A Reflection

It's been 11 days since we left Costa Rica. In the time that's past, I have slowly realized what this trip has taught me. I was already expecting to change at least some of my thought process and that happened. I expanded my horizons, saw new techniques, learned a better (and more fun) way to teach and gained empathy for the struggles of not only ELL students but any student that struggles.  

First, I have reaffirmed that I am not a cut out for elementary school. I do not have the patience for them. While I have mentioned this before, I feel it bears repeating because it is always good to understand ones weaknesses as well as strengths.  That said, I do love the little ones; their openness, excitement and willingness to learn.  There were very few students that we met that were not enjoying school. This seems so much different than schools at home. I don't know if it is because our students have a sense of entitlement or if it is because Costa Rica is so much more focused on education. I see Costa Rica and see how their learning is focused around the global community. The Costa Rican education system is focusing not only on their own country, but how they are an integral part of a bigger world. Students are learning to become good citizens of CR, good stewards of the environment and to improve and impact the world. In contrast, there is an adept sense of entitlement in the U.S.  The vast majority of our students have everything they need, textbooks, technology, Masters level educators; they have never known what it means to want.  They see education not as a life changing step; not a journey to a better life, but an annoying requirement with which they have to suffer through. This ideology I believe is the key difference in our culture and societies.

"Demonstrate, don't Translate." This is the motto of Dina, one of the English teachers we met. I found this particularly difficult because I knew enough Spanish to converse with them (and really wanted to practice!). Of course, the point of us going to the school was for her students to get as much practice speaking English as possible.  Dina, and others we met, believe in complete immersion.  We learned from her and personal experience that when someone can speak your language it makes you try less to make yourself understood.  This was something we were experiencing first hand in our host homes as well as our Spanish classes. Our Spanish immersion classes, while very instructive, had my brain going through sensory overload by the second week. Being at Dina's school also taught us how important it is to see to our students physical needs as well as their academic needs. All of the schools we went to were open air  
schools with plenty of breaks and time for students to process what have learned. This is particularly important because students have a hard focusing on what they need learn when their brains are overloaded and their needs are not being met.

More than anything, our Spanish class was what really helped me gain empathy for my students. We were only in class for 4 hours a day. ELL students have to sit in 8 hours of class every day, learning a language on top of all of the other subjects (in English). After our four hours a day I barely had enough brain capacity to do my Spanish homework. I can't imagine having to deal with double the amount of time, learning core subjects in that language as well as having to deal with a home life that is much different than those of their current peers. Many ELL's families are more connected than what you will find in your typical US household. Our students often have responsibilities at home other than doing their homework. This is something that I have learned to take into consideration.

 One school we went to (the Cloud Forest School) really piqued my interest. I have taken many classes that talk about the importance of project and inquiry based learning but I have not ever seen it put in place as it is at that school. At this school, I have finally seen what my professors were talking about and how school should really be.  It was awe-inspiring. The school was a little community unto themselves, each helping the others, working together in harmony and enjoying themselves.  I know that sounds a little crunchy but there it is.

Flexibility is also an important factor.  While there, things did not always work out as we would have them.  I have learned a greater range of flexibility and a more carefree attitude.  This will come in handy for several reasons. By being more flexible, I will be able to see the silver linings to what would otherwise be an annoying situation. I am also able to show my students that life isn't perfect and it is the way in which you handle those situations which truly shows your character. It is also lightens the stress I will feel by an incredible amount.

I have become a risk-taker. I wasn't sure I had it in me, but I am happy to say that I am and I do. I found out that I was able to let go during our zip lining excursion. In the time before we left, I was nauseous and got more so as our time got closer. After the first zip, not only did I feel better but I was eager and excited for the next ones. I need to come out of my box, try new things, incorporate new ideas and implement them in my classroom. I am now more than every excited and willing to do this.

Students in Costa Rica are risk-takers as well. While in the classroom, we were witness to students willingly, even eagerly stepping out of their comfort zones. These students are being taught to think outside of the box, that mistakes are ok and that the point of school is learning. They are taught everything in context and with relevance. There is conversation between teacher and students. The students I met are able to flourish and are given room to grow. I see the excitement of these students and see the future. Innovators that will take us into the next century.
I see a difference between these students and the students here in the U.S. Having been in a school system for a few years, I constantly see students who are not taking risks. They are not encouraged to; whether by parents, teachers or administrators.  I see many students who are only wanting to do the minimum amount of work to get by; and still some who aren't willing to do that much. Where is the risk? Where is the fun? We-the collective we (and the U.S. DOE) are hyper-focused on test scores, rigor and Title 1 grants than making sure that students are actually learning. Unfortunately, there have been times when I have seen students who have not done the required work being passed on to the next grade. There is no challenge, no risk for them, so why should they try? Our students aren't taught that mistakes are ok, and it is to their detriment.

This trip has also increased in me the desire to help students in poverty.  Seeing the need in La Carpio has solidified my resolve to help those who need it. There are so many children in this world who not only need an education to raise their families out of poverty but also want an education.  They know that a proper education is the only thing that will change their situation. One thing I have found is that the deeper in poverty someone is, the higher the need for an education and the more aware they are to that need. I know now that I will be looking for opportunities to work outside of the United States. Not because I don't want to teach in the U.S. but because the need is greater elsewhere and there is more flexibility within the classroom setting. The compassion I have and the need I feel to help is far outpacing my reasons for staying. If I do end up staying stateside, I know that I am now able to bring a higher level of empathy for my students as well as a richer and more cohesive cultural education for my students. Regardless of where I end up, I know that will have become a better teacher because of this trip.  I have made many friends, become part of a new family and will never forget my purpose.

I would not have had this life changing journey if it weren't for Dr. Powell. Her expertise and flexibility were invaluable and her love of teaching obvious. I can't imagine having a better professor to go with (though I hope someone will pick up the mantle). Thanks Dr. P for all the stories and life lessons!                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Last adventures and saying goodbye

I am writing this from home because I wouldn't have been able to write this properly otherwise. My stomach started acting up on Tuesday so most of my day was taken up with feeling like garbage. Nothing was really wrong other than indigestion from knowing that my time was coming to a close. My mood seemed to follow the ache in my heart (and my digestive tract) most of the week.   Regardless, Spanish class was an absolute blast with our maestro Carlos.  He is such a trip! I don't think he understood half our our jokes but it's all good. lol After the previous week of brain-deadedness, it finally seemed to perk up and start to work again.

We found a kitten. As Bailey, Tess and I were discussing a meeting time for the following day, a itty bitty kitty almost got rundown by a passing car. :(  Bailey insisted I take it home to my family (which I did) so it wouldn't die. My family decided to keep it, so they will always have a way to remember me. :) I named him Poco Loco...it was either that or Treintaycinco which translates to CRAZY in Tico.

Our last full day (Thursday) was ripe with adventures and sorrow.  I spent the first part of the morning feeling as if I was going to throw up and the second part completely revitalized. Why you ask? Well, because we were going ziplining; something this girl does not do. I have a fear of heights (drowning and small spaces...). But after we did a practice run. OMG it was amazing!! The freedom I felt gliding over the trees with the wind in my face...the lightness of my heart was indescribable.   The 8 zips we did were not nearly enough! We spent the rest of the day in our last Spanish class ( we learned a song that we sang at graduation...). That night I spent as much time as I could and got some last pictures with my Tico family before heading to bed. I haven't talked much about my Tico family in Monteverde. Primarily because we got along so well, I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.  They are a wonderful family and I love them so much. I know that we will continue to stay in contact for years to come.

Leaving is always the worst part about traveling.  I cannot adequately express the grief that I have felt. I have made so many new friends, had so many good times and learned so many things; even in the short amount of time I was there. It was difficult to leave. I know that part of my heart will always be in CR. I hope to return one day to visit friends/family and see what's changed and what has stayed the same. I hope to bring the family along next time.

I have learned a lot about myself on this trip; and for that maybe more than anything else I am grateful.

Arenal and La Fortuna

So I realize now, that I have not written about our weekend at Arenal. Javier and Braunier picked us up pretty early Saturday morning and we began our 4 hour journey to Arenal Volcano and the town of La Fortuna. We got to the town pretty early so were able to do a little sight seeing of the town and do some shopping. (I took a fabulous picture of the church with the volcano behind it...I will post it when I get home). We then went to lunch and trekked up part of the volcano where we got some of the most incredible pictures ever. [see my FB profile and cover pics] The hike was extremely steep and difficult as it was a new path that only opened recently.   That being said...it was worth the trip and the view is spectacular.

La Iglesia con Volcan Arenal

It has sparked a love of hiking in me [much to the surprise of my husband Chris!!]. It started to rain almost as soon as we got back in the van to head to the hotel. We had free time but were pretty much stuck in our rooms because of the storm.  It cleared up a little before dinner so we hit up the hot springs and then changed for dinner. We spent a relatively quiet night relaxing and then [I] got up for more time in the hot springs before packing up and heading out to see the La Fortuna Waterfall. We've seen many waterfalls since getting here but I will say that this one was amazing. You have to go down about 526 steps to get to the bottom where you can swim (we didn't), take pictures (of course!), and chill. I cannot even begin to describe what the view looked like but promise to post pics soon! <3 After climbing back up the steps we headed off to lunch and the 4 hour drive back to Monteverde. We got home about 6/630p and I pretty much headed straight to bed. This weekend was so incredibly relaxing. I felt at peace with the world when on the top of the look out point at Arenal and in the hot springs.  <3 Pura Vida is not just a saying here, it's a way of life!!

Cloud Forest School

This morning we got the chance to visit my Tico brothers school.  This school is amazing. It was started because parents noticed a lack of their children learning English and decided to change it. CEC is a small private school on approximately 106 hectares of land in Monteverde. The school overlooks the mountain range of Costa Rica. This school is much different than the other schools in CR. During our tour we were able to witness many things about this school that make it unique. First it is an open air school with buildings spread throughout the campus. This school of about 150 students houses PreK to 11th grade. Students at CEC are encouraged to think creatively and use whats around them. They are taught to learn by experimentation (project and inquiry based learning). Every student we saw was enjoying their lessons. They are teaching relevance in a culture rich environment. What could be better than to learn about Science and the environment than outside? These kids are not stuck staring at the same 4 walls. Even the classrooms have large windows. And they get a significant amount of recess! Their largest class right now is 15 students. I love this school for many reasons. The creative arts are evident here in everything they do. The students in each cohort are all friends and look out for one another. There seems to be no competition; this is cooperative learning at it's finest. Even as the different cohorts are groups of friends; the school as a whole is a family. Parents are extremely involved in this school. Students learn about 50/50 in English and Spanish. They are also able to reflect on what they have learned. There is a look out point at the top of one hill as well as many marked trails and a large soccer field and playground for students be active, reflective and learn to grow. This school environment is one that I wish we could replicate or modify for the US. I'm sure it's not perfect but it sure is a step in the right direction

Side Note: Ariel was extremely excited to see me and to have me at his school!  He came up to me several times and introduced me to his classmates. We didn't get to spend time in his class though. :(

Empowerment, education and poverty

This trip has solidified my resolve to help those in poverty. It has reminded me that these problems have not gone away and the need for empowerment and empathy for others is at its greatest point. People are people. I think that living in first world country we tend to group people into categories and take an "us and them" attitude. We also close our eyes to poverty if we are not currently or know someone experiencing it. I am more determined now than ever to change the path that we are on. To be a voice for those that have none. JK Rowling gave a commencement speech to the Harvard Class of 2008.  In her speech, she spoke of failure and that it is the "stripping away of the inessential". There are some days that I am so overwhelmed with the enormity of the situations of this world. I feel it pressing down on me and the burden that I have been tasked with. Education is key to reversing these desperate situations. Education enlightens us, it makes us realize that there is always more to learn.  More important is that with higher education comes better paying jobs and an improved lifestyle for those families. Though this is not always so...Our guide Javier told me about situations where white collar workers are unable to find jobs due to the government keeping old 'traditions'. This bears further investigation.

Here is some info I got from Javier:

Signs of poverty are everywhere in Costa Rica. In the province of Limon, Fruit companies such Dole and Chiquita have hectares of Pineapple and banana fields.  If you live in these areas, you are working in those fields. There is little chance for you to improve your situation due to the need and stability of the work. This work is extremely hard and laborious. The conditions conducive to the growth of these fruits are very wet and very sunny. Many girls who are in university cannot afford tuition so prostitute themselves in order to get through school.  [ this seems to parallel the US somewhat.] Human trafficking is really bad here; is mainly in the tourist areas and those who participate are EXTREMELY discreet. [I will talk further with Javier about this] There has been difficulty in many fields of study with the lack of jobs. Javier gave the example of Engineers, Doctors and Lawyers who are not able to practice due to a lack of location and equipment. The government does not want to pay for the younger more up-to-date doctors because they would have to pay them more than what they can pay 'several old dinosaurs" [this means that the new innovative techniques are being lost]    These people/men are now having to turn to tourism to feed their families. There are doctors working as chauffeurs; lawyers working as souvenir shopkeepers and engineers running destination activities.         

Reviews and Religion

My little Tico brother is so cute. Last week I was able to go to his end of year poetry review. Amabelize told me that the Cloud Forest school is the only school that does inquiry learning. It was wonderful to watch and see how proud he was about his performance.  I was surprised to see how much English the students know. The 10th graders we extremely well spoken. The school seems kind of crunchy but really cool. He is really excited for me to come see his school. We are only observing but I can't wait either!!


Friday evening I had interesting conversation with my Papa Tico, Fabian. It echoed a similar conversation I had with some of the girls at lunch. It initially started when I gave out the gifts I had for them.  One gift for Amabelize was a cross magnet with Romans 12:12 on it. She began asking me about the way we as Americans felt about the cross and how some Costa Ricans don't focus on that but more on Mary. Which makes sense because Costa Rica is a Catholic country.  We spoke of the meaning of God, different ideologies and foundations of the church and how it has been manipulated into something that is not what it was intended to be.  Fabian could not understand the difference between communing with nature because God is all around us and the formal structure of the church. At one point, the words we were using were not conveying our true ideas and beliefs that we ended up using Google Translator to assist us.  Our talk was amazing and really gave me insight to what they believe and how similar we are in our thought processes.

The school whose name we don't know (Los Llanos)

This week has passed by so quickly! We spent much of the week in Spanish class as well as strategy meetings with the Team Missouri for our school visit. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday we were able to spend some time in a school down the road from us. It is a very small school with only 94 students (I think). The 1st and 2nd graders we worked with had little to no exposure to English. We spent time walking around the school teaching them colors and emotions.  They were all so cute! While we were there we noticed that the small area they played in was littered with trash..We were given permission by the principal/teacher to clean up the area.  We went back to the school on Thursday but spent much of the time working with the students on Spanish Literacy. On Friday we were able to clean up the area; getting rid of old broken wood boards, broken furniture, paint, etc. We finished up right about the time the students broke for recess and morning snack. They were so excited that we had cleaned up the area and rearranged it so they could play.

As with everything here (and in education) we must learn to be flexible.  We had planned to be teaching most of the time we were there; that obviously did not happen.

Our Spanish classes continued this week. After a great first week, I was hoping the learning curve would continue. Sadly, it did not. My brain did not want to function this week at all and I had much trouble focusing and remembering the simplest things. It was a bit frustrating; even if we don't get "graded" on this class. I now have an idea of how ELL students struggle to learn sole in English; especially as their grades DO count. It must be dificult for them to not only have difficulty learning in English, but it is mentally draining.

Every day after our 4 hour class we are exhausted. I want to do nothing more that eat dinner and not do homework. I could not fathom dealing with that as well as the potential of having to care for younger siblings. We discussed the speed at which the schools/government  expect results and the testings that are used. My appreciation for ESL teachers has grown significantly.   Being a teacher is hard enough without the whole everything else they have to deal with.