What a Life to Live

What an amazing experience this has been. Last week, I taught every subject except for math. The week incorporated learning and engaging lessons. Each day I learn more and more about myself as a teacher and the students strengthen want to be a teacher. On Tuesday, I was observed during my science lesson by the principal who is my supervisor here. I was very nervous at first and wanted the lesson to go smooth. Once I started, I focused on the students and the nerves went away. This lesson was about erosion and ways to slow it down. I incorporated an erosion picture match, their own thinking on ways to slow erosion down, and research on the iPads of different ways and then a drawing of it. When they were researching and using the iPads it was great to hear their conversations about erosion and their sharing of when they have seen it in their life. In reading, the students created their own fairy tale play. They had to create the characters, plot, and dialogue. Then on Friday, they acted their plays out in a Readers Theatre. They enjoyed this as they got to create their own props and it was up to them to complete the task. During their work time they were engaged and working together. When given just enough guidance they accomplished writing their own plays. On Wednesday, we had our Professional Development after school and for the community building piece we did a scavenger hunt around the campus. My team consisted of the second grade team and two other teachers from the early childhood house. We ran around campus in our tennis shoes and dress pants haha! In the end we can in second place but had fun completing the hunt. One thing I learned from this is that when you are hot and sweaty from running around campus a nice place to cool down is the guidance counselors office as it has air conditioning. We all made ourselves at home as we were relaxing before getting to work on our curriculum. One thing about me is that I have become more confident in the community here. When I first arrived I was shy and timid but now I am confident and am able to go to the store and not be scared. Gaining that confidence has been huge for me as I am still learning Spanish and now know my way around Santa Ana. One neat place down the road is called the Container Platz. It is a bunch of restaurants made from shipping containers. Each container has different food and it is all very good. Over the weekend I went to the La Paz Waterfall and Garden which is located in the cloud forest and rain forest. It was absolutely amazing. One thing I learned from this trip was to check the weather before leaving. Luckily we took our raincoats as it was chilly and rainy. We were not prepared for the cold as we were wearing shorts but made due with wearing our raincoats. I was able to see so many animals such as a toucan, sloth, butterflies, monkeys, frogs, snakes, big cats, birds, and insects. While visiting the toucans I got to kiss one! Then after seeing the animals my friend Jen and I hiked to the waterfalls. They were breath taking to see. Throughout the hike we saw beautiful flowers and greenery. We did get our money worth as we were there all day- online it recommended staying 2 hours! Then on Sunday, I went to the market which I got some delicious fruits and veggies and then I ventured to Multi Plaza de Escazu which is a huge mail close by. I did some shopping but my favorite purchase is my koala shirt. Then I met my friends for dinner at the Container Platz. Yes, I enjoy going there! Only 3 more weeks here in beautiful Costa Rica. Time to soak every moment up and learn as much as I can!