Thursday, July 12, 2012

2012: Teamwork Takes Time

The girls need to be encouraged to work in small groups. On certain days, I divided the girls  into groups of four to partner read a book and then discuss the theme, setting, etc. Teamwork was discussed and practiced beforehand. We need to, "Be positive, encouraging, and patient." Dr. Suess, a popular author among the girls this year, was chosen for our first group reading session. His books are engaging and enjoyable to kids of all ages.  See above for photos and a video of the girls working together on their reading skills.

2012: Dr. Suess is loved world wide!



Returning to Nicaragua for the fourth summer felt like returning home. It was easy to get back into the swing of things. My first Nicaraguan moment brought me to tears – all four family members (Leonela’s new son Josue included) waved at me frantically though the enormous, glass window that divides the baggage claim from the waiting area. After passing through customs, my homestay family welcomed me with hugs and tears, as they now consider me part of the family, and Doña Ivania considers me her “eight child.” “Eres mi hija Americana….o hija adoptiva!” Doña Ivania, my homestay mother gushed, as she and my brother and sister enveloped me in a large group hug. Translated it means, “You are my American daughter…or adopted daughter.” I couldn’t feel more at home with them – and I am a tía (aunt)! Josue is 6 weeks old and couldn’t be cuter. It feels so easy to live day in and day out with them. I feel lucky to have a home away from home.

The reading workshops have been under way and the girls are enjoying literature class. Gabi, another Haverford volunteer, has been a great partner teacher. Upon arrival, the girls immediately started to ask me, “Margarita, are we going to do reading class like we always do? Can we start right now?”  It was great to see them so invested in the love of reading. We started each day with a read aloud during lunch. The girls have been banned from talking during meals, so I deemed it appropriate to pick out engaging books to read them during this time.
After eating, we then proceeded to the library and got to work. We would read another story as a group, discuss the meaning or moral of the story, as well as the characters and the setting. Among the girls’ favorite books were Oh the Places You’ll Go, Green Eggs and Ham, and The Lorax by Dr. Suess.  Somehow, Dr. Suesss managed to rhyme many of his phrases in Spanish as well as English. Clever man or whoever translated his books! After reading a read-a-loud each day, Gabi and I then helped each girl pick out appropriate books for their reading levels. The girls easily fell into chairs and immersed themselves into their books. Every day I have been pleased to see the girls so focued. Reading is such a great escape from the everyday world.