Un Gran Viaje! by Taylor Hall

I have so much to catch everyone up on! So far, my experience in Chile has been amazing. My host family is wonderful--I have a host-mom, host-dad, and host-sister, Sofia, who is in the 3rd grade at Thomas Jefferson. The first few days I was here the family took me around to different areas of Concepcion.

One of the most memorable places I visited was the fish market in Talcahuano, which was incredible! In my head I was picturing a local neighborhood seafood market, which is what I am accustomed to, being from New Orleans. Well, it was nothing like that. We parked the car and the second I stepped foot onto the pavement a huge whiff of fish hit my nose. As we made our way down the sidewalk towards the market there were handfuls of people selling HUGE crabs, freshly baked bread, jewelry, caramel popcorn, sausage, meats, fresh produce, etc. ... not to mention the sea-lions playing in the water nearby. When we finally made it into the market, it was a long and narrow open-air room. There were about 10 different stands set up with all sorts of fish freshly caught that day. In addition to fish, they had seaweed, oysters, shrimp, crabs, sea urchin (which I tried!), and mussels, that were straight out of the water. Being from the south, seafood is a huge part of my life. I LOVED seeing all the varieties in fish that Talcahuano had to offer. My host-dad, his brother, Sofia and I picked out some enormous crab claws, shrimp, sea urchin, and a white-flaky fish to bring home. The second we got home the family started preparing all the seafood for a grand almuerzo (lunch). So far, it has been my favorite meal!

This past weekend my host-family took me to their farm in Linares, North-East of Concepcion (about a 2 hour car ride). It is a small town with vast expanses of farm land. We pulled into the property Friday evening and were greeted by their 3 dogs. Two of the dogs were enormous, they looked like miniature horses! The other dog was a small Jack-Russell Terrier looking type. That night was pretty quiet since it was dark when we arrived. The next morning we woke up and went on a walk around the property. At the farm they primarily harvest blueberries, but they also grow an assortment of apples, apricots, figs, hazelnuts, and a few other fruits. It isn't blueberry season right now but all the bushes were a bright red color which was extremely pretty against the beautiful blue sky we had that day. I took lots of pictures of the dogs and the farm, but unfortunately I am having troubles uploading my pictures to the blog.

School is wonderful! My host-teacher, Miss. Maria Elena Hernandez is amazing, and I have really enjoyed my time with her so far and learning all that she has to offer about Science and American History.  This is the first year Thomas Jefferson is implementing American History into their Social Studies curriculum. My host-teacher teaches science to 1st and 2nd, and Social Studies to 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Currently, most of the Social Studies classes are learning about the Pilgrims, the 13 colonies, and the American Revolution. This class was perfect for me to be placed in because my concentration during undergraduate at LSU was American History. I love Miss. Maria Elena's lessons and all of her creative activities she has the students working on. Being in Social Studies is making me think about getting my Social Studies add-on certificate so that I can teach more grades!

I wish I could upload all the wonderful pictures I have taken so far, but hopefully next time I blog I will have found a way!

Getting Settled by Maddy Womack

Since I last posted things have only gotten more settled and more comfortable. It has been so great. Last week was my "Aunt Paty's" birthday, but she's more like an older sister. We went out and had pizza and some drinks Friday night, which was a lot of fun because I got to meet and talk with her husband, Raul, and her two friends. Paty and her two friends are also teachers at a different school!

Raul, Paty, me and Mike all having a great time!

Saturday night we had dinner with Fabiola's family to celebrate Paty's birthday with the whole family. It was so delicious! We had ceviche, awesome guacamole, tasty green sauce and tacos. Yum! All prepared with love by some true Chileans. Fabiola's parents do not speak English but they still make me feel right at home. The entire family seems very happy to have me, what more could I ask for?

The whole family talking and celebrating!

A better shot of all the delicious food!!

Our very own Chilean wine spokeswoman!

Sunday we went to the Universidad de Concepcion, which is where Fabiola and Juan Carlos both work. It was a beautiful campus with lots of happy people. There was a heritage festival going on so there were a few informational exhibits that were interesting, like one had a bunch of Chilean-native animals! There was a taxidermic puma, ostrich, birds, and bugs, spiders, fish and more! Very interesting, and Antonia seemed to enjoy it!

A "quad" area at Universidad de Concepcion with the Chilean and University flags flying

The week at school has been great so far. I really like and appreciate the teacher I am with. She has taught be a lot about classroom management. I also like her because she sets a great example. She does so much for the school, some not even having to do with music. She is very humble and admirable. In the classes, I have taught the younger kids the hokey pokey which they all love. We go around and each person takes a turn saying which body part you "put in." This helps them practice their english too! I have also taught the kids the song "My Bonnie," which my teacher realized is relevant because here in Chile, May is the month of the sea. "My Bonnie" has lyrics, "My Bonnie lies over the ocean, my Bonnie lies over the sea..." This is another exercise to practice english because before we sing, the kids have to explain the meaning of the english lyrics. The students' favorite, though, that I have taught them is the cup activity. Once the kids get the hang of it, the popular response is "De nuevo, de nuevo!!" (Again, again!!) Here is a video of the cup activity in the 3rd grade class.

The school really is a great place where kids learn, but play is accepted. Kids can be kids without question. It's definitely a change of pace, but it is very eye opening.

Teaching Tigers at Thomas Jefferson by Leah Katherine Saal

Our introduction to the Thomas Jefferson School (TJS) started with a grand tour from the classrooms to the art studio, the Taekwondo dojo, and the in-house welders who make the school's furniture. The tour was followed by a welcome breakfast.  TJS is so gracious, not only opening their classrooms to our students, but their hospitality and creativity as well.

No bullying, Dr. Denny!

The welders making school furniture. 

Enjoying breakfast

 

Last week was our first week in the school.  We have several teachers placed in the Education Parvularia (Preschool) in the Pre-Kinder and Kinder. As evident in songs, circle time, and snacks, May has been “Sea Month,” so the students’ curriculum has integrated all things sea from counting fish to the trip to the marine biology center in Allyson’s blog. 

Circle time

Under the sea...

We also have students placed in Education Basica (Elementary).  Several students, Margaret, Hannah, Gabby, Emily, and Kasey have all helped the school by substitute teaching for the first two days.  We are so proud that they were able to jump in and enseñar (teach) on day one.  Way to Geaux ladies!  Kasey will be filling in permanently for the science teacher while she is here, since the teacher is ill.  In Ensenaza Media (Middle Grades), we have students placed in matemáticas (math) and ciencia (science).  Loren is placed in art. They are working on everything from abstracto (abstracts) to representations of Mapuche (the indigenous people of Chile) folk tales.      

Kasey in Technology

Emily in 4th Grade Science

Margaret in 2nd and 3rd Grade Science

 

Beautiful by Reagan Mitchell

I often use the term beautiful several times a day to describe any and everything that evokes positivity for me. In my brief time  in Chile everyone around me has had to endure me saying beautiful repeatedly in regards to my experiences so far. Initially, I left the United States nervous with no idea of how anything would pan out. However, in my arrival I was greeted with warm smiles and tight hugs from my host family, very beautiful. 

On this trip I have been continually blessed with new friendships daily. In my first few days of being in Chile I was able to view some the wonderful sights and take some great photos. One of my favorite ones came from my trip to Altos Del Bío Bío. The drive was amazing and their is no feeling that compares to being on a windy road ascending and descending through the mountains.

I also had the pleasure of visiting the University of Concepción. The lush forests surrounding the campus create a beautiful backdrop. As we were exiting the university I took this photo in mid-day.

All in all, I am enjoying my time in Chile. Everyday I wake up I find myself continually more thankful for being given this opportunity.