Teaching English to the kids at the jardín has turned out to be one of my favorite volunteer activities! Seeing them last Monday, after having been in Peru for a couple of weeks, I realized I had actually missed them… a LOT. They are so adorable, and I have become attached to them in little ways. It has been so wonderful to see how much they have grown, and how much they have learned these past few months.
Now, Gretchen and I are teaching farm animals and we have decided that part of the lesson plan will be singing, “Old McDonald.” Friday, when we first presented the song, Gretchen and I, with Tías Nina and Adriana, were rolling with laughter. I think the kids were more entertained by our brief moments of uncontrollable inappropriateness, than by the song itself, but it was fun either way.
The following picture is of Gretchen, playing “ha llegado carta,” with the kids. This game involves yelling out that a card has arrived, to which the kids respond, “for who!?” And that is when we call up one of the little cutie pies and tell them to find a certain animal (but, this can change depending on what we are teaching).
Nayelin, deep in thought, trying to decide which animal is actually the sheep.
Every Monday, one of the classes presents a mini-show for the rest of the children. Our hope is to have our kids act out an “Old McDonald” show on a Monday! Of course, the song will be sung in Spanish (which will present the farmer as Tío Sam, rather than Old McDonald), but all of the animals will be sung in English. Not sure how this will end up turning out, but we will be practicing!
The following picture is of this week’s show. The theme was mining, so they dressed as miners and danced to a song about minerals.
Our Monday and Friday mornings spent at the jardín are so much fun, and I have enjoyed every minute with the kids. Well, in all honesty, I should phrase that, almost every minute, as there have been moments of frustration as well. Although I really love working with them, I know for sure I was not meant to be a teacher! But, I like to think as time goes on, I have come to accept that little kids, are just being little kids : )
¡¡E-I-E-I-O!!
