Independence Pics

First Day in Red Bank

Yesterday was our first day to teach in Red Bank. It was a little hard at first,because the teachers and students are very reserved They speak softly and the children took a while to warm up and interact with us. It was really neat to see the differences between their schools and ours at home. They get a fifteen minute break in the morning, lunch, and a fifteen minute break in the afternoon. Almost all of the children walk to school and they play outside the school while waiting for the bell. Once they warmed up to us, they were so sweet and full of bright smiles. I can't wait to see how day two goes!

First Day at Red Bank Village School

Sorry for the delay in posting.  The Internet has been slow to non-existent.  We tried the "Power Down- Power Up" routine tonight, so hopefully it will be better tomorrow.  The UofL students were awesome today.  They worked in a variety of classrooms.  They learned a lot about culture, schools, and found that children are children wherever you go.  Here are the pics from Red Bank.   I'll post the Independence pics early tomorrow. 

Margaret Pentecost

Adapting..

Adaptation seems to be the name of the game in Belize.  The heat is not too bad--you just need to find a shady spot once in a while--and the schools themselves are honestly not too different from ones which one might find in the US.  What one must adapt to is the combination of factors:  the dizzying blend of languages (Creole, English and Spanish in varying amounts) and the different school culture. 
     I walked into the classroom unaware of what to expect, and received a surprise almost instantaneously:  there would be no classroom teacher.  So, without knowing school routines, rules, or expectations (or even having a lesson plan beyond the first hour of the day) I had to muddle through somehow.  Thank goodness that Marg was in the room with me at the moment we found that out, she volunteered herself to help me out throughout the day.  This was much needed.  Evenbe though there were only twenty-four students in the room, they were as rambunctious as would be expected with a teacher gone and two foreigners trying to figure their way through the day. 
     At the end of the day, everything was fine.  As all teachers know, no matter what the bell rings at three thirty and what you remember most of all are the kindness of the children.  They are kind, outgoing, and even the ones that tricked you or teased you all day end up warming your hearts.  The energy and life that one gets from working with young students is universal; the day was long but I cannot wait to go back tomorrow.

--Jason Van Cleave (MAT--Middle School Language Arts)

Cultural Day

Since our first day was a Belizean holiday, we visited the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich (Stone Lady).  We had a great time learning about the history of the Mayan people and viewing and then climbing to the top of the temple.  The ruins are spectacular!  We saw a toucan and an iguana.  Several students took turns at the hand cranked ferry.  Lunch at the Orange Gifts cafe.  Had a little problem with our vans as our registration had expired on Saturday, and just like in the US on a holiday weekend, the police had several road blocks up to check.  We ended up having to meet the car rental folks to get another van.  It worked out.  We drove through the mountains to get to our final destination in Independence.  Clint Foreman, the principal, at the primary school in Independence met us for dinner.  His presentation was very helpful for all of us in finalizing our plans for teaching this week.  We all had a good night's sleep and are ready to teach this morning!

Margaret Pentecost

Travel Day

We've Arrived!

We have arrived safely in sunny Belize! Despite horrible weather in Louisville and subsequent delays, we were able to make our connecting flight in Houston. We arrived in Belize City around 11:00 a.m. and made it through customs and immigration without any problem. From Belize City, we made our way to Belmopan where we enjoyed a delightful lunch at Santorini's restaurant. After lunch, traveled to our hotel, Cahal Pech located in San Ignacio. We will be staying the night here and leaving in the morning to see some Mayan ruins. We are spending the night relaxing after a tiring day of travel. Check back for more details and pictures soon!