community is beyond amazing. Because of her, these people have a school for their children, a medical clinic, food, and other services that I can not even begin to name. I felt good about my involvement in this project, but it just wasn’t enough. We spent some time with the children at the Montessori school as well. They were practicing their numbers 1 – 5 (concentrating on 5 today). We helped with a craft, sang songs, and worked in centers. I would say most of these children were 1 – 4 years old. It was a very sad but worthwhile experience!
We returned to CPI for our last day of Spanish classes and had our last dinner with our families. I went with my mama tica to a gymnasium where they were having live music and dancing. She and I and four of her Bingo friends, wrapped Bingo prizes for about 2 hours! I have learned that Dona Maria is very popular and very involved with BINGO!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Volcano Poas Eruption in December
Here is the eruption of the volcano Poas in December
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd0cw5CBdZM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd0cw5CBdZM&feature=related
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day 7 - Jueves 20 Mayo 2010
I got an early start today and arrived at CPI at 6:45 am. I needed some time to get on the internet and check emails, post my blog, etc. We had a group meeting to discuss our level of language development and strategies. We then traveled back to Calle Viquez Primary School where we read books to the children and taught an AIMS lesson (using jellybeans). I enjoyed our time at the school. The students are so excited to have us there! I don’t believe they get many visitors. It gives them an opportunity to practice their English and us our Spanish.
I had a typical Costa Rican “casado” lunch at the local soda down from CPI. Our Spanish classes were interrupted by 2 events today. First, a couple from the indiginous tribe (called Boruca) came to the school to display their crafts. We saw a woodcarving and weaving demonstration. It was very interesting. There are 7 native tribes in CR. Then at 4 pm today, there was an earthquake! I didn't think it was significant, but learned that the quake was 6.+ on the scale and actually was about 40 miles S of San Jose....we are about 30 miles N of SJ...so it was something to feel 70 miles (mas or menos) from the center. It was a very exciting afternoon! Our Spanish instructor said that they are common in CR to signify the change in the seasons...from dry to wet (they don't have summer/winter/etc). So I guess that means from here on out, we may see more rain (more often). The weather for us has been perfect! Very accomodating for all of our outdoor activities!
I can't believe that I have been here for a week!
My mama Tica arranged a BINGO game at her casa last night. We played bingo until 11 pm with 15 of her friends. It was an opportunity for me to practice my Spanish numbers! I had a hard time keeping up! We had a traditional spanish dinner last night of tortillas and "stuffing" to go inside!
Thursday was a good day!
I had a typical Costa Rican “casado” lunch at the local soda down from CPI. Our Spanish classes were interrupted by 2 events today. First, a couple from the indiginous tribe (called Boruca) came to the school to display their crafts. We saw a woodcarving and weaving demonstration. It was very interesting. There are 7 native tribes in CR. Then at 4 pm today, there was an earthquake! I didn't think it was significant, but learned that the quake was 6.+ on the scale and actually was about 40 miles S of San Jose....we are about 30 miles N of SJ...so it was something to feel 70 miles (mas or menos) from the center. It was a very exciting afternoon! Our Spanish instructor said that they are common in CR to signify the change in the seasons...from dry to wet (they don't have summer/winter/etc). So I guess that means from here on out, we may see more rain (more often). The weather for us has been perfect! Very accomodating for all of our outdoor activities!
I can't believe that I have been here for a week!
My mama Tica arranged a BINGO game at her casa last night. We played bingo until 11 pm with 15 of her friends. It was an opportunity for me to practice my Spanish numbers! I had a hard time keeping up! We had a traditional spanish dinner last night of tortillas and "stuffing" to go inside!
Thursday was a good day!
Facebook | Centro Panamericano de Idiomas - CPI Costa Rica's Photos - UNC WILMINGTON
Check out this link to the school in Costa Rica. Many pictures of our group.
Facebook | Centro Panamericano de Idiomas - CPI Costa Rica's Photos - UNC WILMINGTON
Facebook | Centro Panamericano de Idiomas - CPI Costa Rica's Photos - UNC WILMINGTON
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 6 en Costa Rica
Day 6: Mercoles, 19 Mayo 2010: Today we got an early start for the volcano Poaz. It is still an active volcano. The last eruption was December 25, 2009. You can still view that eruption on Youtube….so I’m told. Le Volcan Poaz es 2708 meters de altura. (I’ll have to look that up in feet….I can’t do that conversion so quickly). We were there about 15 minutes and had a very clear view of the principal crater before the smoke and clouds made visibility zero! The weather and the timing was perfect! I visited the museum and learned all about the history of the mountain.
We had a wonderful lunch at a place called Freddo Frescas. The owner was “Freddo” and he had lots of foods/drinks made of strawberries….cake, frescas (like slushies), etc. I love the restaurants that we have been to so far. Everything here is open….to nature. If it’s not actually outside, then there are windows everywhere. They have the most amazing flowers, plants, and fruits. I have fresh pineapple, bananas, papaya, watermelon, etc everyday. And what you don’t eat, you drink either with milk or water. They grow strawberries year round….as well as all of the other fruits. We stopped at a local shop on the way down from the volcano and he served us strawberries and chocolates, etc….free samples in the hopes that you would like….. and buy some to take home!
Day 3 of Spanish class began at 1 pm (we were about 20 minutes late). I would like to say that it’s getting easier, but that would not be true. Every day is a struggle, but I do think I have improved since Monday!
I had dinner with mama tica…chop suey! Since I have been here, she has not eaten the traditional “Costa Rican” dishes! We did have rice (arroz) last night in our soup…but no gallo pinto!
I would say ….Day 6 was a success!
We had a wonderful lunch at a place called Freddo Frescas. The owner was “Freddo” and he had lots of foods/drinks made of strawberries….cake, frescas (like slushies), etc. I love the restaurants that we have been to so far. Everything here is open….to nature. If it’s not actually outside, then there are windows everywhere. They have the most amazing flowers, plants, and fruits. I have fresh pineapple, bananas, papaya, watermelon, etc everyday. And what you don’t eat, you drink either with milk or water. They grow strawberries year round….as well as all of the other fruits. We stopped at a local shop on the way down from the volcano and he served us strawberries and chocolates, etc….free samples in the hopes that you would like….. and buy some to take home!
Day 3 of Spanish class began at 1 pm (we were about 20 minutes late). I would like to say that it’s getting easier, but that would not be true. Every day is a struggle, but I do think I have improved since Monday!
I had dinner with mama tica…chop suey! Since I have been here, she has not eaten the traditional “Costa Rican” dishes! We did have rice (arroz) last night in our soup…but no gallo pinto!
I would say ….Day 6 was a success!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 5: Martes
Day 4 in Costa Rica...what will it hold? We did an early morning visit to Calle Viquez in San Joaquin de Flores. It is an elementary school grades 1 - 6. It was an interesting visit as the country of Costa Rica just had their election....the first woman president! She took office on May 8th. so the students are having an election of their own. there was mucho noise in the breezeways as the candidates were campaigning! It was interesting. We participated in an English lesson by modeling the english pronunciation of words. Mike and Tony were going to the mall to get a hamburger....etc. They struggled with the english words as much as I struggle with the spanish words. we then helped a class of 6th graders write letters to students back home. We had letters from home for them to respond to! it was a great experience. I wish there was more time in a classroom here, but they are on split schedules....little kids go in the morning and big kids go in the afternoon...then swap....so they only go to school 1/2 days so you can see why it's important not to interupt their instruction time.
We then had a cooking class and had to eat what we made. I have the recipe...it was actually pretty good! then off to spanish class for 4 hours...what a day.
Day 4 was a success! Tomorrow, we're off to the Volcano!
We then had a cooking class and had to eat what we made. I have the recipe...it was actually pretty good! then off to spanish class for 4 hours...what a day.
Day 4 was a success! Tomorrow, we're off to the Volcano!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 4: Lunes
Monday was a hard day! I was up early and we had our first spanish class! I have class from 1 -3 and from 3:20 - 5. We jumped in with both feet. We concentrated on conversation phrases. My name is....I live .... I work....etc etc. It was very hard as the teacher did not speak any english (Unless we struggled and she gave us clues). By 5 pm my brain was literally mush! I had no time for internet surfing and I miss it! By 6 pm it is dark, so I had to leave school as soon as possible so that I was "home" before dark. It's about a 15-20 minute walk. We walk everywhere. I had lunch at a local soda....They are little eating places on just about every corner. I had a hamburger and coke! I guess I was missing american food! Monday night, I met mi mama tica's niece, Nina. Life is good in Costa Rica...thus the phrase "Pura Vida".
Adios ......a la manana!
Adios ......a la manana!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 3 in Costa Rica
Day 3 :Domingo- Sunday we went for a tour at the Cafe Britt Coffee factory. It was a learning experience. Making coffee is a complicated process. The Factory is responsible for preparing, roasting, packaging, and shipping the coffee. The roasting process determines the flavor and intensity of the coffee. Cafe Britt does not own coffee plantations. They purchase the coffee from local growers. I enjoyed the visit and bought some coffee to take home!
We went to CPI for our Spanish placement test. Then we met our families and went there. My mama tica is very nice. She speaks no English and as I speak very little Spanish, it sometimes gets awkward. I gave her a Southern/North Carolina recipe book. We sat down with our spanish/english dictionaries and read through the recipes. I translated the words she did not know into spanish words. she seemed very interested in a broccoli quiche! If I can find the ingredients, I will try to make that for her before I leave (assuming I have some time). I have a very nice room at the back of the house with my own bano...si! Muy bien!
Life here is very different. The sun comes up at 5 am and it is dark by 6...so people go to bed early and get up early! Suits me fine! I have a few hours at night alone, so that I can read (English) and relax!
Day 3 was a success!
We went to CPI for our Spanish placement test. Then we met our families and went there. My mama tica is very nice. She speaks no English and as I speak very little Spanish, it sometimes gets awkward. I gave her a Southern/North Carolina recipe book. We sat down with our spanish/english dictionaries and read through the recipes. I translated the words she did not know into spanish words. she seemed very interested in a broccoli quiche! If I can find the ingredients, I will try to make that for her before I leave (assuming I have some time). I have a very nice room at the back of the house with my own bano...si! Muy bien!
Life here is very different. The sun comes up at 5 am and it is dark by 6...so people go to bed early and get up early! Suits me fine! I have a few hours at night alone, so that I can read (English) and relax!
Day 3 was a success!
Day 2 inCosta Rica
We went to the La Paz Waterfall on Saturday. It was amazing! The ride there was something else...up one mountain and down another...the road was...well not a road, but a dirt path in some areas. The waterfalls were great! We ended up spending the whole day there because there was just too much to see and we wanted to see it all! We were scheduled to also vist the museum and theatre in San Jose, but we postponed those visits for the return trip...in 3 weeks.
Shelby and I took advantage of the heated pool at the hotel when we got back. It sure felt good on my tired feet and muscles!
We had dinner at a local place in Heredia!
Day 2 was a success! Much to see and experience in the new Costa Rican culture!
Shelby and I took advantage of the heated pool at the hotel when we got back. It sure felt good on my tired feet and muscles!
We had dinner at a local place in Heredia!
Day 2 was a success! Much to see and experience in the new Costa Rican culture!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Day 1
Have Safely arrived in Costa Rica. I don't think I have ever been to a more beautiful place! Yesterday was a busy day coupled with no sleep, getting up early, and 2 plane flights! We visited Banco Nationale de Costa Rica to exchange currency, we ate lunch at a local hangout called "snack" something? The food was amazing. I had Casado con Pollo and a mora bocas de leche...I think! Everywhere you go there are fruit drinks made with milk or water! We visited a farmers market that had every imaginable fruit and vegetable, some I had never heard of. We tried some kind of vegetable that had been cooked that tasted like boiled peanuts and some kind of furry fruit that had a big seed in the middle that they make into jewelry. We walked around the providence of Heredia, City of Heredia, community of San Joaquin de Flores! There are no addresses. An address would be 200 meters from the church, etc! We checked into the hotel, La Condesa...and had dinner at a local restaurant near the University of Costa Rica...or something similar...called RustiPollo. The school is a national university where all the native Costan Rican's go and there were students everywhere. I've posted a picture of us in the Myrtle Beach airport. It's blurry, but that was our state of mind after such an early morning! Day 1 ends successfully.....
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Pre-Departure post
It’s Wednesday, May 12, 2010 and I am less than 2 days away from my arrival in Costa Rica! I started planning for this trip in September 2009 and find myself hours away and still not packed. But that’s OK, that means my clothes won’t be as wrinkled when I get there, right? This is going to be such a unique experience because it truly will be a cultural immersion! I’m not going to be on the outside looking in or a tourist. I’ve gotten the names of the family I will be staying with my first week and wish I could contact them in advance to say how excited I am to be coming! Are they as excited? I look forward to being a “part” of their family for a little while. I look forward to learning another language and experiencing another culture. . My sole purpose for embarking on this adventure is to gain strategies that I will be able to use with my future ESL students. I want to be able to say that I know how they feel. I anticipate feelings of frustration, anxiety, and hopelessness but will look for ways to overcome those obstacles and I want to tell them that “this” is what I did. I want my students to be able to say that I was a good teacher and I want to make a difference in the life of a child. I know that this experience will help me with that endeavor!
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