Yes indeed, my time here is officially halfway over. I know what you’re thinking, “Wow, Taylor, what a clever title! Such a catchy tune, and so very fitting!” Thank you, thank you. I’ve had this title waiting since before I even left the country, so I’m pretty excited I finally get to use it!
I sound like a broken record, but I had another fantastic week! On Monday, I taught my favorite lesson thus far. In science we are starting to discuss animal adaptations. In order to get a much more concrete idea of adaptations, I set up a lab for the students. The lab consisted of four different stations. Each station had a different form of food and three different beaks. The students rotated through the stations testing each of the beaks to determine which beak would give a bird the best chance of survival. At station number one, the students tested spoon, straw, and tweezers “beaks” to determine which beak would dig worms out of the ground without ending with a beak full of dirt. At station two, students tested a spoon, straw, and tweezers “beaks” to determine which beak would allow the bird to pick up one bug (grain of rice) at a time. At station three, students tested large serving spoon, straw, and regular spoon “beaks” to determine which beak would allow the bird to eat the most bugs (pieces of popcorn) at a time. At station four, students tested spoon, ladle, and strainer-type “beaks" to determine which beak would allow the bird to eat a large amount of food without getting a beak full of water. The students had so much fun with this lab! It really solidified the idea of adaptations for them, while still allowing them to move around the classroom and work with their hands.
I sound like a broken record, but I had another fantastic week! On Monday, I taught my favorite lesson thus far. In science we are starting to discuss animal adaptations. In order to get a much more concrete idea of adaptations, I set up a lab for the students. The lab consisted of four different stations. Each station had a different form of food and three different beaks. The students rotated through the stations testing each of the beaks to determine which beak would give a bird the best chance of survival. At station number one, the students tested spoon, straw, and tweezers “beaks” to determine which beak would dig worms out of the ground without ending with a beak full of dirt. At station two, students tested a spoon, straw, and tweezers “beaks” to determine which beak would allow the bird to pick up one bug (grain of rice) at a time. At station three, students tested large serving spoon, straw, and regular spoon “beaks” to determine which beak would allow the bird to eat the most bugs (pieces of popcorn) at a time. At station four, students tested spoon, ladle, and strainer-type “beaks" to determine which beak would allow the bird to eat a large amount of food without getting a beak full of water. The students had so much fun with this lab! It really solidified the idea of adaptations for them, while still allowing them to move around the classroom and work with their hands.
Even though Monday’s lessons went well, we had quite a few issues with behavior. Before my comprehension lesson on Tuesday morning, I took some time to do goal setting. The students were each given a post it note and the prompt “Today I will…”. Each one set a personal goal for the day, signed their name, and stuck it on the board. It was so simple, but a great way to redirect their behavior! Tuesday afternoon we had a staff meeting. Five minutes before the meeting started, my principal asked if I would be willing to write and lead a prayer to start the meeting. I was totally caught off guard and very nervous, but it was such a powerful moment for me! Rather than closing my blog with a bible verse like I usually do, I decided to close with the prayer I wrote. |
On Wednesday morning, my cooperating teacher had a personal issue come up, which left me in charge of the classroom. I had to come up with an hour long lesson for writer’s workshop. As if that weren’t enough, my principal was also observing me! No pressure, right?! If I had time to plan, I would have set up the lesson a little differently; however, considering the circumstances, I think it went well! Thursday was a bittersweet day for me. It marked exactly 6 weeks until I leave. Although it means it is only six weeks until I will be reunited with my family, friends, and sweet puppy (who celebrated her 9th birthday on Tuesday!), it also means leaving my host family, amazing teachers, loving students, and the island that I have completely fallen in love with. I know that six weeks is quite a long time, but considering how quickly the first six weeks went by, it will be time to leave before I know it! Friday was such an exciting day! The students were allowed to wear red, white, or pink to celebrate Valentine’s Day. My class also did a Valentine gift exchange. On top of the gift my valentine got me, a number of other students also brought in sweets for me. I was totally spoiled! While my sweet tooth was jumping for joy with each piece of chocolate I received, my favorite gift was a beautiful cross pin. |
This weekend was certainly one for the books! Friday evening Brittney and I decided we wanted to get fish for dinner. We waited in line for over an hour, but it was well worth it! The fish from the street party never disappoints. Sadly, they didn’t have barracuda like we usually eat. We tried dorado, and it was delicious! We met some wonderful “chaps” from England (even though they will never read this, shout out to Mark and Neil anyway!) that were staying in the apartment below us for the evening. They went to the street party with us, and we all had such a great time. We stayed out singing and dancing until 1 AM! It was sooo much fun, but we were thrilled to finally go to bed. My host mom’s brother is a teacher at Corinth Secondary School, the school Brittney and I observed at. The school coordinated a sunset cruise to raise funds to update their staff room and invited us to go with them. It was so beautiful!!! There is nothing I love more than being out on the water, but being out there as the sun was setting was the perfect end to my day. |
On Sunday I attended another wonderful mass. After Mass, my host mom picked golden apples from the tree in our backyard and made juice for Brittney and I. The juice was like nothing I have ever tasted before, but it was very good! After lunch, Brittney and I walked to the beach. Sadly, we were only there for about 2 hours before we got caught in a downpour. We weren’t even able to go for our weekly ice cream! Maybe I will have to make up for it and treat myself this week on my walk home! :)
(Shout out to myself because I have had my phone for almost 2 years, and I JUST figure out I can take panorama pictures…)
(Shout out to myself because I have had my phone for almost 2 years, and I JUST figure out I can take panorama pictures…)
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for blessing us with another day.
We thank you for giving us the gifts and the wisdom to positively
influence the students and staff at the Montessori Centre.
Thank you for blessing us with enough rainy days
that we learn to appreciate the sun.
Thank you for presenting us with enough hard times
that we learn to appreciate all of the good times.
Thank you for letting us work through our struggles
in order to fully appreciate and utilize the gifts you have given us.
In Your name we pray.
Amen.
Thank you for blessing us with another day.
We thank you for giving us the gifts and the wisdom to positively
influence the students and staff at the Montessori Centre.
Thank you for blessing us with enough rainy days
that we learn to appreciate the sun.
Thank you for presenting us with enough hard times
that we learn to appreciate all of the good times.
Thank you for letting us work through our struggles
in order to fully appreciate and utilize the gifts you have given us.
In Your name we pray.
Amen.