Week six...week six?! This isn't actually the truth, is it? This week was filled with a lot of different topics in 6-3 as well as a lot of time soaking up the sun this weekend. I think it's safe to say I had another great week here!
Since this week was the start of March (en serio?!), my students were especially excited because they have finally begun learning new material! Up until this week, my students have been working hard reviewing a variety of materials from fifth grade, so the new concepts proved to be extremely motivating.
One of my favorite lessons this week was in Science. We began learning about the nervous system this week: what it is, what it consists of, and how it looks. During the lecture portion, my students got to see what a neuron looks like and how it attaches to other neurons in the nervous system. We took an active learning approach to this by creating a giant chain of "neurons" with each other. As my students were connected by their fingertips around the room, all I could think about was how cool my roommate, Betsy, would think this is.
After we created our chain, my students broke up into groups of four. In these groups, their task was to create a neuron made out of materials they found outside. The neuron had to be two meters long and consist of all the parts pictured in the textbook. It was great to see them work together and make their versions of a neuron; once every group was finished, we concluded the lesson with a gallery walk to see everyone's work. Below are some pictures of what they came up with!
One of my favorite lessons this week was in Science. We began learning about the nervous system this week: what it is, what it consists of, and how it looks. During the lecture portion, my students got to see what a neuron looks like and how it attaches to other neurons in the nervous system. We took an active learning approach to this by creating a giant chain of "neurons" with each other. As my students were connected by their fingertips around the room, all I could think about was how cool my roommate, Betsy, would think this is.
After we created our chain, my students broke up into groups of four. In these groups, their task was to create a neuron made out of materials they found outside. The neuron had to be two meters long and consist of all the parts pictured in the textbook. It was great to see them work together and make their versions of a neuron; once every group was finished, we concluded the lesson with a gallery walk to see everyone's work. Below are some pictures of what they came up with!
We also worked on the different types of language and uses of upper case letters in Spanish, division in Math, and classroom commands in English this week. It was a great feeling to be up in front of my students, teaching them different subjects. Many of my students had those "ah-ha" moments at different times during the week; it reminded me why I want to teach for the rest of my life. Their successes means I'm doing something right...what is more rewarding than that?
What I have learned about traveling on the weekends during these past six weeks is this: Lindsay and I have the worst luck with traveling. This weekend the main road to San Jose was closed again due to cleaning. Therefore, Lindsay and I had two options: 1) take a bus for 4 1/2 hours to get to San Jose or 2) stay on this side of the country...we chose the second one. No worries though, we definitely enjoyed our weekend none the less!
We were up extremely early Saturday morning (typical) to catch a bus to Guapiles at 5:20. From there, we took a bus to Limon, making our way back to Puerto Viejo. This has been one of our favorite places we've visited so we decided this weekend was a great time to go back!
We spent our whole day on the beach, soaking up as much sun as possible. We also visited multiple shops, where we bought souvenirs for our friends and family back home! As we were leaving, I couldn't help but feel a little sad knowing this may be the last beach I will be at in Costa Rica for a long time. The beauty of this country never ceases to amaze me.
We were up extremely early Saturday morning (typical) to catch a bus to Guapiles at 5:20. From there, we took a bus to Limon, making our way back to Puerto Viejo. This has been one of our favorite places we've visited so we decided this weekend was a great time to go back!
We spent our whole day on the beach, soaking up as much sun as possible. We also visited multiple shops, where we bought souvenirs for our friends and family back home! As we were leaving, I couldn't help but feel a little sad knowing this may be the last beach I will be at in Costa Rica for a long time. The beauty of this country never ceases to amaze me.
Sunday was spent at home with Mami and Papi. We spent time by the pool and enjoyed the company. Papi made us corn on the cob and cut us some pipas as well!
I'm not going to lie, Sunday really made me think about how much I'm going to miss my life here in Costa Rica. I have become so accustomed to the simplicity of life and it's very sad that I'm going to be leaving this beautiful country in just two short weeks! There are so many things I'm going to miss, but it's almost about time I head home. I know my friends and family are waiting anxiously for me to return! Here's to 12 more days of adventures!
I'm not going to lie, Sunday really made me think about how much I'm going to miss my life here in Costa Rica. I have become so accustomed to the simplicity of life and it's very sad that I'm going to be leaving this beautiful country in just two short weeks! There are so many things I'm going to miss, but it's almost about time I head home. I know my friends and family are waiting anxiously for me to return! Here's to 12 more days of adventures!
"The time will pass anyway, you can either spend it creating the life you want or spend it living the life you don't want. The choice is yours."