Model School Week

Getting the room ready for the children.

On Saturday we had everything ready for students on Monday

This past week was the climax to the technical training – a week of teaching at a summer reading camp – “Model School”.  Each day was about a 1/2 day of teaching and about 3/4 of a day to prep for the next day – or so it seemed.

I taught with two other trainees – Libby and Hannah.  We had a master teacher, Nadia, to help us out during the week.

We had an under the sea theme and taught first graders.  We taught various reading practices and skills.  Each day we would teach 2 or 3 lessons, serve snack and lunch, and then get the kids on the bus.  We would meet after class and prepare lesson materials for the next day – making adjustments as required based on feedback.

It was very challenging at times -  but also very useful and helpful.  So happy to have done it, so happy it is over.

Queue pictures of children:



Co-teaching with Libby

Working with a small group 
Proud students completing a group project


Teachers and students - last day

Ice cream and good-byes on the last day

  

Next week


Monday and Tuesday are carnival holidays in St. Lucia - it seems rather like Mardi Gras.  There will big parties and parades in the capital on the north part of the island (I'm in the south).  I don't think I will be going - fighting the crowds and traffic and all that.

 On Wednesday we find out which island will be home for two years.  In addition to St. Lucia there are three other nations in the Eastern Caribbean hosting Peace Corps volunteers: Dominica, St. Vincent, Grenada  – all doing early literacy project.  Those leaving for other islands will travel on Friday.  Almost everyone will be moving in with a new homestay family as the trainees on St. Lucia and the other islands move to their site communities.  One trainee may be assigned to the local community here – so they might not be moving.

We will then have 4 weeks of language and island specific training before swearing in.  After swearing in we will move out of our homestay and into our own accommodations.

 I'm thinking that I will be going to a different island - but have no idea.  I'll go anywhere PC needs me, but we all have preferences where we think we would like to be placed.  With travel and a new homestay - I might be radio silent again for a time.

Health


 Yesterday I went to the ENT and eye doctor.  No more infection!!  The eye doctor thinks that the eye was likely the source of the infection.  I agree and I'm glad I have a clean bill of health.

Love always,

John

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