week in review

Tuesday Morning
My first formal observation.

Far less intimidating than it sounds. The principal observed a science lesson I taught about the sense of hearing. Overall it went very well. I introduced senses by reading a book about the five senses. I then played a tape with various sounds and had the students guess what would produce these sounds. I also asked them to describe these sounds with loud, quiet, soft, etc. I originally intended to continue the listening and guessing activity until the end of the period but the students had other plans. They were very well-behaved but began getting antsy and I was having difficulties keeping them under control. So I improvised. I had students create a "storm" by rubbing their hands together, snapping, clapping and stomping to simulate wind, light rain, heavy rain and thunder. Judging by their drawings later, this activity made an impact; every single one had at least one component of a rain storm.

I was very pleased with the outcome of this experience. I was far less nervous about being observed than I have been in the past and it showed. In my feedback meeting the principal mentioned that I appeared very at ease and natural in front of the class. He gave fantastic advice that was very specific and tailored to my needs. He even told me to allow the students to be a little louder during my lessons. Thank goodness, I hate the pressure I feel in the U.S. to have a group of 20+ children sit silently while I talk at them. Totally not my style.

Tuesday Evening
When it rains, it pours.

I've never experienced a flood before so naturally I wanted to get all up close and personal.

I was informed later that this was not the most sanitary choice. Don't worry, I washed my feet after.

Friday
Back to the Federal Police.

What a nightmare. I won't get into all the hairy details but I will say that we spent approximately 8 hours there and experienced multiple mishaps that led us to believe that we wouldn't be able to get our paperwork finished. In the end, we got it all figured out. Thank God. I'm finally here legally!

Saturday
Day trip to Petrópolis.

Thais and her husband were kind enough to invite us to tag along on their little trip. Petrópolis is a historic city about an hour outside of Rio all nestled in the mountains. We took a bus up and the view was incredible. I've been very homesick for my Rocky Mountains lately and although nothing can compare, these mountains were right up there with the best of them. The twisting, winding road with waterfalls and places to pull off and enjoy the scenery reminded me a lot of Going-to-the-Sun in Glacier National Park.

In Petrópolis much of the architecture is preserved and now houses a variety of shopping and museums. We spent the majority of the day wandering around appreciating the buildings and scenery while shopping an sightseeing.

It's really a beautiful city, I wish I had taken more pictures.

After wandering around and getting lunch, Thais' husband requested that we check out Cervejaria Bohemia. I was a little unclear on what this place would entail but I'm pretty much down for anything.

Turns out it was a museum. A beer museum. Those who know me are thinking "Maria would never be interested in spending an afternoon learning about the beer-brewing craft." Well friends, when a museum is as technologically advanced and interactive as this one you could get me interested in learning about the history of ant hills for all I care.

beer river

I love technology

Free samples!
(Disclaimer: drinking age is 18 here)

Original brewery tour

Everything was fun to play with, the museum was thoughtfully laid out and the employees were phenomenal. Every single room we entered there was an English-speaking guide waiting for us to give us our own private English tour and explain anything that needed explaining. I was so touched by how thoughtful and enthusiastic everyone was. 

After the museum it started pouring and we were exhausted so we hopped in a cab and took the next bus home.

And finally, Today

One of the things I miss most from home is baking. It's kind of hard to find the proper baking materials here and they come in such large quantities that I've been trying to just hold off until I get home.

I couldn't do it. I finally broke down and bought some flour and baking powder and made some banana muffins.

Happy Sunday! :) Sorry for the obnoxiously long post.

sick day

Yesterday I was stricken with a terrible stomach ache for the greater majority of the day, so rather than working on TPA as I originally intended I spent the day sleeping and watching movies. And now I'm writing a blog post. TPA's not going anywhere, right?

sink and float lesson
As is characteristic of most sink and float lessons, I got a big tub of water and a variety of objects that will sink and float. I had students gather around on the carpet as I would hold up an object and they would vote on whether or not they thought it would sink or float. After putting it in the water we would then categorize the object by "sink" or "float."

The kids loved it. They got a little bit too excited and began shouting "yay!" every time I put an object in the water, but by the end I managed to have them under control for the most part. It's still difficult for me to figure out what an acceptable noise level is here. But I was very excited to see how engaged and excited they were about learning.

registering with the police
Because we will be here longer than a month the other student teachers and I have to go to the Federal Police and register. Friday was the last day we could go to register and what a fiasco it was. No one told me I had to bring this "visa application form" so I assumed it was unimportant and left it at home. That was silly of me. We ended up wasting a day because both Kelly and I did not have this document and could not register. Don't worry, I'm not being deported but it is a huge inconvenience for the school, which I feel terrible about. There will be a few people who will be receiving apology chocolate as soon as this ordeal is over.


Next week I'm teaching hearing and math and I have on observation that I'm a little bit nervous about. Today, I'm not sure what's in store. I'm certainly behind on the TPA but it's so nice out today, I think I can procrastinate a little bit further for a few hours at the beach.

shout out

WARNING: This blog post may be considered corny and slightly emotional. Reader discretion is advised.

I can't believe how wonderful my life is.

I am still dumbfounded that this unbelievable opportunity presented itself to me and that despite being terrified I took it. And here I am. Student teaching in this kind and welcoming school where I feel so at home. Almost four weeks in and I still have to take a moment every day to stop and appreciate that I'm actually here.

I also feel deeply appreciative of the love and optimism that I can feel emanating from my home over 5000 miles away. I am so fortunate to have such an incredible group of friends, family and mentors supporting me. I must be doing something right to have all these wonderful people in my life. I wish I could bottle all aspects of this experience and ship it to every last person who has been cheering me on.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

More beautiful pictures and teaching updates soon ♥