Candy

So, everyday we have been at Carmel High School we have students walking to the classrooms or the teacher workroom with a tray of candy. What a treat - literally! These children are so delightful! Today was our last day at the school - not enough time! It was a busy day and I started with a science lesson about the nervous system with a sixth grade class. They had already learned about it so I was just coming in to reinforce (hopefully). We created a comic strip illustrating how the nervous system works when we hurt ourselves or smell or hear something and how the nerves send messages to the brain....it was fun - there were a lot of talented artists in the class. We shared for a bit then I was able to give out some Colorado presents to them all (pencil, postcard or bracelet) They were excited to get some presents! Second period I observed an 11th grade literature class. They were reading Tolstoy. It was mostly lecture and workbook but students also came to the front and read different excerpts. They also use the marking the text strategy which I really like. Third period I went into another 6th grade class and had the students read the "get to know me" sheets that my 4-5th graders made in May. The sheet had their name, age, where they were born, hobbies and favorite foods. We read a few of them aloud and then I had the girls make their own that I could share with my students when school starts back. We talked about differences between the American students and themselves, but also how they are alike. 4th period I taught the science lesson again to another class and it went really well - they are so attentive!

At the end of the day we met with a few of the teachers and shared our observations we noted when we were in their class and their observations when they watched us. We talked about strategies and limitations. I think some struggles they have are the curriculum is very strict and needs to be followed so its difficult to add collaborative activities, the limit of space in the classroom is also hard. Lastly, they mentioned that parents aren't always open to these types of activities. They expect their children to learn as they did - lecturing and memorization type things. There is such a push for children to get into science and math fields and the pressure is intense I think. They want them to do well in the exams so these other learning opportunities aren't something they want to see. However, we all realize they are great ways to learn and the children want the variety. I don't know the answer...??

We were fortunate enough to be invited upstairs to see the chapel and the common areas that the sisters stay in. We sat and had Jackfruit (delicious) and chatted for a bit. Such nice and wonderful people, we wish we had more time.

We felt so welcomed by the teachers, students and sisters. It just shows that there are amazing people all over the world and we have so much to learn from each other. I think world travel should be a requirement for all people. It also makes you appreciate what you have as well. We signed a few autographs (for the girls) and went back to the hotel to pack for our trip back to New Delhi.