This morning, I found out that the Maths teacher that I teach with was home sick. Tuesday is Irish dancing day, so our maths class is shorter than normal but I was able to teach all on my own. I think that it went very well. The students are moving along quite nicely although when we revisit fractions, I know we will be stalled again. Fractions are just such a difficult concept for kids. I remember quite clearly my own confusion.
Later on, I taught about snow to both of the Junior Infants classes. They are so eager to hear about snow as they really don't have any experience with it. I have two books about snow with me so I read one. They were very excited as it was a Charlie and Lola book ("Snow is My Favourite and My Best") and the kids here love Charlie and Lola almost as much as I do. We also made snow flakes to hang up. Next we are going to read Ezra Jack Keat's "Snowy Day" and make a snowman (out of paper, of course... unless there is a freak change in the weather in Western Ireland).
In my last class, we continued writing the story we started yesterday. I have been working on Cinderella stories with 3rd class. We have read all kinds of versions, including ones of different nationalities. We haven't found an Irish Cinderella yet (although I am sure there is one out there somewhere). We started with a story idea web yesterday and today we began to fill in a 4-square graphic organizer. They do not write many creative stories so it is kind of like starting at the beginning with basic story elements (beginning, middle, end, how to write dialogue, paragraphs etc). I think the story is going to be really great, but it will be a miracle if we can finish it on time.
Well, I would write more but I have been asked to make some drawings and things for a few teachers so I must get it done!
Slan!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Photos of London
Phone booths... of course.
Trafalger Square
St. Paul - where Princess Di was married
The London Tower Bridge from afar....
And close up!
The Tower of London
Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
The London Eye
Me and the city
Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords) and Big Ben
Trafalger Square
St. Paul - where Princess Di was married
The London Tower Bridge from afar....
And close up!
The Tower of London
Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
The London Eye
Me and the city
Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords) and Big Ben
Sunday, December 2, 2007
London Calling...
This weekend, Maggie, Jenna and I went to London! Although Maggie has been twice before, Jenna and I were first-timers. Maggie and I set off (following my carefully detailed itinerary) to catch the 3:30 bus from Listowel to Limerick. It was a little bit late and the weather was horrible (there was a huge storm this weekend). We arrived quite late to Limerick (by which point I was nearly hyperventilating for the fear of missing our connecting bus to Shannon Aeroport). When we got off the bus, there were probably 10 buses all around us. None of them were ours... and then they all left drove off leaving 3 people just standing there. Maggie, this other girl and I were left standing in the freezing cold rain outside the bus station wondering what to do. We had just decided to call for a taxi to take us all (the other girl also had a flight to catch), when I happened to run back and see our bus arriving. We bolted onto it (wet and cold) and headed off. It took us nearly twice as long as it should have to get where we were going because of the weather and traffic. I felt like we were inching along.
When we got to the aeroport, we had a very short queue to stand in (thank goodness!) and we rushed off to security. Then (of course) our plane was in the opposite part of the building and we had quite a ways to walk. We were the first in the non-priority queue and we got pretty good seats on the plane. However, the wonderful weather contributed to quite a bumpy ride so the flight wasn't the smoothest I have ever been on. We landed on time, though, at about 9.30 pm. We power walked our way through Stanstead and immigration (where we didn't get a stamp in our passports, sadly). We had to get some British money and then catch our bus to Finchley Road near our hostel. This was pretty much the nicest bus that I have ever been on. It had lovely comfortable seats, really nice seat belts (I get excited about silly things) and a camera on the front of the bus with a screen inside so we could see where we were going. The driver with the wonderful Cockney accent was also a perk.
There was about an hour bus ride to Finchley Road where we were dropped off. We had to figure out which way was which and we headed off to our hostel, which ended up being really close. This was a great hostel (and the first I have ever stayed in). I would definately go back next time that I am in London. It was a perfect location for the tube and the bus we used. We got checked in and settled, but I couldn't go to sleep as I was worried about Jenna finding her way. She came around 1.00am so we caught up and then tried to sleep.
We got up at about 7.30 so we could get breakfast (which was provided) and then head out for our tube. Jenna and I were going to go on one of those double decker bus tours and Maggie was heading off for other things as she has done that all before. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the London underground is unbelieveably easier to navigate than the one in NYC so that made the day a lot easier. Jenna and I got off at Baker Street (Sherlock Holmes, anyone?) and caught our tour bus. It was a cold day to be sitting out on the open top, but the views were worth it.
We saw just about everything from Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Picadilly Circus, Trafalger Square, Parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, Big Ben, Hyde Park, the Marble Arch, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, the Globe Theatre, and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (which was a serendipitous happenstance).
We jumped off the tour at about 1.25 and ran to the London Eye as we were to pick up our tickets at 1.30. This is when I started to panic about being able to find Maggie as the crowds were INTENSE. The queues were unbelieveable as well, but we found her, and got in line.... a really, really loooong line. I read (naturally) as we moved forward. The wait was well worth it as we got unparalleled panoramic views of London including seeing many of the sights we saw from the street. I am so glad I was able to experience it.
Afterwards, we headed off to Westminster station to catch the tube to Victoria to walk around before our appointment at the Goring Hotel for tea. I don't actually like tea or anything else that was served, but the it was all interesting to take part in. With all the elegancy, I was lucky not to pull an Erin and break a glass teapot. I sat as still as possible for the whole time we were there.
Next, was the Harrod's Experience. Oh my! I have never seen anything like it. You could get lost for DAYS inside this store. You cannot even imagine what it is like and I certainly cannot do it justice through description. When we got off the tube, the entire store was lit up by perfect Christmas lights and.... it was snowing! I know that I despise the snow, but even I had to admit how beautiful and surreal this was... a perfect London moment. I bought very little in Harrod's as I don't know if I want to be in debt until I am 100, but walking around the store was pretty much enough for me.
After Harrod's, we went off in search of the perfect Harry Potter tourist spot (outside locating Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), Kings Cross Station, Platform 9 and 3/4. Jenna had not one clue what we were talking about so when we ran through the huge tube station and train station and stopped in front of a wall to take a picture she looked at us and said, "ARE YOU KIDDING?!" It is a bit neurotic. I enjoyed seeing it though.
The only thing I desperately wanted to see still was the statue of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. We rushed off, but it was after 8 when we got there and the park looked eerie and closed. As I don't fancy climbing a fence and getting arrested, I decided I would wait until my next trip to London.
We headed back to our hostel to re-check in after that. I was thoroughly exhausted, but the girls wanted to change and go see Piccadilly Circus at night, as it is supposed to be very cool. I dragged myself off to see it. We met some interestingly dressed people on the extremelly crowded tube. We came back at about midnight. I showered and went to bed... so that I could get up at 4 am with Maggie to catch our bus to the aeroport. All went well and we got back to a turbulent landing in Shannon (it was still raining). After being in Ireland for 6 weeks, I was able to find my favourite kind of crisps at the duty free so we munched while we waited for our bus. We walked outside to gale force winds and piercing rain. Two buses later, we found ourselves fighting the wind up to our house from town. Maggie and I resolved to not leave our electric blankets for several hours.
Well, this was a very long account of my amusements in London. We have decided to write a book about doing all of London in less than 36 hours (and very little sleep). Perhaps I will get to work on that. After I am able to load and label about 115 pictures. I can only imagine what my Kodak bill will be when I return to the States in 2 weeks! Pictures are to come soon!
When we got to the aeroport, we had a very short queue to stand in (thank goodness!) and we rushed off to security. Then (of course) our plane was in the opposite part of the building and we had quite a ways to walk. We were the first in the non-priority queue and we got pretty good seats on the plane. However, the wonderful weather contributed to quite a bumpy ride so the flight wasn't the smoothest I have ever been on. We landed on time, though, at about 9.30 pm. We power walked our way through Stanstead and immigration (where we didn't get a stamp in our passports, sadly). We had to get some British money and then catch our bus to Finchley Road near our hostel. This was pretty much the nicest bus that I have ever been on. It had lovely comfortable seats, really nice seat belts (I get excited about silly things) and a camera on the front of the bus with a screen inside so we could see where we were going. The driver with the wonderful Cockney accent was also a perk.
There was about an hour bus ride to Finchley Road where we were dropped off. We had to figure out which way was which and we headed off to our hostel, which ended up being really close. This was a great hostel (and the first I have ever stayed in). I would definately go back next time that I am in London. It was a perfect location for the tube and the bus we used. We got checked in and settled, but I couldn't go to sleep as I was worried about Jenna finding her way. She came around 1.00am so we caught up and then tried to sleep.
We got up at about 7.30 so we could get breakfast (which was provided) and then head out for our tube. Jenna and I were going to go on one of those double decker bus tours and Maggie was heading off for other things as she has done that all before. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the London underground is unbelieveably easier to navigate than the one in NYC so that made the day a lot easier. Jenna and I got off at Baker Street (Sherlock Holmes, anyone?) and caught our tour bus. It was a cold day to be sitting out on the open top, but the views were worth it.
We saw just about everything from Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Picadilly Circus, Trafalger Square, Parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, Big Ben, Hyde Park, the Marble Arch, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, the Globe Theatre, and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (which was a serendipitous happenstance).
We jumped off the tour at about 1.25 and ran to the London Eye as we were to pick up our tickets at 1.30. This is when I started to panic about being able to find Maggie as the crowds were INTENSE. The queues were unbelieveable as well, but we found her, and got in line.... a really, really loooong line. I read (naturally) as we moved forward. The wait was well worth it as we got unparalleled panoramic views of London including seeing many of the sights we saw from the street. I am so glad I was able to experience it.
Afterwards, we headed off to Westminster station to catch the tube to Victoria to walk around before our appointment at the Goring Hotel for tea. I don't actually like tea or anything else that was served, but the it was all interesting to take part in. With all the elegancy, I was lucky not to pull an Erin and break a glass teapot. I sat as still as possible for the whole time we were there.
Next, was the Harrod's Experience. Oh my! I have never seen anything like it. You could get lost for DAYS inside this store. You cannot even imagine what it is like and I certainly cannot do it justice through description. When we got off the tube, the entire store was lit up by perfect Christmas lights and.... it was snowing! I know that I despise the snow, but even I had to admit how beautiful and surreal this was... a perfect London moment. I bought very little in Harrod's as I don't know if I want to be in debt until I am 100, but walking around the store was pretty much enough for me.
After Harrod's, we went off in search of the perfect Harry Potter tourist spot (outside locating Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), Kings Cross Station, Platform 9 and 3/4. Jenna had not one clue what we were talking about so when we ran through the huge tube station and train station and stopped in front of a wall to take a picture she looked at us and said, "ARE YOU KIDDING?!" It is a bit neurotic. I enjoyed seeing it though.
The only thing I desperately wanted to see still was the statue of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. We rushed off, but it was after 8 when we got there and the park looked eerie and closed. As I don't fancy climbing a fence and getting arrested, I decided I would wait until my next trip to London.
We headed back to our hostel to re-check in after that. I was thoroughly exhausted, but the girls wanted to change and go see Piccadilly Circus at night, as it is supposed to be very cool. I dragged myself off to see it. We met some interestingly dressed people on the extremelly crowded tube. We came back at about midnight. I showered and went to bed... so that I could get up at 4 am with Maggie to catch our bus to the aeroport. All went well and we got back to a turbulent landing in Shannon (it was still raining). After being in Ireland for 6 weeks, I was able to find my favourite kind of crisps at the duty free so we munched while we waited for our bus. We walked outside to gale force winds and piercing rain. Two buses later, we found ourselves fighting the wind up to our house from town. Maggie and I resolved to not leave our electric blankets for several hours.
Well, this was a very long account of my amusements in London. We have decided to write a book about doing all of London in less than 36 hours (and very little sleep). Perhaps I will get to work on that. After I am able to load and label about 115 pictures. I can only imagine what my Kodak bill will be when I return to the States in 2 weeks! Pictures are to come soon!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A Review of the Week
I honestly cannot believe that after tomorrow I only have 2 weeks left at Presentation Primary. I am in disbelief, but I am sure the sadness will kick in soon. My students know that my time is running out, so I am starting to collect handmade Christmas cards and other little things they are making me. One of the ones that I received today said I was the best teacher and she said that she wished that I didn't have to go. I was so touched to hear that from one of my students. I am glad that they also enjoyed the time I have spent teaching them.
This week, I started off with a rather hectic day. On Monday morning, I was headed into a classroom to teach a maths class, and I was summoned to the principal's office. I instantly wracked my brain trying to figure out what on earth that I could have done wrong. I came up with nothing. When I arrived at the office, the principal actually asked me to substitute teach for the day. About 5 or 6 of the school's teachers were sick and she wanted me to take over a 4th class. This is a class that I had never stepped into before. When I got there, I found out that I only knew one of the students. The other students knew that I was the American student teacher so they were excited. They also had seen some of the drawings and things that I did so they instantly asked if we could do art.
I could find no lesson plans or anything on the desk for me to follow. A student told me that they usually start with maths. I somehow weaseled the protocal out of the girls although they were reluctant to tell me that they begin each day with a quiz. We worked on the maths (fractions - ack!) and the girls were very good. After break, they normally have Irish and English. As I cannot teach Irish (for obvious reasons), I decided that we could do an art lesson. We no sooner had started it and passed out the materials, when a man showed up that I had never seen before and said it was time for a football (soccer) training. The girls didn't want to go as they had just started the project and apparently they thought they had been done with football.
After football we did English. They have so many books and workbooks for each subject in Ireland, it is difficult to keep track of everything you do. There is a stories book, a spelling book, a grammer book, a sounds book and a book about words just for English. We managed to get a good amount done before lunch. The afternoon consisted of them going to Ballyloughran for swimming that day, so I got to go on a little field trip, which was nice. Monday was definately a different experience that my normal days here.
The rest of the week has gone as usual. I have been busy in the evenings making signs, posters and other things for the teachers. I am glad that I can help out, however, I think I am going to have to buy new Sharpies when I get back!
My lessons have all been going very well. The students are very receptive and eager. The teachers really love my ideas which is good feedback. I had a little extra time with one of my junior infants classes this week, so I taught them a song (Down By the Bay) one day. None of them had heard it and they all wanted to sing it over and over so I decided to teach it to a few other classes too. The girls are now asking to sing all the time. In one of the classes, I have to wear a microphone because a child is nearly deaf, so that is a bit scary. Talking into the microphone is weird anyways as I realize how annoying my voice is, but then to sing! I should think that Shauna would be lucky not to be able to hear me!
Well, this post has gotten a bit long. I am going to head off to finalize plans for London tomorrow! Thanks for reading. See all you Americans in 18 days!
This week, I started off with a rather hectic day. On Monday morning, I was headed into a classroom to teach a maths class, and I was summoned to the principal's office. I instantly wracked my brain trying to figure out what on earth that I could have done wrong. I came up with nothing. When I arrived at the office, the principal actually asked me to substitute teach for the day. About 5 or 6 of the school's teachers were sick and she wanted me to take over a 4th class. This is a class that I had never stepped into before. When I got there, I found out that I only knew one of the students. The other students knew that I was the American student teacher so they were excited. They also had seen some of the drawings and things that I did so they instantly asked if we could do art.
I could find no lesson plans or anything on the desk for me to follow. A student told me that they usually start with maths. I somehow weaseled the protocal out of the girls although they were reluctant to tell me that they begin each day with a quiz. We worked on the maths (fractions - ack!) and the girls were very good. After break, they normally have Irish and English. As I cannot teach Irish (for obvious reasons), I decided that we could do an art lesson. We no sooner had started it and passed out the materials, when a man showed up that I had never seen before and said it was time for a football (soccer) training. The girls didn't want to go as they had just started the project and apparently they thought they had been done with football.
After football we did English. They have so many books and workbooks for each subject in Ireland, it is difficult to keep track of everything you do. There is a stories book, a spelling book, a grammer book, a sounds book and a book about words just for English. We managed to get a good amount done before lunch. The afternoon consisted of them going to Ballyloughran for swimming that day, so I got to go on a little field trip, which was nice. Monday was definately a different experience that my normal days here.
The rest of the week has gone as usual. I have been busy in the evenings making signs, posters and other things for the teachers. I am glad that I can help out, however, I think I am going to have to buy new Sharpies when I get back!
My lessons have all been going very well. The students are very receptive and eager. The teachers really love my ideas which is good feedback. I had a little extra time with one of my junior infants classes this week, so I taught them a song (Down By the Bay) one day. None of them had heard it and they all wanted to sing it over and over so I decided to teach it to a few other classes too. The girls are now asking to sing all the time. In one of the classes, I have to wear a microphone because a child is nearly deaf, so that is a bit scary. Talking into the microphone is weird anyways as I realize how annoying my voice is, but then to sing! I should think that Shauna would be lucky not to be able to hear me!
Well, this post has gotten a bit long. I am going to head off to finalize plans for London tomorrow! Thanks for reading. See all you Americans in 18 days!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday
Every Tuesday morning, I start the day with a half hour of Irish Dancing. This is always fun to watch and participate in a bit. I am certainly not going to come back an expert but I enjoy going with the girls. Here are a few pictures:
I have been working on writing a book with many of my classes. Both of the junior infants classes and the senior infants class wrote their own version of "The Magic Hat" by Mem Fox. I made the cover and they each drew and wrote a page. The junior infants were basically only able to write the name of an animal while the senior infants wrote a whole sentence. This is Ms. Regan's Jr. Infants Class with their book:
I have been working on writing a book with many of my classes. Both of the junior infants classes and the senior infants class wrote their own version of "The Magic Hat" by Mem Fox. I made the cover and they each drew and wrote a page. The junior infants were basically only able to write the name of an animal while the senior infants wrote a whole sentence. This is Ms. Regan's Jr. Infants Class with their book:
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thanksgiving in Ireland
This year, I was able to celebrate an American holiday abroad: Thanksgiving. I was unsure about how one would celebrate this holiday in a country other than in that of its birth. I was very well expecting to teach my students about it and have my first go at assembling something that I hoped would look and taste like pumpkin pie... but I had no idea that we would be invited for a full Thanksgiving feast! I also didn't know that my school would have the lounge decorated in American flags and have treats for all. I was touched to be able to share this holiday with so many others.
I successfully made a pumpkin pie although I very much feared that horrible things would happen to it. I don't even think that I have eaten pumpkin pie on more that 2 occasions in my life so I had no idea if I did it correctly. My first class students, however, absolutely loved the pie and were even very excited about the whipped cream I also brought. I wish I could have brought enough to make pie for all my classes, but I see 9 different teachers (although a few cater to the same students) throughout the week, so this might have been difficult to fit in my luggage. My lessons on Thanksgiving went very well. Information was shared, books were read, turkeys were drawn, thanks were given, and pie was consumed. All in all a very successful Irish Thanksgiving.
After school on Thursday, Maggie and I went to a local family's for dinner. They are also American and are here on a missionary trip. They have 3 daughters who were all wonderfully nice and we all celebrated together. They had made all of the Thanksgiving favourites! There was turkey (naturally), green bean casserole, yams, cranberries and rolls. It was delicious and friendly. We were even granted the great pleasure of watching the Packer game on Sky Sports as they ordered the channel for the night. The only way for it to have been more perfect was if we were able to catch the Macy's Parade. We did play Apples to Apples though, which I have sorely missed!
Thanksgiving was a great expereince, followed by a very relaxing (and, sadly, internet-less weekend) where I got many things accomplished. We spent a great deal of time with our host family as well, including attending their service on Sunday. They have their own church, which they have built so I was very interested to learn about another congregation.
I cannot believe there are less than 3 weeks left! So much teaching to do! So many places to see! I hope that I will share everything here with you!
Below are some pictures of my first class celebrating Thanksgiving:
More pumpkin pie enjoyment!
We made a chart talking about whether or not we all liked it and used it to talk of some mathematical concepts.
Drawing and cutting out all of those little pumpkins was a long but ultimately satisfying task!
This is rather unconnected with the theme of this post, but it is one more project that I worked on with my students. I also made the title that is placed in the centre, which took a great deal of time. Here 'tis:
I successfully made a pumpkin pie although I very much feared that horrible things would happen to it. I don't even think that I have eaten pumpkin pie on more that 2 occasions in my life so I had no idea if I did it correctly. My first class students, however, absolutely loved the pie and were even very excited about the whipped cream I also brought. I wish I could have brought enough to make pie for all my classes, but I see 9 different teachers (although a few cater to the same students) throughout the week, so this might have been difficult to fit in my luggage. My lessons on Thanksgiving went very well. Information was shared, books were read, turkeys were drawn, thanks were given, and pie was consumed. All in all a very successful Irish Thanksgiving.
After school on Thursday, Maggie and I went to a local family's for dinner. They are also American and are here on a missionary trip. They have 3 daughters who were all wonderfully nice and we all celebrated together. They had made all of the Thanksgiving favourites! There was turkey (naturally), green bean casserole, yams, cranberries and rolls. It was delicious and friendly. We were even granted the great pleasure of watching the Packer game on Sky Sports as they ordered the channel for the night. The only way for it to have been more perfect was if we were able to catch the Macy's Parade. We did play Apples to Apples though, which I have sorely missed!
Thanksgiving was a great expereince, followed by a very relaxing (and, sadly, internet-less weekend) where I got many things accomplished. We spent a great deal of time with our host family as well, including attending their service on Sunday. They have their own church, which they have built so I was very interested to learn about another congregation.
I cannot believe there are less than 3 weeks left! So much teaching to do! So many places to see! I hope that I will share everything here with you!
Below are some pictures of my first class celebrating Thanksgiving:
More pumpkin pie enjoyment!
We made a chart talking about whether or not we all liked it and used it to talk of some mathematical concepts.
Drawing and cutting out all of those little pumpkins was a long but ultimately satisfying task!
This is rather unconnected with the theme of this post, but it is one more project that I worked on with my students. I also made the title that is placed in the centre, which took a great deal of time. Here 'tis:
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Week Before Last
Author's Note: This would have been up much earlier had our internet not been down for several days. I apologize! More to come!!
I have gotten a bit behind in my updates so I have to quickly tell how the week before last ended! At the end of last week, one of the teachers asked if I could do an art activity as she saw the flowers that I had done previously. I had no idea what to do but I went online and did a little research and reading. I decided to introduce the idea of pointillism. I have a book that I brought with me called "The Dot" and I knew that the students would like me to read to them. It is about a girl who thinks she cannot draw or do anything artistic until her teacher encourages her and she ends up making tons of pictures with only dots and they are wonderful. As pointillism is an art of dots (using a lot of dots to create a solid picture), I thought that it tied in nicely.
The students did not initially believe me that people colour in entire pictures with dots. I showed them famous paintings and drawings that were created only using tiny dots of colours. They were amazed. The teacher said she would like them to create pictures of faces (which is a very hard thing to draw while only using dots!) so that is what we set out to do. I brought in my large and extensive collection of markers and the students set to it. They spent two days (one hour each day) working on these pictures and I think they started to really understand the concept. They aren't perfect, but I think that they are wonderful and all very individual. Here are some pictures of the students at work!
I have gotten a bit behind in my updates so I have to quickly tell how the week before last ended! At the end of last week, one of the teachers asked if I could do an art activity as she saw the flowers that I had done previously. I had no idea what to do but I went online and did a little research and reading. I decided to introduce the idea of pointillism. I have a book that I brought with me called "The Dot" and I knew that the students would like me to read to them. It is about a girl who thinks she cannot draw or do anything artistic until her teacher encourages her and she ends up making tons of pictures with only dots and they are wonderful. As pointillism is an art of dots (using a lot of dots to create a solid picture), I thought that it tied in nicely.
The students did not initially believe me that people colour in entire pictures with dots. I showed them famous paintings and drawings that were created only using tiny dots of colours. They were amazed. The teacher said she would like them to create pictures of faces (which is a very hard thing to draw while only using dots!) so that is what we set out to do. I brought in my large and extensive collection of markers and the students set to it. They spent two days (one hour each day) working on these pictures and I think they started to really understand the concept. They aren't perfect, but I think that they are wonderful and all very individual. Here are some pictures of the students at work!
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