(In case you can't read it, it says, "I <3 Schol", not school.)
Once I saw this, I knew. Spain definitely needs me and English teachers like me!
I'm happy to help. :-)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Why Spain Needs English Teachers
I was walking around, clothes shopping when I saw this written on a sweatshirt.
(In case you can't read it, it says, "I <3 Schol", not school.)
Once I saw this, I knew. Spain definitely needs me and English teachers like me!
I'm happy to help. :-)
(In case you can't read it, it says, "I <3 Schol", not school.)
Once I saw this, I knew. Spain definitely needs me and English teachers like me!
I'm happy to help. :-)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Red Head
I wanted to write this story for quite some time. It happened at the elementary school I worked at last year.
In the first grade class, there was this cute little red head boy. He was quite a spunky fellow who was always the first to volunteer for any activity, holler whatever English words that would pop into his head, and dance and do spins on the ground whenever hip hop was played. He was also the first to throw up his hands in despair and give up. Quite a rumbustious personality. I liked him.
On this supposedly normal day, he had been complaining about a stomach ache. He would hold his stomach painfully and walk around like an old man. As the rest of the class worked on their projects, he would sit in his chair in quiet misery, staring numbly down at his desk. The teachers had wondered if they should send him home and ultimately decided to wait till recess, because 'recess cures almost all illnesses'. Still, I kept watching him from the corner of my eye, making sure he was alright. He pretty much just stayed quiet (which was quite abnormal for him).
About halfway through the class, his face suddenly lit up. He got really excited, ripped a small piece of paper from his notebook and wrote something feverishly on it. Then, grabbing the paper with his two hands, he raised it up into the air and, with a desperate look in his eyes, stared pleadingly up at the ceiling. Then, he quickly slammed this piece of paper on his forehead. He'd leave it there for a moment, then smack his head a couple of times with it and raise it up into the air again and continued to stare up into the sky. He did this a couple more times.
I couldn't hold on to my curiosity any longer so I walked up to him and asked, 'What are you doing?' He gave me this dirty look and shot one finger at me, silently telling me not to interrupt. I waited and continued watching him smack his head some more. Then, the bell rang. Recess time! So he jumped up with the rest of his class and ran out of the classroom.
I was left dumb struck, stunned by the spectacle as well as the sudden end of it. What exactly just happened here? Then I noticed that he had left the small piece of paper on the table. I picked it up and read it. It said:
'Dios, por favor cure.'
'God, please heal.'
Do you believe it? The red head was praying for God to cure him! But not in the normal let's-put-our-hands-together-and-pray. No, not for this boy. Instead, he choose to write it on a piece of paper and smash it on his head. It was great!
When I told the story to the other teachers, they obviously laughed. The Religion teacher said she was proud. He'd learned to ask God for everything.
As for the kid, I'm not sure if praying that way helped, but he made it through the day. As for me, I now have a memory that makes me laugh every time I think about it. And I also have something that reminds me of him... I kept the note. :-)
In the first grade class, there was this cute little red head boy. He was quite a spunky fellow who was always the first to volunteer for any activity, holler whatever English words that would pop into his head, and dance and do spins on the ground whenever hip hop was played. He was also the first to throw up his hands in despair and give up. Quite a rumbustious personality. I liked him.
On this supposedly normal day, he had been complaining about a stomach ache. He would hold his stomach painfully and walk around like an old man. As the rest of the class worked on their projects, he would sit in his chair in quiet misery, staring numbly down at his desk. The teachers had wondered if they should send him home and ultimately decided to wait till recess, because 'recess cures almost all illnesses'. Still, I kept watching him from the corner of my eye, making sure he was alright. He pretty much just stayed quiet (which was quite abnormal for him).
About halfway through the class, his face suddenly lit up. He got really excited, ripped a small piece of paper from his notebook and wrote something feverishly on it. Then, grabbing the paper with his two hands, he raised it up into the air and, with a desperate look in his eyes, stared pleadingly up at the ceiling. Then, he quickly slammed this piece of paper on his forehead. He'd leave it there for a moment, then smack his head a couple of times with it and raise it up into the air again and continued to stare up into the sky. He did this a couple more times.
I couldn't hold on to my curiosity any longer so I walked up to him and asked, 'What are you doing?' He gave me this dirty look and shot one finger at me, silently telling me not to interrupt. I waited and continued watching him smack his head some more. Then, the bell rang. Recess time! So he jumped up with the rest of his class and ran out of the classroom.
I was left dumb struck, stunned by the spectacle as well as the sudden end of it. What exactly just happened here? Then I noticed that he had left the small piece of paper on the table. I picked it up and read it. It said:
'Dios, por favor cure.'
'God, please heal.'
Do you believe it? The red head was praying for God to cure him! But not in the normal let's-put-our-hands-together-and-pray. No, not for this boy. Instead, he choose to write it on a piece of paper and smash it on his head. It was great!
When I told the story to the other teachers, they obviously laughed. The Religion teacher said she was proud. He'd learned to ask God for everything.
As for the kid, I'm not sure if praying that way helped, but he made it through the day. As for me, I now have a memory that makes me laugh every time I think about it. And I also have something that reminds me of him... I kept the note. :-)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A Greeting from the New Auxiliar
I am now in Linares, Spain working at a middle school. My supervisor wanted me to introduce myself and write something on a blog. Here is what I wrote.
-----
Only silence greeted me as I walked through the empty halls of Hermanos Medina Rivilla. I strained my ears, trying to hear any sound and only heard the almost inaudible murmurs of voices behind closed doors. Suddenly, a loud alarm filled the air, breaking the silence. I had the impulse to sprint through the double doors and run outside to safety, as far away from the boomerang-shaped building as possible. I expected to hear screams of panic as I imagined hundreds of students run through those same doors. However, instead, I heard screams of joy. It’s time for recesses! And I think, “Note to self: Another difference betweenSpain America
-----
Only silence greeted me as I walked through the empty halls of Hermanos Medina Rivilla. I strained my ears, trying to hear any sound and only heard the almost inaudible murmurs of voices behind closed doors. Suddenly, a loud alarm filled the air, breaking the silence. I had the impulse to sprint through the double doors and run outside to safety, as far away from the boomerang-shaped building as possible. I expected to hear screams of panic as I imagined hundreds of students run through those same doors. However, instead, I heard screams of joy. It’s time for recesses! And I think, “Note to self: Another difference between
I was asked to write on this blog and tell a little about myself, my past experiences, and what I think of this school. I guess I should start by introducing myself. My name is Melissa and I am an Auxiliar de Conversación in the I.E.S. Hermanos
Though I taught in an elementary school last year, I am now going to teach teenagers. Though this seems like a daunting prospect to some, to me it doesn’t bother me at all. I’ve had plenty of experience with teenagers, especially as a Director of Volunteers in the States. And anyway, I’ve always liked teenagers. I look forward to working with these teens and I am already amazed at their high level of proficiency in English. They are enthusiastic and energetic students, and I am honored in being able to take part in their growth and development in this language.
A big thanks to Miguel Angel for all his support! :-)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Poland Notes
As I sat at the airport in Warsaw, Poland at 3am, leaving my 1 month adventure in this beautiful country, I wrote some notes in my little notebook. They are quick scribbles and are my general impressions of Poland- things that for some reason or other have stuck out in my mind. There is probably a lot more I could write. I do not go in depth with what happened in the camp, the kids, the teachers, the trips, and the guests that I met during that time. That in itself is its own story. I only write my general impressions of this country. Please note that these are my opinions and nothing more. To make your own impressions, visit the country(then we can compare notes!).
Here is what I wrote, in no specific order:
(Below, I've written my notes in bold. The rest is a little extra info. )
-No highways. All small bumpy roads: The kids and teachers were embarrassed by their roads. They would shake their heads disapprovingly and say, "These Polish roads." Personally, I liked it. I thought it added personality to the country. Reminded me of Colombia. Except Colombia's roads are much worse-instead of bumps, there are freaking holes.
-Breakfast, Dinner = Same Food: For both meals, we were always served: bread, butter, jelly, cucumbers, tomatoes, red peppers, ham, and hard boiled eggs. Always. For 30 some days. It became a little tyring, especially for dinner, so we would eat out. We found great kabobs, pizzas, and hamburgers (great balanced meals! ). I never want to see cucumbers again.
-Lunch-SOUPS!: I have to admit, I LOVED the soups of Poland. They were amazing! I really need to learn how to make those soups. The next plate was usually some type of meat with cabbage or carrots, or both. And let's not forget the potatoes. They love their potatoes. (My roommate, "You guys definitely like your potatoes." Student, "It is like bread to us." Oh so very true! )
-Vodka (pronounced vudka) and Beer (Pivo): Spaniards like their Sangria and Calimochos. Italians like their wine and limoncello. Polish people's drink is vodka and beer. I would get an interesting reaction from different Pole's when I would say how Pole's like to drink vodka. Their response was almost always, "We don't drink as much as the Russians!" Is this true? Probably, but I'm not sure. Guess I'll have to go to Russia to find out!
-Don't like Germans and Russians: They really don't. And the truth is, I don't blame them. Before you judge their anger, do research in their history. I did and, honestly, I can't blame them.
-Most men, shaved heads: I can't believe how many buzz cuts I saw out there. It's the style most men have. Not many other boys had different hair styles. Not my favorite cut what-so-ever, but my roommate LOVED IT. Guess there's something for everyone!
-Houses: Colorful with extremely steep roofs. I saw the roofs and thought, "Oh boy! It really snows here!" From what I hear, they have 6 month winters. That's why I told my students I could never live in Poland because of the cold. But I could definitely visit in the summers!
-Communism's Influence: You walk around and you can see communism's influence. All apartments look the same-cold, old, cement blocks. Tiny cars. Heavy looking street washing machines. You can see the influence of it.
-Nature: Poland is filled with beautiful green forests. We went to Zakopane and that was truly spectacular. Mountains, trees, rivers, lakes. And everything so fresh. You could tell you were breathing in pure, fresh air. I definitely remember Poland for its nature.
-And ultimately, the sweet, kind people: They are truly great and wonderful people. When the students asked me what my impression of Pole's were, I told them what I just wrote- sweet, kind people. And then I told them that there is something more... something that I really couldn't describe without getting... well... poetic, I guess is the word. They asked me to say it anywayz and I said, "You guys have a light. It is not a white light, but a warm light that radiates from all of you. A sweet, calming gentleness that -radiates- from you. I don't know how else to describe it." They smiled and said, "Poland likes you, too."
Thanks! :-)
Here is what I wrote, in no specific order:
(Below, I've written my notes in bold. The rest is a little extra info. )
-No highways. All small bumpy roads: The kids and teachers were embarrassed by their roads. They would shake their heads disapprovingly and say, "These Polish roads." Personally, I liked it. I thought it added personality to the country. Reminded me of Colombia. Except Colombia's roads are much worse-instead of bumps, there are freaking holes.
-Breakfast, Dinner = Same Food: For both meals, we were always served: bread, butter, jelly, cucumbers, tomatoes, red peppers, ham, and hard boiled eggs. Always. For 30 some days. It became a little tyring, especially for dinner, so we would eat out. We found great kabobs, pizzas, and hamburgers (great balanced meals! ). I never want to see cucumbers again.
-Lunch-SOUPS!: I have to admit, I LOVED the soups of Poland. They were amazing! I really need to learn how to make those soups. The next plate was usually some type of meat with cabbage or carrots, or both. And let's not forget the potatoes. They love their potatoes. (My roommate, "You guys definitely like your potatoes." Student, "It is like bread to us." Oh so very true! )
-Vodka (pronounced vudka) and Beer (Pivo): Spaniards like their Sangria and Calimochos. Italians like their wine and limoncello. Polish people's drink is vodka and beer. I would get an interesting reaction from different Pole's when I would say how Pole's like to drink vodka. Their response was almost always, "We don't drink as much as the Russians!" Is this true? Probably, but I'm not sure. Guess I'll have to go to Russia to find out!
-Don't like Germans and Russians: They really don't. And the truth is, I don't blame them. Before you judge their anger, do research in their history. I did and, honestly, I can't blame them.
-Most men, shaved heads: I can't believe how many buzz cuts I saw out there. It's the style most men have. Not many other boys had different hair styles. Not my favorite cut what-so-ever, but my roommate LOVED IT. Guess there's something for everyone!
-Houses: Colorful with extremely steep roofs. I saw the roofs and thought, "Oh boy! It really snows here!" From what I hear, they have 6 month winters. That's why I told my students I could never live in Poland because of the cold. But I could definitely visit in the summers!
-Communism's Influence: You walk around and you can see communism's influence. All apartments look the same-cold, old, cement blocks. Tiny cars. Heavy looking street washing machines. You can see the influence of it.
-Nature: Poland is filled with beautiful green forests. We went to Zakopane and that was truly spectacular. Mountains, trees, rivers, lakes. And everything so fresh. You could tell you were breathing in pure, fresh air. I definitely remember Poland for its nature.
-And ultimately, the sweet, kind people: They are truly great and wonderful people. When the students asked me what my impression of Pole's were, I told them what I just wrote- sweet, kind people. And then I told them that there is something more... something that I really couldn't describe without getting... well... poetic, I guess is the word. They asked me to say it anywayz and I said, "You guys have a light. It is not a white light, but a warm light that radiates from all of you. A sweet, calming gentleness that -radiates- from you. I don't know how else to describe it." They smiled and said, "Poland likes you, too."
Thanks! :-)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Kid Love... AGAIN?!?
I'm in Poland where I'm teaching kids from middle school to high school. Their ages range from 13 to about 18 years old. This story involves one of my 15 year old classes.
It was the first time I met them and so I decided to play an introductory game. They made a circle with their chairs and faced each other with one student left standing in the middle. That student says, "I like.... (soccer, sun, etc)." and then the children who like the same things have to jump up and try to sit on another chair. The last person standing has to start the game over again.
I started the game and we started having a good time, laughing and running around (I like to play with the kids so the kids can learn a little bit about me too). Then, a boy with super short brown hair and blue eyes ended up having to stand up. He turned around and without any hesitation, looked me straight in the eyes and said "I like... YOU."
In my head, I was like, "HUH?!?!?"
But I couldn't just stare at him, dumb founded with my mouth wide open. So I jumped up and said, "Thank you." (though inside I was like, "WHAT DO I DO?!?!?!?").
The other kids were whispering to each other, staring at me and at the kid. You could tell in their eyes what they were thinking: He's got GUTS to say something like that! I had to respond and respond quickly. But what do I say?
And out of nowhere (and I'm not sure where it came from), I turned around, put my hands on my waist, and said, sounding insulted, "Hold on a second. Is he the ONLY ONE that likes me?!?"
The kids all stood up and changed seats.
It was GREAT! And like the other teachers said, "You sure got out of that one!" PHEW!
Kid love... again?!?!?! I thought Salvador was enough. Ah well... What can you do? We'll see how the rest of the month goes!
It was the first time I met them and so I decided to play an introductory game. They made a circle with their chairs and faced each other with one student left standing in the middle. That student says, "I like.... (soccer, sun, etc)." and then the children who like the same things have to jump up and try to sit on another chair. The last person standing has to start the game over again.
I started the game and we started having a good time, laughing and running around (I like to play with the kids so the kids can learn a little bit about me too). Then, a boy with super short brown hair and blue eyes ended up having to stand up. He turned around and without any hesitation, looked me straight in the eyes and said "I like... YOU."
In my head, I was like, "HUH?!?!?"
But I couldn't just stare at him, dumb founded with my mouth wide open. So I jumped up and said, "Thank you." (though inside I was like, "WHAT DO I DO?!?!?!?").
The other kids were whispering to each other, staring at me and at the kid. You could tell in their eyes what they were thinking: He's got GUTS to say something like that! I had to respond and respond quickly. But what do I say?
And out of nowhere (and I'm not sure where it came from), I turned around, put my hands on my waist, and said, sounding insulted, "Hold on a second. Is he the ONLY ONE that likes me?!?"
The kids all stood up and changed seats.
It was GREAT! And like the other teachers said, "You sure got out of that one!" PHEW!
Kid love... again?!?!?! I thought Salvador was enough. Ah well... What can you do? We'll see how the rest of the month goes!
Update
I have to apologize for my lack of updates on my blog. I'd like to blame the lack of Internet access in my little pueblo of Almorox, but I did stay in Milan for a little while with Internet access and still didn't get around to it. All I can do is say, "Sorry!!" And to give you a quick update on what's going on.
At the end of May, I ended the program in Almorox, Spain. I said bye to the kids, the teachers I worked with, my roommates, and Castilla-La Mancha. It was so sad! And I will miss that little pueblo. It was a great experience!
Once I moved out, I flew to Milan where I hanged out with my sister for about 3 weeks. I pretty much rested and had GREAT Italian food (my favorite! :-) ).
After that, I went to visit my friend Gerrit in Germany for a week. He invited me to visit him and took me all over Germany, from Berlin to Dortmund and Hamburg. I also had a chance to see some family. It was great!
Then, I went to Pamplona, Spain for the Running of the Bulls! That was crazy in itself and quite a lot of fun. Los Sanfermines have always been a great party. We had a blast!
And now, I am in Poland (I'm keeping busy in my summer in Europe!). I applied to an ESL Program where I teach English for 3 weeks and in the end, they pay for a one week tour around Poland. It has been quite an adventure, learning about a new culture that I don't know anything about. All I know is that the kids I work with are GREAT!! They seem genuinely interested in what I'm teaching them and are just good kids. I've been here for approximately four days and it has already flown by. I have a feeling that this month is going to go by as quickly! :-)
That's the update! I will try to update more often, though it is not easy for me to find Internet access here as well. I will do my best! :-)
Ciao!
At the end of May, I ended the program in Almorox, Spain. I said bye to the kids, the teachers I worked with, my roommates, and Castilla-La Mancha. It was so sad! And I will miss that little pueblo. It was a great experience!
Once I moved out, I flew to Milan where I hanged out with my sister for about 3 weeks. I pretty much rested and had GREAT Italian food (my favorite! :-) ).
After that, I went to visit my friend Gerrit in Germany for a week. He invited me to visit him and took me all over Germany, from Berlin to Dortmund and Hamburg. I also had a chance to see some family. It was great!
Then, I went to Pamplona, Spain for the Running of the Bulls! That was crazy in itself and quite a lot of fun. Los Sanfermines have always been a great party. We had a blast!
And now, I am in Poland (I'm keeping busy in my summer in Europe!). I applied to an ESL Program where I teach English for 3 weeks and in the end, they pay for a one week tour around Poland. It has been quite an adventure, learning about a new culture that I don't know anything about. All I know is that the kids I work with are GREAT!! They seem genuinely interested in what I'm teaching them and are just good kids. I've been here for approximately four days and it has already flown by. I have a feeling that this month is going to go by as quickly! :-)
That's the update! I will try to update more often, though it is not easy for me to find Internet access here as well. I will do my best! :-)
Ciao!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Baila el ChikiChiki (Dance the ChikiChiki)
In Spain, there is a wave of… something… going on. A craze? A fad? I’m not sure. But what I do know is that people are dancing, singing, and even making commercials of it. In Spain, the ‘Baila el ChikiChiki’ has consumed everyone.
Not just the young and defenceless. No. E-V-E-R-Y-B-O-D-Y! Old and young alike. Short and tall. With rhythm and without. Why, even my supervisor has been inflicted. At a wedding, he dressed up as a girl (pretty normal here in Spain) and, with his friend being the lead singer, sang and danced the ChikiChiki, twists and all.
It's like the new Macarena.
And it haunts me. I find it everywhere I go. Turn on the TV, a cell phone commercial sings the steps on signing up to their services. At work, every time I say 'Uno,' the children simultaneously break into song. (And you won't believe this!!! I'm writing this blog right now and the kids in the next class are singing it!) And even in travels, on the bus, they play it. And, of course, everyone joins in. They even made a CD with different versions of the song (example: ChikiChiki Rap version, ChikiChiki Techno version, ChikiChiki House version, etc).
And yes, I’ve been afflicted too. I couldn’t escape. When the songs plays, I sing. When it is time for the steps, I dance.
My name is Melissa and I have joined the millions of children and adults sing and dance the ChikiChiki. ¡YO BAILO EL CHIKICHIKI!
To see where this movement came from, please check the original video. You'll be shocked, maybe moved, but in the end, you'll end up liking it, if not dancing to it! Enjoy! :-)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=74mBEXL9UgM
Not just the young and defenceless. No. E-V-E-R-Y-B-O-D-Y! Old and young alike. Short and tall. With rhythm and without. Why, even my supervisor has been inflicted. At a wedding, he dressed up as a girl (pretty normal here in Spain) and, with his friend being the lead singer, sang and danced the ChikiChiki, twists and all.
It's like the new Macarena.
And it haunts me. I find it everywhere I go. Turn on the TV, a cell phone commercial sings the steps on signing up to their services. At work, every time I say 'Uno,' the children simultaneously break into song. (And you won't believe this!!! I'm writing this blog right now and the kids in the next class are singing it!) And even in travels, on the bus, they play it. And, of course, everyone joins in. They even made a CD with different versions of the song (example: ChikiChiki Rap version, ChikiChiki Techno version, ChikiChiki House version, etc).
And yes, I’ve been afflicted too. I couldn’t escape. When the songs plays, I sing. When it is time for the steps, I dance.
My name is Melissa and I have joined the millions of children and adults sing and dance the ChikiChiki. ¡YO BAILO EL CHIKICHIKI!
To see where this movement came from, please check the original video. You'll be shocked, maybe moved, but in the end, you'll end up liking it, if not dancing to it! Enjoy! :-)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=74mBEXL9UgM
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