Friday, August 20, 2010
Created by: Kathi Berkley

Quote for the day:
Author: Thoreau

'Things do not change; we change.'
(Christen Bernard)

Today was our last day teaching and what a finale!!!!!!!!!! Christen’s class made bracelets and water play – fun was had by all. Working with small groups allows her to get closer to the students. She did not have Millie today and it becomes more apparent how much the students know when they can’t rely on someone to translate.

Marcy, Kathi and Mary asked the students to sign their Global Volunteer shirts and are they ever colorful as a result. The class practiced their song for the two students who had not heard it yet. Another scavenger hunt took place. This time for letters of adjectives – using the words that are in the Silly Sentences game. After dress rehearsal for the play – hot potato was played with water balloons. This activity was welcomed by all. Anything to cool off.

The last hour was the finale. The older students sang “Puff the Magic Dragon” and then they put on a play to tell the story. All of the students performed fantastically. It should be noted that they had also made the scenery, objects and characters of the play on Wednesday. Much to the consternation of me (Kathi), the book we used had a picture of a girl on the last page and so the class was convinced Puff had a new friend. So, the script for the play included his making a new friend – a girl – and becoming happy again. Why not? Everyone loves a happy ending, right? The younger students performed their dance and were joined by the older students. Much dancing was done – more than was planned.

Everyone was given a send off and thanks were received. I, for one, and I suspect all of us, will never forget these children and will wonder what life paths they will follow. We had frustrations over the past 2 weeks, but we had more gratifying moments. Many surprises – Drakos wanting to sing the song from memory being one. Who knows what could have been accomplished had we more time.