First Day of School!

 We've decided to make the blog alternate teaching pairs, so today's blog is provided by Laura and Jenna Way.

Rick also thought it important to show everyone our lesson plan for today...so here it goes!

Essential Question: What makes a good story?

Objective: Learners will be able to identify the WWW How=2 What=2 at least 50% of the time, given that the teachers provide it in English and Xlosa.

Criteria for Success (Students):

Take Pretest. Make name tags. Present name tags. Read/Learn WWW How=2 What=2. Read Albert the fish. Go over WWW How=2 What=2 with Albert. Listen while we read aloud.

Criteria for success (Teachers):

Warm-up with introduction and Q&A. Give summary of the next 2 weeks. Model WWW How=2 What=2. Motivate with reading the story out loud.

Assessment:

Pre:  Pre-test

Formative: Questioning during direct instruction.

Summative: Exit ticket of WWW How=2 What=2

Closure: Exit ticket. "Think about the WWW How=2 What=2 as we read along with the story." Read the Magic Horns out loud.

Reflecting on today I think we are generally excited about what happened in the classroom. We did not actually get through the whole entire lesson, but we feel great about what we did get through. There was a clear enthusiasm from our students and our teacher. We started the day off with name, introductions, and what they call in isixhosa "jiva" (or dance for you Americans). We loved how they danced this morning and they generally captivated by the foreigners who just barged into their classroom demanding they dance with us.
There was a clear language barrier in the classroom which we saw not only in the pre-test but just in giving general instructions to the class. There had to be a lot of modeling to get them to understand as well as the regular classroom teacher working as our translator.
We used Albert the Fish to model the WWW How=2 What=2 (which is a strategy we are using to teach stories) and this was honestly the highlight of our day. Educators here call their students learners, meaning a very active role in the classroom and this is where it was exhibited most. We also didn't mind that they all burst into song and dance before we left (including the lunch ladies!!) It was a great end to the day and I think it is safe to say we both felt really appreciated and welcomed into our new home for the next 2 weeks (or 2 years if we have our way... PAY FOR US GOUCHER!!!)

Just hours after leaving Samuel Ntsiko, we feel more than anticipation, but a physical excitement for the next coming days. Who knew one could feel so welcome into a community after just a few hours? Obviously, not us... until now. That's all we have to say for now. Can't wait to tell you more!!!!!
 Enjoy the pictures!

PS! Holly, Vito, Tay & Soph! HEY I'M IN AFRICA! Everything is great and I can't wait to have my own classroom! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE & Hot sauce! (Jenna)

For Laura's blog readers...127 days!!!

In the classroom! Laura wasn't upset, she was just super impressed!

First day of school pic! Here you go mom and dad!