|
|
The read aloud at the local cafe was a wonderful experience. This cafe was much different then the ones at home. Here it is called the library, but they serve alcohol and some pastries. I was surprised how many children showed up. It was great that the children were involved in this experience. When it was time to read we would read the English part and the children would read the Italian aloud. I enjoyed interacting with the children and seeing how excited they were for us to read to them.
One of my favorite times from this trip was making homemade pasta with Giovanna and Fontana two teachers at the school. We all had fun taking part in making pasta. I hope I can remember and try this at home! Later that evening we went back to the cafe for the adult reading. Honestly it was more fun than I expected. A lot of us girls decided to read songs aloud. After the song we would play the music and it was amazing to see everyone sing along. I learned how interested everyone is about the English language. We had a fabulous dinner at Fontana's house Thursday night. There was so much food, but spending time together and talking was wonderful. Last night (Friday) we all had dinner with the mayor and important people who made the connection between Buffalo and Torremaggiore possible. They all had wonderful speeches we felt honored. We even had the opportunity to meet with some high school students. Two are coming to Buffalo this April and I hope their experience is as wonderful as ours. We had the chance to answer questions and talk about our city and their city. I learned you can't drive until 18 in Italy. Leaving the school today was sad. We have gotten to know the children so well only being in the classroom six days. I loved teaching English to these children, the interaction and curiosity they have is great. We were able to teach six lessons if not more. Many of my lessons included read alouds. I also taught a lesson on animals. It was a matching game. I can not believe how much these little first graders already know! I also had the chance to use describing words in English to describe the students. At the end of the day today all the fifth graders took pictures with us and gave us the warmest good bye! Walking through the town you start to get a real feel for the Italian culture while being here in Torremaggiore. As our time here is almost over I think about how much I am going to miss everyone. Even though we have only been here for a short period of time the memories I have made with last a lifetime. I couldn't not have dreamed of a better experience. Everyone especially all the teachers have been so involved in welcoming us and making us feel like family.
0 Comments
This morning we met Filomena at the school. She walked us to the market. We were all really excited to see what this market was all about. I bought a few scarves for family members at home and a sweater for myself. After the market we walked back to the school. Today was awesome. We spent our first day in the classroom. Filomena brought me to a third grade classroom. The teacher didn't speak any English, but the students asked me a few questions in English. It is amazing how much they understand English even if they can't speak it. I really enjoyed being at the school. The children are so smart and keep saying "Americano" when we walk by. I am excited to do the post test with the children on Saturday. The fifth graders read the English passage very well. This was a great activity to do and it will really help in the future. I also learned that the in Italy student go to high school for 5 years. The teachers also loop. This means they have the same students Kindergarten through fifth grade.
I thought we ate a lot until we got to the teachers house for dinner. I was expecting a small apartment and was thinking to myself how are we all going to fit? we walked in and this apartment was large and very open. The food was amazing. I am so thankful how sweet and generous all of the teachers have been. They treat us like we are their family. It is amazing how they try so hard to communicate with us. Today, Tuesday I got to spend the morning in an early childhood classroom. I was super excited. I was in one of the teachers that has been with us room. The children were so talkative and kept telling me ingles. I wish I could communicate back with them. For lunch all of the teachers prepared food for us. They all cooked something from home. It was great to sit and talk with all of the teachers. I had a long conversation with Giovanna. She speaks Italian and a little English. She is so sweet. After lunch we met a student from the high school. We are going to all hangout on Thursday she would like to speak with us about school. I took a very long nap today and it was great. We are getting ready for library read aloud tomorrow night! I am very anxious to get to go back to the school tomorrow. We had an extremely busy weekend. Last night was the first night I got more than six hours of sleep. We all really needed the good nights rest. Capri is so beautiful. The crystal clear blue water and the view from the top of the hills was amazing. The friendships we've made this trip are wonderful. I couldn't imagine going on this trip with other people. We got to shop today. I have been craving tiramisu. I got it and it was...delicious. Tomorrow we are headed to the school to work with the students. We will tape record the students reading a passage aloud in English. This will be a great experiment to use in the future to compare and contrast. Also we will practice our children and adult read aloud for library night. What a great learning experience. I am having a blast and look forward to the week in Torremaggiore!
This weekend has been very busy. Yesterday after school we had time to take a nap and relax in between lunch and dinner. It was great our bodies really needed the rest. I learned a lot in only two days at the school. It is quite interesting the students go to school 8:30 am-1:30 pm Monday through Saturday. That is very different from the United States. Also the head master is at both schools right and has to go back and forth. I found the school and children to still be under control without the head master being there everyday. I am so curious to see how next week goes when we are really working with the students. I am so grateful for Filomina, Giovanna and all the other teachers. This experience would not be as special without the help from the school.
Sorrento is beautiful. I am currently sitting in the lobby. Walking around the town and admiring Sorrento. Tomorrow morning we leave for Capri! Today was the first day at the school. It was such a wonderful experience. I am enjoying Torremaggiore the people are so nice and welcoming. I've learned a lot about the culture and how different it is from America. We all enjoyed a delicious meal for dinner at the bed and breakfast. After walking through the town tonight I leanred small phrases in Italian. I can't wait to see what else we have in store! I am very thankful for this opportunity and can't wait to go back to the school tomorrow!!!
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |