Wednesday 9-9-09!!!
Today we had language training and then I had my first observation in the classroom! I observed the classroom. She was a very good teacher. She used positive reinforcement and all the reading strategies I would have used.
I had to perform a reading test on one student in the infant I class (it would be considered Kindergarten in the U.S.). The Infant I teacher said to pick any child because none really know how to read. Therefore, I asked this one little girl “did you go to preschool?” She nodded yes. Then I asked her if she would read this story for me? She again nodded her head yes. Then the teacher came over to tell me that she doesn’t speak any English at all! She said there are six kids who only speak Spanish, K’ekchi or Mopan. So then I picked a new child and assessed him. He did not know his letters or sounds. I enjoyed my observation. It helped me see where Infant I children are compared to the U.S.
After lunch I had a frozen chocolate banana… so good! Then we had a session about our project plan with Austin the education manager. After that we worked on all our numerous projects… we have lots of work to do during training.
Then I went home for dinner. I did not go to the Jehovah Witness meeting with my family because I was too exhausted. However, Mrs. Kus stayed up until midnight to finish baking banana bread. Then she got up at 5am. (The maya women get very little sleep)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Market... and then slave cooking all day lol!
Tuesday September 8, 2009
The four of us went to the market today… (Kevina, Greg, Amy and I). We bought our food by using the language K’ekchi! It was quite the experience. (I had chocolate ideal… basically chocolate water ice in a bag). SOOO GOOD! Then we had lunch and then back to the resource center for Erin’s session.
After that we (the four trainees, my language teacher, and my host family) cooked from 3-7 making/killing the turkey!!!!! We ate at my host family’s house! We made a Belizean soup… it is a lot of work! All four of us trainees prepared dinner. But, it was also a lot of fun and I am gradually learning to cook!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
The four of us went to the market today… (Kevina, Greg, Amy and I). We bought our food by using the language K’ekchi! It was quite the experience. (I had chocolate ideal… basically chocolate water ice in a bag). SOOO GOOD! Then we had lunch and then back to the resource center for Erin’s session.
After that we (the four trainees, my language teacher, and my host family) cooked from 3-7 making/killing the turkey!!!!! We ate at my host family’s house! We made a Belizean soup… it is a lot of work! All four of us trainees prepared dinner. But, it was also a lot of fun and I am gradually learning to cook!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Trip to Punta Gorda!
Sunday September 6, 2009.
I believe today is Labor day in the states… however, we do not celebrate that here.
Today we travel to Toledo. I took so many picture… it was so green and beautiful. We had a fun bus ride… I bonded more with the ten education teacher trainers. I roomed with Emily. All the girls were supposed to sleep in the same room and play games (Apple to Apple) however, we were too tired because we traveled, went to dinner, and did a little touristing around Punta Gorda.
Monday September 7, 2009
There was a huge… and I mean huge lighting and thunder storm. Everywhere was flooded. The bridges that we needed to take were all completely flooded and we could not cross them. Therefore, we were not able to visit all of the schools that were on the agenda.
The schools (potential school sites) we visit are:
· Forest Home Methodist school
· Laguna
· Santa Teresa
· Silver Creek
· Big Falls
· Dangriga
The first school we visited was Forest Home Methodist School. I thought that school actually had very good experienced teachers with lots of resources.
Laguna was a very small school. It only had three teachers and 65 students. It was right in front of a huge mountain… that I would love to hike up on weekends.
Santa Teresa is the furthest school away… from civilizations (no water or electricity) Everyone predicted even my language facilitator thinks I will be here. However, Kevina and Greg really want to be there more than me because they want the hard core experience. (I just want internet… which I won’t probably get)
Silver Creek we did not see… because of the flooding. We saw Big Falls… I loved that school. They had lots of resources…. Internet and teacher books etc!!!!
Lastly we visited Dangrigia… we got to visit the Gurifina museum which was very interesting. The children were a little wild for me. They pulled my camera out of my hands and were screaming… I know I would need lots of behavior management plans if I was placed at that school.
We also visited the education department in Dangaria where someone will be placed. I don’t want to be placed there because that volunteer will not be working with children in schools L
It was a very long busy day… we had to wait 2 hours by the bridge while the city cleared the debris off of the bridge… we were supposed to get back at 4pm. I did not arrive back to my site until 7:30!
Then back to CBT (Community Base Training host family house)
GOOD NIGHT!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
I believe today is Labor day in the states… however, we do not celebrate that here.
Today we travel to Toledo. I took so many picture… it was so green and beautiful. We had a fun bus ride… I bonded more with the ten education teacher trainers. I roomed with Emily. All the girls were supposed to sleep in the same room and play games (Apple to Apple) however, we were too tired because we traveled, went to dinner, and did a little touristing around Punta Gorda.
Monday September 7, 2009
There was a huge… and I mean huge lighting and thunder storm. Everywhere was flooded. The bridges that we needed to take were all completely flooded and we could not cross them. Therefore, we were not able to visit all of the schools that were on the agenda.
The schools (potential school sites) we visit are:
· Forest Home Methodist school
· Laguna
· Santa Teresa
· Silver Creek
· Big Falls
· Dangriga
The first school we visited was Forest Home Methodist School. I thought that school actually had very good experienced teachers with lots of resources.
Laguna was a very small school. It only had three teachers and 65 students. It was right in front of a huge mountain… that I would love to hike up on weekends.
Santa Teresa is the furthest school away… from civilizations (no water or electricity) Everyone predicted even my language facilitator thinks I will be here. However, Kevina and Greg really want to be there more than me because they want the hard core experience. (I just want internet… which I won’t probably get)
Silver Creek we did not see… because of the flooding. We saw Big Falls… I loved that school. They had lots of resources…. Internet and teacher books etc!!!!
Lastly we visited Dangrigia… we got to visit the Gurifina museum which was very interesting. The children were a little wild for me. They pulled my camera out of my hands and were screaming… I know I would need lots of behavior management plans if I was placed at that school.
We also visited the education department in Dangaria where someone will be placed. I don’t want to be placed there because that volunteer will not be working with children in schools L
It was a very long busy day… we had to wait 2 hours by the bridge while the city cleared the debris off of the bridge… we were supposed to get back at 4pm. I did not arrive back to my site until 7:30!
Then back to CBT (Community Base Training host family house)
GOOD NIGHT!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Another day of training at the Resource Center...
Saturday September 5, 2009
Today we have language and culture 8am to noon. We learned a lot more vocabulary about family relationships part 1 and 2. Then I went home to have lunch with the whole Kus family. After lunch I go back to the resource center to chat about our school and principal observations. Then we all learned (again for me) how to give diagnostic reading assessments… such as DIBBLES… and the Caribbean Reading Assessment. From 3-5pm we do more language and culture: clothing part 1.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we have language and culture 8am to noon. We learned a lot more vocabulary about family relationships part 1 and 2. Then I went home to have lunch with the whole Kus family. After lunch I go back to the resource center to chat about our school and principal observations. Then we all learned (again for me) how to give diagnostic reading assessments… such as DIBBLES… and the Caribbean Reading Assessment. From 3-5pm we do more language and culture: clothing part 1.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Sessions at Peace Corps Headquaters
Friday September 4, 2009
Today we went to the P.C. headquarters. I love it because I get internet access. We took the bus to the headquarters (we were only 8 minutes late… even though the bus had to make so many stops.)
Today we had a lot of lecturing…
· Senator Hulse: lectured on the history and politics of Belize (he was an excellent speaker!)
· Then Antoinette Moore (a lawyer from NY, but now lives in Belize) lectured and we did activities on the diversity of Belize.
· All the trainees and I got two shots from the nurse today (Rabies 1 and Typhoid)
· After lunch we the country director (Steve Miller) talked about the policy in the Peace Corps. He discussed dress code and where about (meaning we can’t leave the country until we are officially a volunteer on Oct 22, 2009)
· Then Bryan Dwyer lectured on development in Belize (this was very interesting)
· Lastly the WID/GAD (Women in Development/ Gender and development) initiative and committee. I think I want to join this committee… I want to be a part of the girl’s summer camp called Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World).
When the day was over the education sector had to clean up at the headquarters. Then I was able to chat with people on the internet. I didn’t get home until 7pm. It was a very long day. I went to bed at 8pm and slept until 6:30 am! (I needed my rest… because I don’t know if it is allergies or not… but, I have been sneezing and blowing my nose a lot!)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we went to the P.C. headquarters. I love it because I get internet access. We took the bus to the headquarters (we were only 8 minutes late… even though the bus had to make so many stops.)
Today we had a lot of lecturing…
· Senator Hulse: lectured on the history and politics of Belize (he was an excellent speaker!)
· Then Antoinette Moore (a lawyer from NY, but now lives in Belize) lectured and we did activities on the diversity of Belize.
· All the trainees and I got two shots from the nurse today (Rabies 1 and Typhoid)
· After lunch we the country director (Steve Miller) talked about the policy in the Peace Corps. He discussed dress code and where about (meaning we can’t leave the country until we are officially a volunteer on Oct 22, 2009)
· Then Bryan Dwyer lectured on development in Belize (this was very interesting)
· Lastly the WID/GAD (Women in Development/ Gender and development) initiative and committee. I think I want to join this committee… I want to be a part of the girl’s summer camp called Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World).
When the day was over the education sector had to clean up at the headquarters. Then I was able to chat with people on the internet. I didn’t get home until 7pm. It was a very long day. I went to bed at 8pm and slept until 6:30 am! (I needed my rest… because I don’t know if it is allergies or not… but, I have been sneezing and blowing my nose a lot!)
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Busy, busy, and busy DAYS!
Thursday September 3, 2009
Today we had language class all day. I am trying my hardest/best… but, my problem is the pronunciation. I can learn and remember the words quickly; however, when I read dialogue… I often pronounce the words “goofy.” The other trainees say that it is my New Jersey accent… hahah…. And I don’t think I have a NJ accent, especially since meeting all the trainees they thought I was from down south because of my accent. I just think it is because I have a unique voice lol.
At 11am we went to see the principal at the local school in my village. She was nice and very informative. She has taught since she was fifteen years old.
Some information I learned about the principal and school:
· She puts her strongest teachers in infant I and II (meaning K and 1st grade)
· Most of the teachers at her school have an Associate’s degree (Two teachers do not have training.)
· Some of her standard II (2nd grade) children are really old some are 9-12 years old. This is because they stayed at home and did not go to school because there was not a school nearby.
· They built there school two years ago because they did a survey and found out that the children in the community needed a closer school… they would travel far to go to school.
· The first year they opened they had 3 teachers and 60 some students. The principal taught, as well as being principal too.
· Every year the school increases by 100 students. Therefore, in 5 years she sees the school expanding and growing!
· They beg and plead to get more buildings and resources for the classrooms.
· They have 30 acres, but have not expanded. They have room to build up to 6th grade.
· The principal does lots of things on the side… she has very busy days ( for example, she teaches first aid and is a soldier).
· They are working on their mission and goal statement. However, there motto is “Mold them for success”
For language/cultural experience we went on a bus ride for practice. We traveled far. We saw another school. Then we waited two hours to catch the next bus.
Random info I forgot to say…
- September is a big celebration for Belizean holidays (St. George National day, Independence Day and Carnival.)
- My family doesn’t celebrate birthday or the upcoming Belizean celebrations or Christmas (Because they are Jehovah Witnesses).
- Lashing and spanking are culturally accepted here.
- Some women in the town are tradition house mothers and there are also some that are trying to be modern by trying to support the family too.
- I brush my teeth outside with a bucket (I spit the tooth paste on the ground)
- I love the Volunteer lounge where I can get my pictures posted.
- My favorite quote from Amy is… We all have role models. Who is following you?
- The children have a uniform for each day (one for every day)… I think because it is so hot and it rains a lot that they need a different uniform for each day.
- Mrs. Kus told me that is way different … when she was growing up she only had 2 dresses for the whole year.
- My host mom was married at 17 ten years ago… so I believe my host mom is 27 years old. The kids are 10, 7, and 2. She said that is all she wants. Even though she grew up in a Mayan family of 12 kids… she said it is too hard and expensive to have that many kids.
- Jose (Amy’s host brother) when he fell he said… “I drop”
- Kids run down the road naked all the time.
- Marah was telling me that her friend from school had a rusty nail in the eye…it is life threatening even though she was sent to Belize City hospital… so sad.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we had language class all day. I am trying my hardest/best… but, my problem is the pronunciation. I can learn and remember the words quickly; however, when I read dialogue… I often pronounce the words “goofy.” The other trainees say that it is my New Jersey accent… hahah…. And I don’t think I have a NJ accent, especially since meeting all the trainees they thought I was from down south because of my accent. I just think it is because I have a unique voice lol.
At 11am we went to see the principal at the local school in my village. She was nice and very informative. She has taught since she was fifteen years old.
Some information I learned about the principal and school:
· She puts her strongest teachers in infant I and II (meaning K and 1st grade)
· Most of the teachers at her school have an Associate’s degree (Two teachers do not have training.)
· Some of her standard II (2nd grade) children are really old some are 9-12 years old. This is because they stayed at home and did not go to school because there was not a school nearby.
· They built there school two years ago because they did a survey and found out that the children in the community needed a closer school… they would travel far to go to school.
· The first year they opened they had 3 teachers and 60 some students. The principal taught, as well as being principal too.
· Every year the school increases by 100 students. Therefore, in 5 years she sees the school expanding and growing!
· They beg and plead to get more buildings and resources for the classrooms.
· They have 30 acres, but have not expanded. They have room to build up to 6th grade.
· The principal does lots of things on the side… she has very busy days ( for example, she teaches first aid and is a soldier).
· They are working on their mission and goal statement. However, there motto is “Mold them for success”
For language/cultural experience we went on a bus ride for practice. We traveled far. We saw another school. Then we waited two hours to catch the next bus.
Random info I forgot to say…
- September is a big celebration for Belizean holidays (St. George National day, Independence Day and Carnival.)
- My family doesn’t celebrate birthday or the upcoming Belizean celebrations or Christmas (Because they are Jehovah Witnesses).
- Lashing and spanking are culturally accepted here.
- Some women in the town are tradition house mothers and there are also some that are trying to be modern by trying to support the family too.
- I brush my teeth outside with a bucket (I spit the tooth paste on the ground)
- I love the Volunteer lounge where I can get my pictures posted.
- My favorite quote from Amy is… We all have role models. Who is following you?
- The children have a uniform for each day (one for every day)… I think because it is so hot and it rains a lot that they need a different uniform for each day.
- Mrs. Kus told me that is way different … when she was growing up she only had 2 dresses for the whole year.
- My host mom was married at 17 ten years ago… so I believe my host mom is 27 years old. The kids are 10, 7, and 2. She said that is all she wants. Even though she grew up in a Mayan family of 12 kids… she said it is too hard and expensive to have that many kids.
- Jose (Amy’s host brother) when he fell he said… “I drop”
- Kids run down the road naked all the time.
- Marah was telling me that her friend from school had a rusty nail in the eye…it is life threatening even though she was sent to Belize City hospital… so sad.
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Wow… I never realized how much I appreciate air conditioning.
Wednesday September 2, 2009
Today we went to the Peace Corps Headquarters to have a training session. It was very nice because we had air conditioning and a regular bath room… not a latrine. Also, it was normal washing my hands…. Regular soup and running water!!! (At my host family’s house I wash my hands in a bucket and some powder soap. )
Also, I got internet access to upload pictures and post things to my blog. VERY HAPPY!
Also, today we had a guest speaker who was supposed to come. She never showed. Ms. Ginnie said that is normal. In Belize people are always late (they are on the Belizean time) and sometimes people just never show. So I should expect that to happen often.
The highlight of my day was that my host mom really wants to teach me how to be a “Maya” woman. So she woke up at 3 am to prepare for her day. She told me to get up at 5 am to prepare lunch with her (so I did!!!). She wants me to cook, clean, and take care of the house.
She is definitely a perfectionist. She said it was because if things weren’t perfect in her house when she was growing up she would get a lashing. For example, my tortillas are not perfect circles lol. She said if her tortillas weren’t perfect circles she would get a lashing from her father. Another example, was if the floor was not swept correctly she would also get a lashing. She is not that strict with her kids… however, she still is very traditional and expects perfection from her children. (They are very well behaved kids!) I love them!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
Today we went to the Peace Corps Headquarters to have a training session. It was very nice because we had air conditioning and a regular bath room… not a latrine. Also, it was normal washing my hands…. Regular soup and running water!!! (At my host family’s house I wash my hands in a bucket and some powder soap. )
Also, I got internet access to upload pictures and post things to my blog. VERY HAPPY!
Also, today we had a guest speaker who was supposed to come. She never showed. Ms. Ginnie said that is normal. In Belize people are always late (they are on the Belizean time) and sometimes people just never show. So I should expect that to happen often.
The highlight of my day was that my host mom really wants to teach me how to be a “Maya” woman. So she woke up at 3 am to prepare for her day. She told me to get up at 5 am to prepare lunch with her (so I did!!!). She wants me to cook, clean, and take care of the house.
She is definitely a perfectionist. She said it was because if things weren’t perfect in her house when she was growing up she would get a lashing. For example, my tortillas are not perfect circles lol. She said if her tortillas weren’t perfect circles she would get a lashing from her father. Another example, was if the floor was not swept correctly she would also get a lashing. She is not that strict with her kids… however, she still is very traditional and expects perfection from her children. (They are very well behaved kids!) I love them!
Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
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