My last school....My last night....My last day.

It's very bittersweet for today's entry.  I visited my last school, yesterday, with Margarita.  We visited Escuela de Danzas.  Students go to school to learn their basic skills and also dance.  They can learn classical dances (i.e. ballet) or modern (i.e. interpretive) and also dances like Tango and Samba.  I visited two classrooms with a teacher I met last week, Macarena Cambre.  Both classes were full of girls but there are a few boys in the school.  The girls were very sweet and made my last day of visiting schools a happy one :)  The only thing I found to be most curious is the walls.  Some of the students admitted to contributing and some others told me they hate it.  One teacher called it "art" and another said "how terrible".  I'll let you be the judge!

Although "beauty lay in the eye of the beholder" in the classrooms, I was instantly intrigued by the sculpture and wall are in the entrance of the school.

Margarita and I went to Alma Zen for our last lunch together.  This place has "natural" food.  Even vegetarian.  I went for a chicken dish and it was delicious!  I don't even know what all was in it. 

I spent the remainder of my afternoon capitalizing on a very inexpensive treatment (which hurt and I will never do again....lesson learned)!! I felt very "Argentine" in my travels to the subte, on the subte, and home from the subte.  It was great.  I had dinner with some of my new friends at a restaurant names "Dominga".  It was beautiful and the food was wonderful (of course!).  I couldn't have asked for a better evening.  I am going to miss my friends and my "mommies" from Buenos Aires.  I can't wait to return in a year (with more Spanish) and to see things from a tourist angle and not just that as a teacher.  Don't get me wrong, my experiences here in the educational system have changed my life forever and I am so grateful for this opportunity.  BUT, there's so much more to see!!!  Buenos Aires is an amazing city that has tugged on these heart strings of mine forever. 

Today, I slept late and have been listening to the sounds of the city.  I'm going to miss the cars and horns and voices!  I'm going to miss having an external shutter to keep the cold and light out of my room.  I'm going to miss Maica (the family's dog) opening my door to come lay on the floor beside me.  (I will not miss the cold weather...but everything else...I will miss!!)  I have talked to friends, updated my blog and photos on Facebook.  Now, it's time to get busy and get ready to leave. 

Nos vemos pronto Buenos Aires!!

Eat, eat, and eat some more

Yesterday was extra special!  I was so happy to be able to witness the change of authorities for Cristina and Margarita.  There were so many Rotary members and their friends and families in attendance.  The food was "buffet-style" but nothing like we have in Plano, Texas.  The food was, of course, delicious!  We ate, drank, and had a wonderful time celebrating the new presidents and new governor for the district.  I was also very excited to receive the banners for both Cristina and Margarita's clubs.  I can't wait to take them back to Frisco.

It was a great day and I had a wonderful night with some on my new friends; Gabi, Gise, and Carlos.  Our original plans fell through but we still managed to have a great night!  We drove to Puerto Madero and all over the city (in reality).  My favorite part was getting to see the "Pink House" at night! 

I ate a pork dish for the first time in....years!  I was told I needed to try Choripan, and since I have no "real" reason not to eat pork, I did it.  I also tried some of the best ice cream of my life!  Buenos Aires sure knows how to make a person fat and happy! 

We are so spolied....*sigh*

Yesterday, Thursday, June 30, I visited a private Catholic school names Casa de Jesus.  There I was amazed by the beauty of the building.  It was originally established in 1874 (same as my sorority Gamma Phi Beta!!!) and refurbished in 1904.  Needless to say it was beautiful. 

I met a teacher, Rosario, and entered her classroom.  They said a prayer together and then proceeded with my "interrogation".  I love the questions they have for me.  The best part is when I tell them that we do not kiss people we meet for the first time.  They all look at my in disbelief!!  I visited a second class of approximately 55 students.  Needless to say, the expectations of teachers for student behavior are very different than in the schools I have been in (or attended!).  Students are typically a bit more talkative and more "rowdy".  Being in a room without carpet and with so many students talking at once sent my ears into overload!  But, as they say "when in Greece do as the Greek do", so when in Argentina, do as the Argentines do.  I did my best to just go with the flow as their teachers were doing.

In the afternoon, I visited Colegio Belgrano Uno once more.  This time I visited the Kindergarten classes (in a separate building).  I met Carina and her assistant Manuela in the first classroom.  I could not believe they had 27 students!!  They have their work cut out for them (these were 4yr old students).  I was permitted to read a story and do some songs.  I was so excited to see them follow along and sing with me (5 Little Monkeys and If you're Happy and you know it).  I loved it!  I also got to see them rehearse "Peter Pan"!

  Today was a "short" day for "work".  Margarita and I had lunch at the cafe next to the flat that where I am staying and then took a bus to Estaban de Luca No 1 D.E. 6.  This is a state school in the barrio of "Once" (eleven).  This is where I get my inspiration for this entry's title.  The state funded schools are usually in dire need of renovation and materials.  Although teachers manage and children learn, it is hard for me to imagine being happy in this environment.  Like I said in my title "we are so spoiled".  During my visits, I have noticed that our state/government funded schools have more materials than all of the private or state schools I have visited.  I hope some of my fellow teachers are seeing these pictures and can see just how fortunate we really are! 

It was interesting to find out that the teachers in (this) state school do not hand in daily/weekly lesson plans.  I spoke to a teacher, Macarena - who visited Kansas with the R.I.T.E. program, and learned that teachers turn in a general yearly overview and then a quarterly plan with more details.  Teachers typically have their own daily plans but these are not usually viewed by the headmaster.  There is an English supervisor who will come to observe the English teacher's classroom and view lesson plans, but this may happen once a school year due to the enormous case load he/she may have. 

This was painted on the school.  "We have a right to an education". 

Agreed.

Here's an extra picture with no educational relevance.  You've heard the phase "As American as apple pie"....well, not according to the cafe I visited today!  As a joke to hearing me speak, he gave me a piece of pie with the Argentina flag on it (and the American flag on the piece for Margarita!  

Less than a week left...really?

I realized today that I only have 6 days left in Bueno Aires!  Time has certainly flown by.  Today I re-visited Belgrano Day School.  I managed to take the subte all by myself.  Naturally, I did get lost and had to ask three people for directions to the subte and one for which line to take.  All in all, it was a success. 

I visited the Kindergarten classes today.  I felt at home.  These are my people.  I got some great ideas for tracking student work!

Afterward, Margarita and I had tea and another Connito.  I need these in the Unites States but my waist is happy they are not (or at least I don't know where!!). Then we, once again, made our way on the crowded #44 bus to Escuela de Idiomas.  There I sat in on a class that was learning to combine ideas (sentences).  I also spoke to 5th and 6th level students.  Some had a lot to say, some did not.  Either way, they all have a special place in my heart for saying I look 18- 25. 

Now, it is time for a special dinner for Mechi, Cristina's daughter, who is leaving for Italy tomorrow morning!!

So many schools....So little time

Today is day 13 in Buenos Aires.  I am going to tell you something that will shock you and send you into a spiral of disbelief. Are you ready?

There were no toilet SEATS in the school I visited today.

(It's not certain but...) I was told it is against the law to have toilet seats due to it being less hygienic and the risk of children hurting their fingers.  Can you imagine? I can because I used it! Without a seat!  Crazy!!

Aside from that, these last two days have been VERY busy!  Yesterday, Monday the 27th, I went to Belgrano Day School.  This is (another) private school.  Here, Kindergarten (under age 5) is all in English, all day.  I met Janet Lenton, who is the Head of Primary, and Lorena Scigliano.  Lorena (Lore) is a former member of the R.I.T.E Program!  She visited Kansas for her exchange.   Most of my day was spent with Lore.  I learned many interesting things about her school.  In their school, they have "houses"; North, South, East, and West.  Each house is represented by a color; Blue, green, yellow, or red.  This made me happy because it made me think about Harry Potter.  My only complaint is their uniforms look like they belong in Slytherin.  BOOOO.

After my time at Belgrano Day School, I went to Escuela de Idiomas (again).  Here I was part of a Q & A session with students who are levels 2-4 English speakers.  Most classes were VERY shy and really weren't interested in talking.  Teenagers are the same in every country :)

Most people would assume my day would end, but that's absolutely not true.  After my time at the Language School, Margarita and I traveled by bus to a Rotary Meeting.  On this night, Nylia Monte (who visited Frisco with the R.I.T.E. program) was speaking about her trip to Frisco.  I was surprised to discover that this particular Rotary club does not have women as members (but the wives are very actively involved).  Nylia spoke, I spoke, we ate the most delicious food, and then it was time for bed.  It was a LOOOOOOONG day, but a VERY good one!

Today was a special day for me (but, of course, they all are)! I visited Glaux in the morning. Glaux is a private school where everyone learns English.  Students attend English four times a week for 40min.  Additionally, students have the option to attend 6 more classes of English each week.  Completing the additional classes during their program allows them to graduate as Bilingual (like an advanced diploma).  Here, another teacher - Natalia, was also a former member of the R.I.T.E program (she went to Idaho).  I was in the building with the very tall and very scary secondary students.  Although they were intimidating (at first) we quickly got off to a wonderful questions and answer session. 

After Glaux, I visited Nylia's school; Nueva Escuela Argentina 2000 (NEA 2000 for short).  This is a private, non-religious, bilingual school who instructs children ages 2 - 18.  The grades are divided into three separate buildings; Kinder in one building around the corner, Primary, and Secondary (across the street from one another).  I spent my time in Primary with the 3rd grade.  I was amazed and very impressed with the level of their English speaking and comprehension.  I was also impressed that each student was prepared with written questions for me to answer.  Nylia and I also had the chance to discuss basic procedures such as attendance and grading in her school.  All of the children were so enthusiastic about asking questions in English and I am so happy I was able to see Nylia's school!

I could go on and on and on and on about my daily experiences but I must go to bed.  Tomorrow I am returning to Belgrano Day School bright and early to visit my favorite age group; (pre)Kindergarten!!  Also, prayers please, I am taking the subte all by myself.  Like a big girl! 

Estoy cansado

I think Buenos Aires is the busiest city I have even been to.  Everyone walks quickly (which I like) and is in a hurry to get from one place to another.  The calmest times are at the table.  Either for lunch or tea (coffee), it slows down and you get to savor every moment.
*Just a moment of clarity for myself*

On Wedneday June , I visited Colegio Belgrano Uno. Margarita and I took the subte to meet Dr. Fernando Arnesto.  He and I walked to his school.  There I learned how the school is structured.  Each classroom has approximately 25 students with only one class per grade (here they call it "form".)  There are only 450 - 500 students in the whole school.  The students have English classes three times a week (MWF) in the afternoon.  On Tuesday and Thursday, the afternoon consists of Art/Drama or Sports.  Art/Drama is the only optional course allowed.  Currently, the 5th and 6th grade is re-making the film "The Karate Kid" (it was interesting when a teacher in a karate gi handed a lap top to me when I arrived). Students are constantly in preparation for various English exams.  The 5th and 6th grade students prepare for Springboard or Quickmarch exams.  These exams are developed by the University of London.  7th grade students take the Preliminary English Test (P.E.T.) and secondary students in levels 4 and 5 (14 - 15yrs old) take exams developed by Cambridge Univestity; FCE - First Certificate in English or CAE -Certificate of Advanced English.  I was able to speak to three different levels.  The oldest students seemed the least enthusiastic....teenagers :P  The second group told me I was very pretty and looked like one of the Kardashian sisters.  And the third group (the youngest - 11yrs old) was the most formal.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time!

After my time at Colegio Belgrano Uno I, once again, visited Gabriel and his (other) level 4 adult English class.  They meet two days a week and it was interesting to learn that there is a placement test for the program.  Students do not automatically start at level one.  It was a busy day!

23/6/2011
I returned to Children's School to observe the English Teacher with the K5 (5yr olds) students.  Miss Carolina made me miss my own students!! She sang songs that I am familiar with and used discipline techniques and teaching strategies that I use in my own classroom.  These children were much more enthusiastic than the previous Kinder classes.  It's funny how much difference one or two years can make.

After a delicious lunch, I went to see my new friend Cecilia's classroom.  First she teaches one classroom once a week.  In this unit they were studying the United States (social studies).  I felt very useful in this subject!  They reviewed timezones and moved towards a unit about weather maps.  In this unit they learned the formula for converting Celsius into Fahrenheit.  The students were not the only ones learning on this day.  Now, I know the formula too!!  Her next class is "her" class.  They are currently reading " The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konisburg.  Today the students were to bring a picture of a painting; any painting.  Their assignment was to write a description of the painting.  Of course, this is all in English.  I can only imagine the hard work these students are putting into their work in a foreign language.  After their work and break, the students (once again) began to ask me questions about the United States and, of course, my personal life.

24/6/2011
On this morning, I was supposed to visit another private school but it was a religious holiday.  Instead, I took a "personal day" and watched movies and slept longer.  In the afternoon, Margarita and I took the most terrible bus ride (VERY LONG and CROWDED) to the school where she is  former headmistress.  The "Language School" teacher 4 languages: English, French, Italian, and Portuguese).  On this night, there was a presentation about Brazilian music.  It was nice to see the many parents and students who were present for the presentation.  Although I did not understand most of the presentation, I was able to learn some of the differences in Brazilian music (i.e. tempo) and watch and listen to some examples.

After the presentation at the Language School, Margarita and I traveled to my host's (Cristina M.) daughters' (Mechi) school.  She attends an Italian school and her class is traveling to Italy next week.  For their trip, they presented a fashion show!  It was a lot of fun to see the different clothing teenagers were here in Buenos Aires.  I also learned that the late-night culture also extends into the schools!  We were at the school until midnight!! Can you imagine a school in Frisco/Plano/DFW hosting an event for parents and students going until midnight?!  Well, I was very tired when Cristina and I returned home.  We ate, chatted, and then it was time to sleep!

25/6/2011
It's tourist day!  I was very honored to meet Nylia Monte and her sister!  Together, the three of us took "the yellow bus" around the city of Buenos Aires.  This is a double-decker bus the allows people a chance to see the city and to hear important facts about the history of the city and its landmarks.  Nylia, her sister, and I nearly froze to death but it was worth every moment.  I saw so much history and everything....I felt like a child all day!  I was so excited on the bus and during our stops!!

The same night, I went to a Rotaract meeting in another city (almost 1hr away by taxi). I went with my new friends,  Gabi and Giselle, to witness the exchange of authority from one president to the new president.  I was very happy to be a part of this ceremony.  It's very different for me to see young people (18-30yrs old) involved in Rotary.

27/6/2011 (this is a long entry huh?!)
Today was very relaxed.  Gabi came to get me around noon and we went (by taxi) to a fair to meet Carlos.  We also met with two Americans, Justin and Katie.  Justin is currently living in Buenos Aires attending a local university.  Katie is his girlfriend and is here to visit for one month.  Guess what? They both speak Spanish.  Ugh.  We went to more and more fairs in the area, ate a huge lunch, and walked to Puerto Madero.  (The oldest area but the newest development.  It also is the only area with streets named after women).

Gabi, by the way, is a WONDERFUL tour guide!  After walking around Puerto Madero, we returned home where I napped and Gabi returned later for dinner.  I would have never imagined the pizza in Argentina would be better than American pizza.....WAY BETTER.

First Day of School!! (you know...Nemo style)

I finally got to see some for the education system at work here in Buenos Aires.  Today, Margarita and I viisted Cecilia's school; Children's School (http://www.childrens-boston.com.ar/home.php).  It is divided into three seperate buildings.   We visited the the three and four year old classrooms.  I felt right at home!  We followed the English teacher, Romina, to three different classes.  Each class has a classoom teacher and Romina is the "specials" teacher.  It's similar to the music teacher (at my school) coming into the classroom for a lesson.

As she retold the story of "The Gingerbread Man" I saw many similarities between the strategies she was using and those that I use.  As I talked to her about her instruction in English, I realized that their comprehension is not as important to their learning in English as it is for my students.  If I had been instructing these groups, I would have been pushing harder for the students to echo my words or to label the characters or colors, etc.  But, here it is more important for them to comprehend instruction in Spanish.  English is a bonus to their education at this age.  Romina explained that she wants them to become familiar with English as oppose to being able to use it (at this age).  That makes perfect sense.  It was definitely an eye-opener. 

After my time at Children's School, I went to visit a teacher who is a former participant of the R.I.T.E. program.  Gabriel is a teacher here in Bueno Aires.  He has visited Frisco as part of the Rotary Exchange as well as a "tourist".  He teaches English to adults at Lenguas Vivas.  The program is called "Lenguas en los Barrios".  The program is offered with an optional fee...yes optional.  I was able to meet with two classes tonight.  The first class is a "level 8".  This means they have been studying English for 7-8 years. 

We talked during their entire class period about my purpose for visiting, my education, my country, etc.  It was absolutely delightful!!! I was applauded and I really wanted to applaud them as well.  They are all adults learning to be fluent in another language.  I feel very inspired to go back to school or to find a personal Spanish tutor to become fluent.  The second group was level 4.  This group was much less talkative.  I don't blame them.  Their English is probably better than my Spanish. 

After meeting these students (who I will be visiting again!), I went to meet with some young Rotary members.  Their ages vary from 17 - 30.  I was very surprised.  I didn't even know about the Rotary Club (and it's many contributions to humanity) until I was introduced to the R.I.T.E program.  The longer I am here, the more impressed I am with the culture. So warm.  So involved. 

I also had the BEST flan I have EVER HAD IN MY LIFE tonight.  Goodnight!