Wow, I can not believe that is has almost been a month! This was a short week but a very full week. We did not have school on Monday because it was a national holiday in Costa Rica. It was nice to get back to the students on Tuesday, though; I have learned almost all the names but am still working on pronunciation!
Tuesday was also an exciting day because Dr. Angel and Dr. Frye arrived! It was nice to see familiar faces in our new home.
Thursday was a busy but very exiting day because Karla graduated! It was very interesting to see the graduation ceremony for the University here and we were all very proud of Karla. I was also very thrilled because my little brother came with us and I think he really enjoyed it. To finish up the very busy week, we were able to go see Dr. Frye present at the university after school. She did an excellent job and I thought it was a great experience to be in a lecture type setting with students at the university here.
As far as teaching goes, I am learning a lot and have a great experience. We are doing some fun stuff with the students. We had our 6th graders write letters to students in NC this week, and they loved it. I am hoping to deliver those letters to my students at Mabel. I also have more letters from the older students because I gave them letters from my students at Mabel. It will be tricky to keep the correspondence happening, but hopefully I can work something out.
With the 5th graders this week, we had them plan trips, and have been talking about traveling. It has been really fun to her about some of their dream trips and why. We have decided to do a really cool project with the 4th grade class. Karla had wanted us to help her put labels and signs all around the school in English, and it just so happens that the 4th graders are learning school vocabulary so we decided that we would help them and let that be their class project.
One of the things that I am learning is that pronunciation is very important. I feel as though that is one area that I can be the most helpful in because the two languages have such differences in some areas. The students have been helping me with my Spanish pronunciation, while I help them with their English so it's been a great way to learn for both of us because it is a two way street.
The language barrier is still very evident, but I am learning ways around it. It has been a struggle at times with my family, but we make get by, and I am going to miss them so much when we leave. I am traveling to San Jose with them next weekend so that should be interesting.
Overall, I am continuously reminded of how wonderful this country is. The land itself is stunning and the people are amazing! I am excited to see how the last couple of weeks go!
Mi Hermano!
The girls at the University of Nicoya-
