What do you think of my learning space? Missing home a lot lately.
Con mucho amor.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Classroom Tour
What my classroom looks like: Here are a few pictures of my home away from home in the DR. Besides my apartment, this is the place I spend the most time. The boys love orange and blue. I threw in a little purple since that's one of my favorite colors. The big black desk is mine, and the boys each have their own learning space. Spinny chairs sometimes become a bit of a distraction, but it helps them get out their energy. I really miss having a projector and document camera. I make it work though since there's only three of them. We crowd around my little lap top. :)
What do you think of my learning space? Missing home a lot lately.
Con mucho amor.
What do you think of my learning space? Missing home a lot lately.
Con mucho amor.
Creating Art
What we've been doing: I wanted the boys to create a sign to put in the classroom with the name of our school. They spent the whole second week of school figuring out a design and painting it together. It helped them work on their collaboration and communication skills. Here are some pictures of the process.
Welcome to The Reyes Academy.
Welcome to The Reyes Academy.
Airplanes, bookworms, and plants
What I've been teaching: Here are some of the fun things we did these past few weeks in the classroom. I've had to get very creative with coming up with lessons for so many different subjects. It challenges me, trying to fit everything into one day.
This week we finished up the first two books of the year, which is really exciting. The first day they were hesitant about reading so many books at once, and so was I. They are rising to every expectation I place before them. Monday I rewarded them with some book worms.
We started adding Science into the mix last week. I briefly went over the Scientific Method. We watched Mythbusters and learned how they use questioning, creating a hypothesis, and formulating an experiment in the real world. We did a paper airplane experiment to show the different steps.
After watching a video and taking notes about how pollen becomes a seed, I had the boys write stories from the perspective of the pollen. They had to use "I" to explain how they, as the pollen, traveled from the anther into the ovary. The boys were SO excited to share their stories. They fought over who got to share first. Turning a concept in Science into a writing activity helped connect subjects in school.
I also had them teach each other about the different types of plants. The jigsaw method helps students to take charge and have more ownership over teaching their classmates the information needed.
Each week I keep stretching myself and the boys. I hope they are learning as much as I am.
This week we finished up the first two books of the year, which is really exciting. The first day they were hesitant about reading so many books at once, and so was I. They are rising to every expectation I place before them. Monday I rewarded them with some book worms.
We started adding Science into the mix last week. I briefly went over the Scientific Method. We watched Mythbusters and learned how they use questioning, creating a hypothesis, and formulating an experiment in the real world. We did a paper airplane experiment to show the different steps.
After watching a video and taking notes about how pollen becomes a seed, I had the boys write stories from the perspective of the pollen. They had to use "I" to explain how they, as the pollen, traveled from the anther into the ovary. The boys were SO excited to share their stories. They fought over who got to share first. Turning a concept in Science into a writing activity helped connect subjects in school.
I also had them teach each other about the different types of plants. The jigsaw method helps students to take charge and have more ownership over teaching their classmates the information needed.
Each week I keep stretching myself and the boys. I hope they are learning as much as I am.
Why doing laundry is exhausting
What's been going on: People complain about doing laundry in the US. I have to admit, I used to be one of those people. It takes time to sort the clothes, move them from the washer to the dryer, and fold them when the load is done. Here in the DR it is a slightly longer process, one that leaves me frustrated, weary, and discouraged.
From: here
I am not sure why the maid doesn't manage to get to any of my laundry or sheets, but I need to work on having a better attitude about it. It is incredibly nice of her to clean the rest of our apartment. My roommate works hard all day too, so I should be happy that Ramona gets everything of my roommates cleaned.
Last week we didn't have water for several days, so I couldn't do my laundry. Yesterday we did not have electricity for the evening, so I couldn't do my laundry. Once the electricity came back on, it war pouring down rain, so I couldn't do my laundry. We hang dry our clothes and sheets, so there is no possibly way for them to dry when the porch is dripping with rainwater.
Today everything aligned and I was able to get it done. Except first I had to wash the porch that was covered in dirt from the rain yesterday. We don't have a bucket, so I had to run back and forth using a bowl of water to dump onto the patio. Then I proceeded to use our new outdoor broom to sweep muddy water down the drain. I had to rinse the broom several times because it was so muddy. I had to be so very careful hanging up the clothes, making sure none of them fell on the still slightly brown floor. I attempted to pour a little detergent into the washer when half the bag dumped in... I had to get a bowl and spoon to fish out all the detergent. Por fin, they are drying and waving in the wind on our front porch.
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Stay and Wait by Hillsong has been on repeat this afternoon as I struggle with the laundry and lesson planning.
I just feel so worn out, and the week has not even started yet. Oh Dios, ayudame por favor.
From: here
Con mucho amor.
From: here
I am not sure why the maid doesn't manage to get to any of my laundry or sheets, but I need to work on having a better attitude about it. It is incredibly nice of her to clean the rest of our apartment. My roommate works hard all day too, so I should be happy that Ramona gets everything of my roommates cleaned.
Last week we didn't have water for several days, so I couldn't do my laundry. Yesterday we did not have electricity for the evening, so I couldn't do my laundry. Once the electricity came back on, it war pouring down rain, so I couldn't do my laundry. We hang dry our clothes and sheets, so there is no possibly way for them to dry when the porch is dripping with rainwater.
Today everything aligned and I was able to get it done. Except first I had to wash the porch that was covered in dirt from the rain yesterday. We don't have a bucket, so I had to run back and forth using a bowl of water to dump onto the patio. Then I proceeded to use our new outdoor broom to sweep muddy water down the drain. I had to rinse the broom several times because it was so muddy. I had to be so very careful hanging up the clothes, making sure none of them fell on the still slightly brown floor. I attempted to pour a little detergent into the washer when half the bag dumped in... I had to get a bowl and spoon to fish out all the detergent. Por fin, they are drying and waving in the wind on our front porch.
Stay and Wait by Hillsong has been on repeat this afternoon as I struggle with the laundry and lesson planning.
I just feel so worn out, and the week has not even started yet. Oh Dios, ayudame por favor.
From: here
Con mucho amor.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Art Journaling with Quotes
What we've been doing in the classroom: One of the CCSS is about finding textual evidence. I have not been practicing this standard with the boys yet. Today we finished Mara, Daughter of the Nile. I read the ending aloud while they followed along in their own copies. The last two chapters were full of quotes that related to symbol and theme. I had them go back to the text and write down the important quotes in a creative way. I wanted them to use color and make it visually appealing. This combined their love for art with an important standard. My example is on the top, and their examples are below.
With the next novel, I might have them keep track of important quotes on a separate sheet of paper. It would be easier to go back and find important passages this way.
With the next novel, I might have them keep track of important quotes on a separate sheet of paper. It would be easier to go back and find important passages this way.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Hola from the DR
What I've been doing: I've been in the DR for over two weeks. It has been a whirlwind of Spanish, English, lesson planning, organizing, and setting up my classroom and bedroom, and getting my feet under me.
Week 1: Leaving PDX made me sad, and I had a long day of traveling ahead of me. God always seems to send the right people into my life when I need them. On my first flight I couldn't lift my carry on into the container, so my nice seatmate helped me. On my flight from Salt Lake to NYC, I met the nicest ladies, Colleen and Michelle. They told me about their trip to Ireland, their families, and Colleen had actually been to the DR before. We had a bit of a layover, so they invited me to go to the Delta Sky Lounge with them. I ran off before I could exchange contact information with them, but they were so sweet to take me under their wing.
After a long day of traveling, I finally arrived to the DR at 3:30am on Wednesday, August 13th. Joy, Rosa, and their husbands picked me up from the airport and brought me to my apartment. Amanda, my roommate, greeted us at the door. Everyone left to go home and sleep for a few hours before the day would begin. Amanda offered me her fan to sleep with for the night. I told her no because I was so tired. After she closed her door I desperately wished that I had taken her up on the offer. I tossed and turned until finally I crashed.
After a few hours of sleep, I woke up and unpacked my clothes. Here are some pictures of cutest apartment.
Amanda came home for lunch and we went to her friend Mariu's house for rice, beans, and platanos. Those first days Joy, Rosa, and I spent hours shopping and setting up the classroom. I decided to have it painted blue. I hung up my decorations, and we put everything together. I'll post pictures of my classroom soon.
That first Saturday there was a missionary team visiting the DR helping out New Hope. I rode with Amanda, Mariu, and Mariu's son to the beach. We met up with the team of 25 from the US. Soon, 30 little girls came rushing at us. For most of the girls at New Hope it was their first time at the beach. They have lived in the DR for their whole lives, but they never have seen the beach before. Most of them hardly leave the barrio (neighborhood/slum name in the DR). One little girl clung to me all day in the water. Luckily, there were almost no waves, and everyone splashed about together.
Sunday I went to church with Amanda's friend Megan. Amanda helped bring the team back to the airport. Church was all in Spanish, and I felt like I understood 95% of what the pastor was saying. This was SO reassuring since I felt like I could not understand the Spanish of the Dominicans.
Monday was the first day of school. I was so nervous, but we played a get-to-know-you Yahtzee game to start the day. We did some math, reading, goal setting, and world history. They are wonderful boys who stated how excited they were for the year. That night Amanda and I got celebratory Yogenfruz.
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Week 2: Teaching all these new subjects is challenging. I felt like I was only a step or two ahead of the boys each day. I had to review math concepts, and keep up with the chapter books we are reading. I hadn't even added Sociales (History in Spanish), or the Spanish class into the mix yet. I spend all evening, every evening planning and reading.
On Friday night Amanda and I went over to Mariu's house and made pizza. We watched Rio 2 while eating popcorn. It was the perfect evening. Saturday I hung out in the apartment all day reading the books I am teaching. At night I watched The Vow by myself curled up on the couch. It felt really nice to be able to rest, relax, and sleep. Sunday a group of us went to church again. After church we ate lunch at a little restaurant nearby.
Daily Life: Each day I ride with Amanda to Joy's house, and then they take me to Rosa's. After school someone brings me back home, but it's challenging being so dependent on others. I am used to being independent. In the evenings I lesson plan and read at home.
One of my favorite things in the apartment are these chinola popsicles. It is SO hot here, and these cool me down. My other favorite thing is my fan. I told Amanda if the place was burning down that it would be the first thing I grab. She said, no you'd grab your keys since we have four locks to get out of the place. :)
I'm also obsessed with sunsets. Every night I sit on my couch and watch God paint the sky in brilliant colors.
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It can be a little lonely at times here in the DR. I am used to having people around me all the time. I'm used to being able to call or text family and friends whenever I want to do something or hang out. Here, I am still trying to make friends. I keep praying that God will put the right people in my life here.
From: here
Con mucho amor.
Week 1: Leaving PDX made me sad, and I had a long day of traveling ahead of me. God always seems to send the right people into my life when I need them. On my first flight I couldn't lift my carry on into the container, so my nice seatmate helped me. On my flight from Salt Lake to NYC, I met the nicest ladies, Colleen and Michelle. They told me about their trip to Ireland, their families, and Colleen had actually been to the DR before. We had a bit of a layover, so they invited me to go to the Delta Sky Lounge with them. I ran off before I could exchange contact information with them, but they were so sweet to take me under their wing.
After a long day of traveling, I finally arrived to the DR at 3:30am on Wednesday, August 13th. Joy, Rosa, and their husbands picked me up from the airport and brought me to my apartment. Amanda, my roommate, greeted us at the door. Everyone left to go home and sleep for a few hours before the day would begin. Amanda offered me her fan to sleep with for the night. I told her no because I was so tired. After she closed her door I desperately wished that I had taken her up on the offer. I tossed and turned until finally I crashed.
After a few hours of sleep, I woke up and unpacked my clothes. Here are some pictures of cutest apartment.
Amanda came home for lunch and we went to her friend Mariu's house for rice, beans, and platanos. Those first days Joy, Rosa, and I spent hours shopping and setting up the classroom. I decided to have it painted blue. I hung up my decorations, and we put everything together. I'll post pictures of my classroom soon.
That first Saturday there was a missionary team visiting the DR helping out New Hope. I rode with Amanda, Mariu, and Mariu's son to the beach. We met up with the team of 25 from the US. Soon, 30 little girls came rushing at us. For most of the girls at New Hope it was their first time at the beach. They have lived in the DR for their whole lives, but they never have seen the beach before. Most of them hardly leave the barrio (neighborhood/slum name in the DR). One little girl clung to me all day in the water. Luckily, there were almost no waves, and everyone splashed about together.
Sunday I went to church with Amanda's friend Megan. Amanda helped bring the team back to the airport. Church was all in Spanish, and I felt like I understood 95% of what the pastor was saying. This was SO reassuring since I felt like I could not understand the Spanish of the Dominicans.
Monday was the first day of school. I was so nervous, but we played a get-to-know-you Yahtzee game to start the day. We did some math, reading, goal setting, and world history. They are wonderful boys who stated how excited they were for the year. That night Amanda and I got celebratory Yogenfruz.
Week 2: Teaching all these new subjects is challenging. I felt like I was only a step or two ahead of the boys each day. I had to review math concepts, and keep up with the chapter books we are reading. I hadn't even added Sociales (History in Spanish), or the Spanish class into the mix yet. I spend all evening, every evening planning and reading.
On Friday night Amanda and I went over to Mariu's house and made pizza. We watched Rio 2 while eating popcorn. It was the perfect evening. Saturday I hung out in the apartment all day reading the books I am teaching. At night I watched The Vow by myself curled up on the couch. It felt really nice to be able to rest, relax, and sleep. Sunday a group of us went to church again. After church we ate lunch at a little restaurant nearby.
Daily Life: Each day I ride with Amanda to Joy's house, and then they take me to Rosa's. After school someone brings me back home, but it's challenging being so dependent on others. I am used to being independent. In the evenings I lesson plan and read at home.
One of my favorite things in the apartment are these chinola popsicles. It is SO hot here, and these cool me down. My other favorite thing is my fan. I told Amanda if the place was burning down that it would be the first thing I grab. She said, no you'd grab your keys since we have four locks to get out of the place. :)
I'm also obsessed with sunsets. Every night I sit on my couch and watch God paint the sky in brilliant colors.
It can be a little lonely at times here in the DR. I am used to having people around me all the time. I'm used to being able to call or text family and friends whenever I want to do something or hang out. Here, I am still trying to make friends. I keep praying that God will put the right people in my life here.
From: here
Con mucho amor.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
God's History - a poem by the boys
Today we read the first short chapter in The Kingdom Strikes Back. I had the boys highlight main points as I read the chapter aloud. The book was about the beginning of the most amazing love and adventure story: The Bible. Instead of each of the boys making an individual poem, we all wrote one together using keywords they highlighted. God is pretty amazing.
God's History by A, I, and J
God has many names
Creator
Yahweh
Prince of Peace
The Father
Our Shepard
Alpha & Omega
God created them
Satan destroyed
them
Adam and Eve
Abram sent to
Canaan
Had adventure
Full of action
Jacob loved no
matter what
God has many names
Creator
Yahweh
Prince of Peace
The Father
Our Shepard
Alpha & Omega
Hopefully I'll have time to post soon about my first week here in the DR.
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