Monday, February 8:
Due to the elections that took place on Sunday, the students had one more day off of school before starting on Tuesday. Brittani and I stayed at home for most of the day reading on the porch, writing our blogs, and resting up for our big day. In the afternoon Papi took us to see five houses that belong to his brothers and sisters. There are twelve brothers/sisters in total! We were only able to meet one brother and two sisters because many of them were not at there houses at the time we went past. The majority of the pictures above are from his sisters' house. We were able to go out back and see all of the beautiful flowers, fruit trees, and the river that runs parallel to their house. It was beautiful, and I can only hope to have a garden/backyard as spectacular as their's one day!
This is the fruit of a cashew tree. The top part is the seed which is what we most commonly eat in the United States. The bottom half is the fruit that grows below the seed. Brittani and I both tasted the fruit and discovered just how horrible and acidic it is! YUCK!
Tuesday, February 9:
First Day of School!
Despite the heavy rains and cooler temps that Tuesday brought, Brittani and I were thrilled to be starting our Student Teaching! We arrived at the school and made our way through the crowd of parents and children that were waiting to enter the school. We were immediately greeted by the other teachers and staff of the school. I couldn't stop thinking, "This is really happening!!" We waited with the rest of the teachers near the main office for the students and parents to file in. There was a welcoming ceremony to be held and all parents and children attended this together. I wish I had more photos of the school to give a better idea of the structural differences, but the rain continued through Friday, and therefore I was unable to get quality pictures. (Lower temps=low 70s & some kiddos came to school wearing winter coats!) |
Once the students and parents were gathered, the welcoming ceremony began. There were many songs sung, including the Costa Rican National Anthem, a full mass, and then assigning of students to their teachers. Students do not know their teachers until the first day of classes, and teachers do not have an assigned classroom until after they have gathered their students together. (A big difference between Costa Rica and the United States) This felt a bit chaotic for Brittani and I because we did not know that this was how our first day would go. Martha, my co-op teacher, and I gathered our students and handed out the schedule for the week, welcomed the children, and then sent them home with their parents. |
Once Martha and I were without students, we went to our classroom and discovered that it had not been cleaned yet. Because the school is so open and the climate is so humid, there was a large amount of dust and mold that began to grow in a short amount of time. I helped with wiping down the chairs and the cubbies. The first day for students was only a half day and so Brittani and I headed out at noon.
Wednesday, February 10:
Day #2
We begin each school day in a circle and then sing one-two songs together. The photo on the left is "Soy una serpiente", a song about a snake who searches the forest for parts of its tail. The students really enjoy this one and on our third day I got the opportunity to be the head of the snake! The first day with the students in our classroom was spent mainly on explaining the rules of the classroom and getting the students accustomed to what a day in Niña Martha and Niña Lindsay's class would be like. (She requires the students to call us either Maestra or Niña before our first names as a sign of respect)
One of the first questions that Niña Martha asked the students was what they had hoped for when coming to Kinder. The very first answer was, "To play!" and when she asked whether he had wanted to do anything else, his response was, "Nothing more." Some children said they wanted to learn to read, learn to write, and learn to paint. There was time for snack and Niña Martha is very strict about making sure each of the students brings a nutritious snack, as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste for after eating. This was another short day for the students in Kinder because the first week is a week of adjustment for them.
One of the first questions that Niña Martha asked the students was what they had hoped for when coming to Kinder. The very first answer was, "To play!" and when she asked whether he had wanted to do anything else, his response was, "Nothing more." Some children said they wanted to learn to read, learn to write, and learn to paint. There was time for snack and Niña Martha is very strict about making sure each of the students brings a nutritious snack, as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste for after eating. This was another short day for the students in Kinder because the first week is a week of adjustment for them.
Thursday, February 11:
As a way to welcome me into her classroom, Martha gifted me this hand crafted owl pen! I love it and plan to keep in on every desk that I have as a future teacher! Thursday was spent touring the school with the students so that they were better aware of their surroundings. Some of the students in our class did not attend last year and therefore all of the surroundings are new to them, the school, the classrooms, the library, and the teachers/staff. I enjoyed this tour as much as they did because it gave me more confidence in my new surroundings as well! We took a break for snack and then continued the rest of the tour before sending the students on their way home. |
Friday, February 12:
El día del amor y la amistad
Friday began with me teaching the students a new song to sing. (Tortillitas) It only consists of four lines and therefore the students were able to catch on quickly! We then had snack and there was enough time for me to read the "Grumpy Ladybug" by Eric Carle. (In Spanish of course) The students loved it and I couldn't have been happier to be reading to my students! We then headed to the library to watch a short video on the value of friendship. Once back in the classroom we related the value of friendship to El día del amor y amistad. The students then got to color the card (above) and cut the pieces out. Niña Martha glued the pieces together for the students and placed a chocolate on the corner. The students were responsible for giving their card to a special friend to show their gratitude. I also created a heart for each student that had a pencil attached.
After the students left, Martha and I worked to created a calendar board so that on Monday the students can begin to learn how to properly use a calendar and tell the weather. The classroom's theme this year is frogs! Once the board is complete I will post photos to share our hard work!
After the students left, Martha and I worked to created a calendar board so that on Monday the students can begin to learn how to properly use a calendar and tell the weather. The classroom's theme this year is frogs! Once the board is complete I will post photos to share our hard work!
Saturday, February 13:
Coy fish in a pond at the local pool. | Because of the torrential rains that we had all week long, our plans to go to the beach by the Pacific Ocean were cancelled because the main highway to San Jose was closed due to landslides. Brittani and I were very disappointed but made the best of the day by going to the local pool once again. We spent the day relaxing and unwinding from our first week of teaching. Instead of taking a bus home, we chose to walk the five - six-ish miles home. Since it rained all week we had been feeling very cooped up and wanted to get some exercise. (One of our better ideas this weekend!) |
Sunday, February 14:
Valentine's Day
Spending Valentine's Day 2500 miles away from my one true love has been difficult but thanks to the internet it has been bearable. There are about 33 day left on my adventure here and I am looking forward to being home but plan to continue to make the most out of the seconds, minutes, and hours that I am here!
Final thoughts...
This coming week I will be starting to teach with two teachers in order to be in the classroom for full days. The Kinder program here is only for about 3 and 1/2 hours per day per class and so in order for me to fulfill my requirements as a Student Teacher it is necessary to take on two classes. I look forward to meeting my second group of kids this week, as well as getting to know my second co-op teacher!
And as long as the weather permits, I will be taking many more photos of my school setting which will be posted on my blog next week! Until then!
Pura Vida!
And as long as the weather permits, I will be taking many more photos of my school setting which will be posted on my blog next week! Until then!
Pura Vida!