Challenge
Challenge is a curious word. By itself, it brings to mind a test of will or strength. It can also remind one of a time or a person that might have tested them or engaged them in a battle of some sort. Although the Peace Corps training schedule shows Challenge Week as the upcoming week, the small group of trainees working at Timehri Primary brought it forward one week on the calendar. Naomi, Kaylee and I planned a Literacy Fair for after hours this past Thursday due to testing next week. We hoped for a better turn out that way. It was, indeed a challenge. The day started off with a dousing from Mother Nature and she kept it going most of the day. Our initial plan to create various tables outside soon became a dismissed notion and we were forced to place all of our literacy stations around the area used by 2 6th. grade classes. The children were super excited and I think we had an amazing turn out. We had given bookmark style flyers out and asked the children to return on Thursday with them to color and laminate. We had no idea that most of them would be clueless about what a bookmark is. They were just excited to color and sticker them. It led me to the next idea that perhaps a book club would work out so they can see how reading can be fun and help build creative thinking!
Evidently, our intention to have parents and school staff was poorly relayed. Even though we had attended the PTA meeting only a week earlier, we had no real committed folks. Although a few teachers wandered in and out, none were actively engaged. A handful of parents attended and took on duties the three of us doled out. Again, Peace Corps had our backs. At one very hectic moment I looked up and saw a couple of staff members and many fellow trainees talking and helping the children. What a relief! There was a table with puppets, a phonics area with game playing, an area to color aside a table with tongue twisters and the song area. Of course there were various areas where a book could be picked up and story read. During one brief dry span we took the kids outside for a word relay. These Guyanese children are highly competitive and really enjoyed that!
The time is now! That is Naomi, Kaylee and I letting community know they are invited.
Above: Ms. Layne ~ Head Miss likes the puppets. Below: Kaylee and Naomi bag egg balls.
We asked for baked goods and got a little of everything.
Children show off their colored (coloured) and decorated book marks.
Song and puppet areas.
Getting ready for relay race.
Acrostic poetry with Naomi's help above. Below: PC trainee, Erika dropped by and read with children.
We learned a LOT by putting on this event. Ms. Layne says she wants to continue the tradition! That's the Peace Corps notion....sustainable!
Our large GUY26 group has two training sites. This week, the Coastal Education trainees were fortunate to take a road trip to Laluni, about an hour away. This is the Hinterland trainee site. It was great to see another bit of this beautiful country and do training in someplace different. We were greeted with the Education portion of the Hinterland folks singing a nice welcome!
Many of us presented a model lesson to our peers and staff. We were provided feedback right away and it was a great learning tool. Prior to going, I was quite nervous about the notion of presenting an elementary lesson to my peers. However, it was all left behind and I did it fearlessly and survived! We enjoyed a short walk to another host family property. The motor cross style road created uneasiness going out and returning for a couple of people!
Clothes drying under house to be protected from rain and birds.
Hinterland training takes place in this church.
Laluni School
Not to be forgotten, our partners in the health arena dropped by for a Self Esteem talk with 6th graders earlier in the week. The kids found them engaging and really liked the fact that they were given permission to yell the definition of self esteem!
All in all, it was a great, productive week. I bid you all good cheer and well wishes. Until next time.....
Evidently, our intention to have parents and school staff was poorly relayed. Even though we had attended the PTA meeting only a week earlier, we had no real committed folks. Although a few teachers wandered in and out, none were actively engaged. A handful of parents attended and took on duties the three of us doled out. Again, Peace Corps had our backs. At one very hectic moment I looked up and saw a couple of staff members and many fellow trainees talking and helping the children. What a relief! There was a table with puppets, a phonics area with game playing, an area to color aside a table with tongue twisters and the song area. Of course there were various areas where a book could be picked up and story read. During one brief dry span we took the kids outside for a word relay. These Guyanese children are highly competitive and really enjoyed that!
We asked for baked goods and got a little of everything.
Our large GUY26 group has two training sites. This week, the Coastal Education trainees were fortunate to take a road trip to Laluni, about an hour away. This is the Hinterland trainee site. It was great to see another bit of this beautiful country and do training in someplace different. We were greeted with the Education portion of the Hinterland folks singing a nice welcome!
Many of us presented a model lesson to our peers and staff. We were provided feedback right away and it was a great learning tool. Prior to going, I was quite nervous about the notion of presenting an elementary lesson to my peers. However, it was all left behind and I did it fearlessly and survived! We enjoyed a short walk to another host family property. The motor cross style road created uneasiness going out and returning for a couple of people!
Those inclined to get car sick better be in front!
Not to be forgotten, our partners in the health arena dropped by for a Self Esteem talk with 6th graders earlier in the week. The kids found them engaging and really liked the fact that they were given permission to yell the definition of self esteem!
All in all, it was a great, productive week. I bid you all good cheer and well wishes. Until next time.....
Thanks for posting this. Love the island spirit in the pictures. You are doing such good work.
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