Ecuador-bound: La Jolie

6-15-11

Today started off cloudy with an unbelievably fresh breeze for the coast, which was welcomed since it’s been so hot and humid. For breakfast, we ate ham and cheese sandwiches (note: for breakfast!) and orange juice. We were off to school for another day of teaching kids who are unable to read. We’ve noticed that they all love to copy whatever is written on the white board and/or what is written as examples in their English notebooks. Since there are now five volunteers here working at the school, it is great to split up and help students individually. This seems to help because we can focus on the needs on each student. For example, one of my students requires repetition as a teaching method. Even though they are learning just a few words in English (Good morning, afternoon, evening), they have trouble looking at the word, pronouncing it, using it in conversation, etc. I’ve also come across a problem with the students even knowing the difference between a “question” and “response”, even if I explain the phrase in Spanish first, and then explaining what it means in English. Like I said earlier, they are very talented at copying things, but not knowing what it is that they are copying. We’ve tried multiple strategies in order to sway this way of learning, including using songs, conversation, games, performing, etc., so I’m not sure how to lead them in the right direction of actually “getting it”. Another thing about the school we are working at: the teachers of the individual classrooms randomly leave during the morning. There is a teacher who rides his motorcycle to school who just up and leaves, to go to the store to get something, go to the doctor, or just to go home. He leaves his class unattended, so that means more work for us of watching over two classes instead of just one. I now understand why most of the students are behind in school and don’t understand the concept of actual learning instead of copying. After a long morning of teaching and pretty much babysitting an unattended class, we headed back home for lunch. Doc and I hopped on a bus and walked to the school for the open office hours for his clinic. People actually came! :-) I was John’s interpreter, which was pretty cool since I had never done that before. I was able to explain to the patients what John told me. We were able to give recommendations to the patients and they seemed satisfied and grateful. There were only three people (a father, mother and child) who came, but we were thankful we were able to help them! Instead of going home right away, we went to Atacames for various things; one to sit down, have a cup of coffee, and eat danishes/”dulces” at a local shop that looked legitimate. Well, the coffee, to find out, was instant, the dulces were dry (not moist) and completely unsatisfying haha. I don’t know what I was expecting…

When we arrived home, Andrés and some of the other volunteers wanted to play Cuarenta and Rummi, and of course, I joined them. For dinner, Rocio baked pizzas and they were delicious! Not a lot (or hardly any) cheese on them, but that was what was so unique about them; you could really taste the home-made sauce and veggies/pepperoni on the pizza. Tea to finish off the night!