Here I am, finally unpacked, finally no more jet lag.
Spending a month away from home wasn't easy, but I enjoyed it so much and want to thank everyone for making it possible. Especially Artbarn School, Linda McMaster, Liz McMaster, Grand and Toy, my Godparents, my friends, and my great parents.
Thank you.
Adieu, now onto my next adventure...
Monday, September 6, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Home Time!
I sit here, in the study of a friends house, very aware that in about nine hours I will be on my way HOME!
I'm in a weird state, as i cannot wait to be back at home, cuddling my cat and talking to my parents. And yet I don't want to leave this wonderful place, all my fantastic old friends and those newer ones I've met. I really feel that I have reconnected with Jozi and the farm and feel more confident than ever about being on my own.
-Besides realizing how much I love to travel!
Well I'm heading out now for some last minute souvenir shopping!
I'm in a weird state, as i cannot wait to be back at home, cuddling my cat and talking to my parents. And yet I don't want to leave this wonderful place, all my fantastic old friends and those newer ones I've met. I really feel that I have reconnected with Jozi and the farm and feel more confident than ever about being on my own.
-Besides realizing how much I love to travel!
Well I'm heading out now for some last minute souvenir shopping!
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Second Lesson
The Second Lesson was such a success. The kids loved the feathers, collages, pipe-cleaners, pom poms and gems
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Lesson!
On Tuesday, I did my first lesson with a grade 7 class of 19 students!
Leading up to the lesson I was quite nervous, having never taught an entire hour and a half of art before, but I tried to use my experience working at Artbarn School to my advantage.
After setting up the room by putting the desks together to make 5 table groups, each with newspaper on the top and a batch of crayons, I started the kids off with a short introduction about myself and about Canada. Then they each made a name tag.
It was on to the main activity! Each child got a piece of water colour paper and drew a picture of their family in wax crayon. It was very interesting to see how the class managed, as their teacher who was present throughout in case we needed translations, gave them a time limit. After drawing their picture, they painted their pages with water and I taught them how to paint using the water colours I had prepared. And they loved it!
I think one of the best parts was once they had finished, and i came around with a Tupperware full of salt crystals which they sprinkled over their pages. Their reactions were fantastic. They were astonished at how simple salt could create such a interesting effect on their page, right in front of them!
All in all, it was a great lesson. The highest compliment though was principle suggesting I apply for a job there! Also, to do some lessons with the other grades. I wish I had more time here, there is really so much that I could do, but for now I shall stick to my next lesson [which is tomorrow! Eep!]
Leading up to the lesson I was quite nervous, having never taught an entire hour and a half of art before, but I tried to use my experience working at Artbarn School to my advantage.
After setting up the room by putting the desks together to make 5 table groups, each with newspaper on the top and a batch of crayons, I started the kids off with a short introduction about myself and about Canada. Then they each made a name tag.
It was on to the main activity! Each child got a piece of water colour paper and drew a picture of their family in wax crayon. It was very interesting to see how the class managed, as their teacher who was present throughout in case we needed translations, gave them a time limit. After drawing their picture, they painted their pages with water and I taught them how to paint using the water colours I had prepared. And they loved it!
I think one of the best parts was once they had finished, and i came around with a Tupperware full of salt crystals which they sprinkled over their pages. Their reactions were fantastic. They were astonished at how simple salt could create such a interesting effect on their page, right in front of them!
All in all, it was a great lesson. The highest compliment though was principle suggesting I apply for a job there! Also, to do some lessons with the other grades. I wish I had more time here, there is really so much that I could do, but for now I shall stick to my next lesson [which is tomorrow! Eep!]
First Trip to the School
Last week I went over to Welgemeend (meaning well, in Afrikaans) Primary School, the farm workers school, to get to know the children a bit and to book the teaching dates. Coming from a relatively wealthy school in Toronto, and even though I was expecting different standards to what I am used to, it was still quite a shock!
The school has about 5 classrooms with an office and one large creche on the side. The classrooms are warm yellow, but not very well stocked with supplies. I am very excited to start my lessons and to donate all the goodies I have from Grand and Toy and Artbarn School!
The kids went crazy for the pictures. Here are some of my favorites:
The grade 7s teacher, Trevor.
The New Additions
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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