Between the first day of school, getting to know my students, and surviving the rain, week three was incredibly heart-warming and filled with many small accomplishments.
Tuesday was the first day of school for the kids in Costa Rica as well as mine! Lindsay and I were up bright and early on Tuesday morning, sipping our coffee and wondering about what our day would bring. We expected the day to be a whirl-wind, but what it had in store was something completely different than what we ever could have imagined.
On Tuesday, Lindsay and I arrived at school a bit early so we could find our teachers and try to not look like outsiders (didn't happen, we were still the focus of 99% of the students and parents). Once we made our way through the sea of parents and students, we were positioned in front of the whole school with the rest of the staff at Los Geranios as the welcoming ceremony took place. This was quite lengthy due to the fact we participated in the Costa Rican National Anthem, a full mass, and full introduction of the staff. Lindsay and I were caught a bit off guard with all of this, but we've learned to just roll with whatever happens (pura vida!) |
Once the welcoming ceremony was finished, each teacher was announced individually and a list of their students was read. All the students were waiting anxiously to find out which teacher they had as well as if they were in the same class as their best friends (there were some disappointed students, but hey that's life). I was the last class to be read, go figure, but save the best for last, right? My co-op and I made our way to the classroom and finally began our day (all in Spanish, may I add).
My sixth grade class, bless their hearts, have taught me so much already this past week. All 20 of my students greet me each morning with a "Buenas Dias, Profe!" and a typical conversation that goes something like: "Profe, como se dice (insert word) en Ingles?" or "Can you sing me a Justin Beiber song, please?" (I may or may not have promised them I'd perform a concert for them on the last day of school...I regret nothing). My classroom is very simple, consisting of desks, chairs, and two whiteboards. *side note: the boards aren't placed extremely high on the walls, so I don't have to use my tiptoes while writing-Brittani 1, Whiteboards 0* We also have a box filled with games for the students to play during recess. |
During the rest of the week, I was able to observe many different teachers and learn the different teaching techniques used here. One of the biggest differences I've noticed compared to the United States is the teachers do not use worksheets; teachers write the problems on the board from the text, the students copy them into their notebooks, solve them, and turn in their notebooks for grading. If there is a paper from the teachers, the students glue it in the notebooks as well. This teaching style is different from what I am used to, but I am seeing the benefits from it!
The end of the week consisted of introductions to more subjects. I was even able to teach two lessons: one in Spanish and one in Math. Teaching both of these lessons in Spanish proved to have its difficulties, but my students and cooperating teacher have been so patient with me and teaching me as I teach them! It's a relief to know I can actually teach in Spanish, who would have thought?!
Due to the crazy amount of rain we received this week (not kidding, it rained for five days straight), the roads to the main cities were closed. This proved to be an issue for Lindsay and I because our plans to head to a new destination this weekend fell through, but we ended up at the local pool and getting some exercise in too!
I'm looking forward to this upcoming school week, especially because I will be teaching all the math lessons in 6-3 as well as some English lessons too. It's crazy to think I only have a little more than a month left in Costa Rica, but I am determined to make the most of these next couple weeks! My students are already sad about me leaving, which is crazy because we have only just met, but it really does warm my heart. These kids really do appreciate everything I have to offer and at the end of the day that's what makes me know I'm heading in the right direction for my life.
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."-Walt Disney
I'm looking forward to this upcoming school week, especially because I will be teaching all the math lessons in 6-3 as well as some English lessons too. It's crazy to think I only have a little more than a month left in Costa Rica, but I am determined to make the most of these next couple weeks! My students are already sad about me leaving, which is crazy because we have only just met, but it really does warm my heart. These kids really do appreciate everything I have to offer and at the end of the day that's what makes me know I'm heading in the right direction for my life.
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."-Walt Disney