The Weekly Update

So I was able to be my American-teacher self this past week.  In both 3rd and 2nd grade, I'm teaching the Solar System.  I've mentioned this before, but I'll say it again... I LOVE teaching the Solar System.  First off, I love everything about astronomy.  I find it incredibly fascinating.  Therefore, when it comes to teaching it, I get super excited.  (Probably too excited.)   In my 3rd grade class, the students are introduced to the phases of the moon just like in the United States.  This is a concept that definitely has to be taught from a hands on approach.  Simply reading about does nothing since it is extremely difficult to understand what's actually happening.   Soooooo I took this opportunity to teach how I know best... with creativity.  (And by using a successful lesson from last year.)

I bring you the Phases of the Moon Oreo style.  Once again, the teacher was kind of like, "ummm why are you using food to teach about the moon?"  And the students were like, "Why are you torturing us with these Oreos??"

The face of a tortured student

And while it was a million times more difficult to teach this way since it is really difficult for young Spanish students to follow directions (me: repeating the directions six times and then actually going from each student to make sure they had followed said directions), it was totally worth it.  I say this, because during their Oral exam with me, they passed the Phases of the Moon part with flying colors.   And I didn't completely torture them; they were left with one Oreo at the end to consume.  I was also able to teach the "Waxing, waning" trick Bekki Schnetzer and I came up with last year in 3rd grade.  That too was a huge success for both the students (and the English speaking teachers.)

On another note, America's snowstorm last week...

A teacher friend of mine: "Is your family Okay?!"

Me: "Uh, yea.  They're fine?"

Teacher friend:"Are you sure???" (with mounting concern in her eyes)

 Me: "Yea.  They're sleeping at the moment.  But as of last night they were fine."

Teacher friend: "The cold though...."

So until I watched the news that night.  I had multiple conversations following this same format.  Not understanding why everyone was so concerned about the cold.

 Well let's just say the Spanish were very concerned because they more or less thought America was fighting off an apocalypse.  Not all Spanish people, but the majority.   You see, the news here in Spain made it seem like Americans were dying and that they couldn't leave their houses.  And that there was no food or water or electricity.  While this is slightly accurate, it was not to the extent that the news made it seem.  To Americans, this is just your typical winter.  Yes, it was more frigid than normal; but nothing Americans couldn't handle.  I can't really speak too much on it because I wasn't there.  But comparing the news stories to what my parents or friends were telling me, I had to laugh.  I did appreciate the concern from my Spanish friends and students who continually asked how my family was doing.  Though the concern from my students quickly vanished when I told them schools were either cancelled or delayed because of the cold.  (Spain doesn't have snow days or delayed openings.) They were a tad jealous.

This past week was also the start to having my very own cleaning lady.  I'm not sure if this is typical of Spain or not, but so far in most of the homes I have been to or seen, they all has cleaning ladies.  It was kind of glorious to wake up and not make my bed.  Or do my breakfast dishes.  I know, I know, I'm getting spoiled here.

Finally, after months and months of waiting, my idea of starting international Pen Pals has come alive.   Back in October, I texted one of my teaching friends asking if she was interested in starting a Pen Pal exchange with her students and mine.  I figured the easiest way to do this was by utilizing technology.  So I experimented with different blog websites and the new up and coming site "Edmodo."  Both her and I decided Edmodo was the best option because her school supported it.  So with the okay on my end, I had to wait for her school's approval and then wait for them to set up her class' Edmodo site.  Everything finally came through on her end at the start of January after winter break.  

So far, I'm doing this program with one of my 5th grade students who I give private lessons to.  It's going wonderfully.  I hope to soon try it out with my other private classes and also bring it into the school.  (Jose Manuel what do you think??)

My favorite question so far from one of the American students: "Do you have pizza?"  Out of all of the questions one could possibly ask, this is what he chose.  My 5th grader got a kick out of that one too.

Lastly, this past week I was invited by my bilingual coordinator to come over to his house for coffee.  His wife and daughters were there as well; It was a really nice afternoon.  We spent the time talking about different trips they have taken and showing me some of their family photo albums.  Before I knew it, it was time for me to leave to go to one of my private lessons.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time.  

I know I've said this before, but I love how the Spanish know how to enjoy their time and especially when it comes to enjoying their time with others.  For example, Sara and I have this unspoken thing where we sit and enjoy our meals together.  Some days it is only lunch or only dinner but other days it is both.  For her, this is probably a natural/normal thing.  For me, this is the first time aside from when I was a child that I have done this.  Yes, you have the occasional sit down meals with family or friends.  But this is every single day.  And I really like it.  America you need to get on this and make it happen more often.  Work can wait thirty minutes.  

Another thing that was brought to my attention during my time at my Bilingual coordinators house, was the words "you're welcome."  He was explaining to me how beautiful these two words are.  As a native English speaker you would think I would know how beautiful these words were, but I didn't.  And I don't think most Americans do either.  The word "welcome" as defined (and paraphrased) from the dictionary:

"Something gladly received"  

So when someone says "thank you" and the person responds back with "you're welcome," you are more or less saying you were happy to serve/help/receive them.  Or think of it as someone greeting someone new, "Welcome!"  My explanation isn't very good.  But if you understand what I am explaining poorly, you will be able to see how beautiful those two words are.  Other languages don't have that, for example: "de nada" literally means "of nothing."

On that note, I thank you all for reading my blog....