In October we were learning about the phases of the moon. To help the kids remember the difference between full moon, new moon, first quarter, and third quarter, my teacher and I had each student show these with Oreo's. Each student was given four Oreo's and had to use the cream filling to show what each phase looked liked. They all LOVED this activity! Could be because they got to eat the cookies afterwards..... Yeah, come to think of it, it was probably that! Here are some pictures of the kids work!
Along with learning about the moon we were learning about how the Earth rotates and that is why it is dark on one side and light on another. To help the students really grasp this idea we skipped my mom in Illinois. When it was 1p.m. in Spain, it was only 7 a.m. in Illinois. My mom told the kids how she had just gotten up and hadn't even had breakfast yet. They told her they would be eating lunch soon and had just finished their break. But the real thing that helped my students grasp the idea of light/dark on different sides of the Earth was when my mom showed them the view out of our front door. In Spain it was sunny, but in Illinois it was still dark. They were amazed at how different things could be in two different parts of the world! It was very cool to see their reactions and to hear them talk about it with their parents later!
Later in October the first, second and third grade classes went on an excursion, or field trip, to see a play. The name of the play? I forgot. But I do remember it was about pirates!! I was so excited to go so that I could practice my Spanish. However, it became quickly apparent I was going to understand nothing from this play. They were all talking so fast and with the loud noises from props...I just sat there in a confused daze. When my kids laughed, I laughed. When my kids were sad, I was sad. It was great. Here are some pictures of the kids getting ready to see the play!
Next, it was time for Halloween!! To help decorate the halls, the students made spiders, ghosts and pumpkins. Every teacher also decorated their door! Some had vampires, ghosts, witches, or haunted houses. Here are both second grade doors.
In Spain, when people dress up for Halloween they do so to be scary, not for fun. So when I showed up as Little Red Riding Hood, all my kids asked me, "Are you zombie Little Red Riding Hood?!" They were very disappointed and confused when I said, "No, just a regular Little Red." Many of my kids were vampires, devils, witches, or zombie-something. After doing a parade around the school, all the kids did a dance to Ghostbusters and then had recess for the rest of the day.
In November we learned about the seasons and the weather. It just so happened that it was snowing back home in Illinois during this time. It's rare for it to snow in Madrid, so I had my mom take some pictures of the snow. The kids loved it! And it was a great way to show how different weather can be in different parts of the world. While it was snowing in the United States, it was sunny and warm in Spain. Along with learning about types of weather, we learned about three different types of weather instruments: rain gauge, weather vane and thermometer. Some of the students went home and made these instruments!
Finally, it was time for my favorite holiday: Christmas!! Similar to Halloween, the kids made presents and ribbons to decorate the halls and the teachers decorated their doors. However, there is one big difference in decorations and celebrations. Many people in Spain celebrate Three Kings Day, which is on January 6. During this time the Three Wise Men bring the kids presents. Some students celebrate both Christmas and Three Kings Day. To incorporate both holidays the Three Kings and Santa could be found throughout the school. The students also wrote letters to the Three Kings during class. Another decoration that surprised me was a Belen, or a Nativity Scene. As soon as you walked into the school you saw a long table with a very elaborate Nativity Scene. You would never find that in a public school in the States. It was gorgeous!! On the day before break started the kids had held a small Christmas program for the school. My family was visiting during the time and my mom was able to come to school with me for the day and join in on our Christmas/Three Kings celebration! Throughout the day the Three Wise Men and Santa went to each classroom to collect letters and give candy. The rest of the day the kids colored and listened to Christmas music. After the kids left, the teachers all had lunch in the school. It was definitely a good start to Christmas!!
Now it is the new year and we are back at it! The second graders are writing to pen pals to my elementary school in the states. When they got back they received their letter from their pen pal. They loved learning all about their friend and could not wait to write back!! Here are some of my kids with their letters.
I have truly had an amazing first semester and cannot wait to see what this semester brings!
Hasta luego!
