Bazaar. It's that special time of year when people are bustling to put up all of their Christmas decorations to welcome in the holiday season. Now, I'm from Minnesota. Where it snows...a lot...like it's supposed to this time of year. I didn't give it much thought prior to now but it's very weird to see Santa Clause leaning against a palm tree, penguin figurines everywhere, snow men next to HUGE flowers, and Christmas lights when it's 80 degrees outside.
Imagine this: Instead of putting up all of those outdoor lights and decorations while protecting against hypothermia, you could be doing it in flip flops, shorts, and a tank top, and probably break into a sweat and get sunburned. It's very different and I'm not sure I'm going to get used to it. The other day, I was speaking with another 5th grade teacher about how great the weather was. It was one of those perfect days; 75 degrees, a little windy, not humid. She said to me "doesn't this weather just remind you of Christmas?" Ummm...NO. Not even a little bit. It reminds me of the 4th of July, or Flag Day or something, but definitely not Christmas. Just an odd reality we are adjusting to down here.
Rachael and I have decided to spend the next few weekends around Santa Ana/San Jose. We are saving our funds for some traveling that will come when school is out. To be honest, we're both a little relieved to just be homebodies. We are both teaching full-time the next couple of weeks and we'll need the time to prep for that. Plus, we need to be saving money. Costa Rica is not as inexpensive as we were expecting. In fact, it's pretty similar to home in terms of food and transportation. I even pay more for rent here than home. We'll be learning together how to be creative money-wise when we travel.
The students are all gearing up for the end of the year. My fourth graders are using the last of their energy to commit to their projects. They are working hard and are actually more focused than I have seen them so far. On the other hand, the 5th graders are losing their minds. It's like trying to herd cats with them. They "graduate" on the December 2nd which gives them 2 weeks left. The last week doesn't really count since it's all testing. So, they pretty much know that they're all passing 5th grade and are moving up to the middle school, so they have this wonderful pre-teen attitude of "I don't care anymore." I think it's karma from when I was that age.
My cooperating teacher and I will be working hard this week and next to be sure that they are as focused...well...as productive as possible. At this point, we're working to use their energy and enthusiasm to allow for more choice in our structured activities and projects. The students are willing to do the work, but are so excited about being able to chose their topics, rather than being assigned. I think it will go really well. I hope so.
The fourth graders are taking another field trip this week to a coffee plantation. I haven't been approved to attend yet, but I am hoping I get to. The principal sees these types of excursions as being really beneficial to me as a new teacher, so that's great. She has been wonderful about being sure that Rachael and I are able to take advantage of every professional development related activity.
So, things are winding down for the students, as Rachael and I become more busy. I think this is a great opportunity for me to learn how to use the end of the school year "energy" and channel it into productive work. I hope it goes well! Does anyone have any questions about teaching/living in Costa Rica? I would love to answer them here :)
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