The past few days have been absolutely amazing. I have been able to teach at the elementary school and also explore mas de Costa Rica. Today we went up to the Poz volcano and it reminded me how much the environment matters to this country. It makes me curious whether the country is so environmentally oriented because of this or if it because of a greater respect for all things. In the US there are many things that we take advantage of and many times we ignore the little things and the effects our lifestyles might have on the planet, but here they are aware of their footprint. I have also observed that there are more small cars then anything else and many people do not drive. I am curious about what the attitude of the people here is in regards to the environment.
In addition, I have also gained more insight into what it is like to be an elementary student in a class that you struggle in. At first I understood very little of the class and the confusion I experienced was similar to the struggle my students will experience. I now understand most of the what is being said but I still struggle to respond to mi professor cuando she asks me a question. I believe that this struggle will be similar to those of my students and will be aware and find alternative ways to test their knowledge if necessary. I will be sure to over-explain concepts in order to make sure the students understand the necessary material.
In class we have discussed many topics and many of them are relevant to the Tico culture. One of the things we have discussed is the topic of religion in schools. Due to the pais de Costa Rica having an official religion the teachers will often pray before class. This is interesting because in the US this is prohibited. In addition, it was also interesting because they still teach about evolution in school. I find in interesting that there seems to be less conflict here with that issue then at home. This difference will remind me that if my students are ESL students then they might not understand the different rule in the US. All students should be enlightened about the different habits of other countries and be enlighten about the world around them.
This entire experience has been absolutely amazing so far. My family is extraordinarily helpful and I can tell that my Spanish is already improving. Living with this family reminds me of how amazing people are. The sister who does not even live with me sat down and helped me with my Spanish homework today. She also had a long conversation with me and was extraordinarily patient. Her patience reminded me of the attitude I need to have with my students. I need to be aware of their struggles and guide them to the correct answer. Interpreting for them is not always the best idea and it is extremely beneficial when the teacher speaks only in the language. At first it is frustrating and un poco translating might be necessary, pero los estudiantes will learn and it will eventually come. Like the age old saying tells, “Patience is key.”
***I apologize for the mixed languages but I sometimes have a hard time differentiating between the two languages when I am writing. In addition, I was also talking to my family at the same time as I was writing so it was easy to get the languages confused. I decided to leave it like that because it is authentic and another example of a struggle that students might have in my class.
In addition, I have also gained more insight into what it is like to be an elementary student in a class that you struggle in. At first I understood very little of the class and the confusion I experienced was similar to the struggle my students will experience. I now understand most of the what is being said but I still struggle to respond to mi professor cuando she asks me a question. I believe that this struggle will be similar to those of my students and will be aware and find alternative ways to test their knowledge if necessary. I will be sure to over-explain concepts in order to make sure the students understand the necessary material.
In class we have discussed many topics and many of them are relevant to the Tico culture. One of the things we have discussed is the topic of religion in schools. Due to the pais de Costa Rica having an official religion the teachers will often pray before class. This is interesting because in the US this is prohibited. In addition, it was also interesting because they still teach about evolution in school. I find in interesting that there seems to be less conflict here with that issue then at home. This difference will remind me that if my students are ESL students then they might not understand the different rule in the US. All students should be enlightened about the different habits of other countries and be enlighten about the world around them.
This entire experience has been absolutely amazing so far. My family is extraordinarily helpful and I can tell that my Spanish is already improving. Living with this family reminds me of how amazing people are. The sister who does not even live with me sat down and helped me with my Spanish homework today. She also had a long conversation with me and was extraordinarily patient. Her patience reminded me of the attitude I need to have with my students. I need to be aware of their struggles and guide them to the correct answer. Interpreting for them is not always the best idea and it is extremely beneficial when the teacher speaks only in the language. At first it is frustrating and un poco translating might be necessary, pero los estudiantes will learn and it will eventually come. Like the age old saying tells, “Patience is key.”
***I apologize for the mixed languages but I sometimes have a hard time differentiating between the two languages when I am writing. In addition, I was also talking to my family at the same time as I was writing so it was easy to get the languages confused. I decided to leave it like that because it is authentic and another example of a struggle that students might have in my class.