Week of Wins

This past week was quite possibly the best yet. For the past two months with the local network of English teachers, we had been planning "English Day" in Galvarino for 12 schools in the town and surrounding rural villages. Each school was to present an act (dialogue, dance, song, etc) in English. I decided to give freedom to my students to choose what song they would like to perform. I presented my eclectic library of music in English and while I was pushing for a Kellie Pickler line dance, was not surprised when they chose "Womanizer" by Ms. Spears.I choreographed a thematic dance with my seventh grade class in which the three boys donned in silver metallic masks essentially chased around the four girls in sequin hats. It was not a masterpiece and they had less energy than I would have liked but I was pleased with the participation.

The other component of the English Day celebration was a Spelling Bee in which one student from each school was coached and participated. I worked with two eighth grade boys during and after school drilling them on the English Alphabet and the one hundred included words. I was extremely impressed in how they participated and were motivated to learn from their mistakes (there may have been a bit of encouragement included in the form of candy and popsicles).I also coached the host Ignacio, and co-host Javiera, from my freshman level class on pronunciation and speaking skills (Foreign Forensics, if you will) and they blew me away with how well they represented our school.

Wednesday, November 7th arrived and Shannan came to assist me in the task of judging the Spelling Bee. It was held at the Rio Quillem Elementary School and many of the young students who I have met excitedly ran up to me with hugs and greetings. The Spelling Bee competition began and the nervous students took their places at the microphones. There were three rounds and all of the students passed the first round which was a relief as I hate to see disappointment in the kids that worked so hard. Cuento corto, my student Brayan fairly won 1st place!

Also, with my sophomores and juniors we have been working on comics, stories, and poems in English. I was reminded of my Spanish Poetry class at Marquette and how difficult poetry is in a foreign language. Once again, my expectations were exceeded. We brought a selection of the twenty best works to a Literature Exposition in Temuco with two students on Thursday. I had the opportunity to see Annie, Neal, Kelly and Kel- other volunteers who came with their schools. Each participant walked around, conversed IN ENGLISH, and voted on the best pieces. Upon the awarding of the prizes, one of my students won 1st place with his very well-written story on the future of the region accompanied by an incredible drawing. Better yet, he was one of the students we elected to represent the school and was able to receive his prize in person.

A few weeks ago, I had the feeling that I was not doing enough to help these students learn English. However, I realized that it is not just what I am doing it is giving them a vision. They announced to the faculty and school of our winnings. This made me most happy because it gives the students perspective that they can go out into the community and the world and participate with others . English is more than sitting in classroom repeating verbs and copying phrases. I hope that with my being here, these students are given hope and perspective in numerous aspects of their lives.

4th Graders dancing to Thriller

My girls!

Winners! My student second from the right next to my head teacher, Milton.

Christian, me, Milton and Jerson at the Exposition

And the final countdown has begun....exactly 3 weeks from today I will be in the Santiago Airport. Preparing myself for a week of bittersweet tears. #sentimental.