amigas y visitas

Last week was a busy one.  We had a wonderful group from new York visiting and working at the school, and former teacher Jen is here!  So even though it was busy...it was filled lots of good company--good conversations--and good food.

On Sunday, we ran a 10K in San Juan.  It was fun to be able to do this with my old race buddy (and some new ones).  I came in 5,524th place!

School has been going well, too.  I think I've finally shaken the stubborn headache that I've had off and on for weeks, so I was a lot nicer to the kids than I have been in a while.  I think we all appreciated that.  Here's a video from my devotions group (actually, it's really Stefanie's group now--I just get to participate and enjoy).  

These boys may be famous one day, and I want you all to remember that they got their start in Classroom #2 at the Evangelical School for the Deaf.  I present to you the Devo Boys...

repetición

Gaby and Saúl have been learning addition with carrying.  They caught on to the concept pretty quickly and are steadily refining their new-found skill.

I have tried to be creative in giving the boys lots of practice.  I really hate giving kids endless piles of worksheets, so I hit the art room in search of inspiration.  Here are some of the things we’ve done.

  

Pipe cleaners and makeshift dry-erase boards

 Stamps and big note cards on the floor

The stamps were a big hit!

I’ve been using a battery-powered Bingo game to randomly distribute numbers for all the activities.  This has been one of the best things to happen to math class.  I think the boys would add all day if it meant that they could keep pushing the red and blue buttons!

¡a jugar!

It was a fairly normal week at school, but I think my favorite moment was today's play time.  Often, play time consists of the kids all doing their own things:  one practicing guitar, one playing violin, one doing homework, two riding bikes, and a few catching grasshoppers and lizards.  But today was a school-wide play session in the courtyard—the kids were laughing and running, footballs and Frisbees were flying. 

At first, I was a mere observer sitting at the picnic table nearby.  I was soaking in the sun and enjoying the display of carefree exuberance before my eyes.  Then Gaby walked out of the play closet with two Styrofoam “swords”—one pointed in my direction.  

Apparently, I was being challenged to a duel.  I’m not one to pass up a challenge. 

It was the duel of the century—complete with severed limbs, decapitations, sneak attacks, CPR, and miraculous healings.  It could have been a movie.  

My first year here, I was always outside playing with the kids, but recently I don’t get out as often.  I seem to be in my classroom getting ready for the afternoon or supervising the punishment of children who forgot their homework.  Today reminded me how much I love playing with the kids.  It’s the kind of interaction you just can’t get in the classroom.

innovación

Here is one of Brendan's latest creations...an old lawn mower and a plastic seat.  It's a big hit at play time!

I'm just glad I rode it before the helmet, life vest, and glasses were required!  

My favorite moment was probably when our dear friend Hector took a turn. 

 

There's something irresistible about getting the chance to be a kid again!