Belize 2018

What did you notice about how children think about math?   I am not sure if it is these children, or children in general, but each child relied on their fingers for doing math problems. I was not surprised to see the younger children counting on their fingers, but even the older children relied on this method. If a problem could not be done using their fingers or if they haven't memorized the answer, they could not figure out how to solve the problem. A few students, that seemed to excel at math, knew how to add double and triple digit problems using the method of adding all of the first digit, then all of the second, and all of the third. I was impressed by these few students, but not many were at that level. What surprised you?  I had manipulatives at my station so that the children could use those to count, instead of their fingers. They were colorful and in a bucket at the center of the table. In the past week, the children loved using all of the mater...

What have you learned about the people and culture of Belize? I have learned, through discussion at the conference, that parents in Belize believe that education is meant for the classroom and parents aren't expected to be involved in the learning process. This is completely different than what we expect in the United States. It is an expectation that Belizean teachers seem eager to change. We discussed the lesson that we presented in our mock classroom and the participants of the conference loved the idea because the students have the opportunity to bring their work home and practice similar skills at home with their parents. I was so impressed with the conversations and ideas that I overheard throughout the conference. If the ideas that were shared at this conference are taught to teachers in the schools around Belize, then I am confident that teaching methods will improve all over. What have you learned about yourself? This week has gone by faster than any week so far. I h...

05/11/2018 What have you learned about yourself as a teacher this week and what happened that helped you realize this? I learned that I would rather work with a few kids and assist them in their success than stand up in front of the whole group and be responsible for the entire class' success. I realized this when I naturally preferred working with one table this week than being the one in the front of the room giving instructions. I like to see how each student works and what they struggle with. I can't believe that teachers in Belize, and even in America, are responsible for the success of up to 30 children. It is hard to pay attention to each one equally and make sure they are succeeding at the same rate.  What have you learned about the culture and people of Belize and what happened that helped you realize this? I learned that English is the national language, but English is many teachers' second language. I noticed this in each classroom I was in....

Day 1 As I boarded my flight from RDU to CLT I realized how long a month actually is. During my flight I felt a mix of emotions. I was excited to spend a month in a beautiful country doing something I love, but I knew I would miss my family and friends. I have been on long trips before, but with my family or friends. I am excited to be on a trip with people I do not really know. I hope to get to know everyone on the trip well and learn how to be a better teacher from each of them. Day 2 I was so excited for our first day in Belize. I wanted to explore the island and learn how to get around. I woke up earlier than normal, probably due to the time change, and went for a run. I ran to the resort we have access to so I could make sure I knew how to get there, both on the road and beach side. I ran by the private school that Dr. Catapano showed us when we first arrived and I ran by the closest grocery/convenience store so I know how to get there when I need to. After my run I had a go...