On Fridays the day starts with a Music class. The children learn and sing songs and can eventually dance too. They seem to like it, although some are shy and others just don't know enough Norwegian to sing along.
The rest of the day was spent out in the open. Today we had what in Norwegian is called Utskole, or "outdoor school". We are going to do this every two weeks on Fridays. Even during the Winter. We left the school and went through a sort of wood so that children could play freely. They also have "classes" (Math, for instance) although it is disguised as games. After the "class" we had lunch and after that they were free to run and climb trees and play whatever they liked. Before going back to school we played another Math game. They were very happy smiling, chating, running and playing. It was a great day too. It didn't rain and the sun was even shinning!
Several other pupils were there. The world seemed perfect. (If only every child could be as lucky as these ones...)
While the children played S. and I were talking about some cultural aspects of Norway which are important for me to know, as well as about the kids. She was their teacher last year so she knows them very well. One can tell she really cares for them.
In the morning, I got to take them to class all by myself! It went very well and I was very pleased that the children are so kind to me. They accept me and I even think they like me :D (they ask me to hold hands with them when we take them to the classroom after recess, give me flowers, food, try to talk to me in English, etc). It's really awesome to be treated like this when you are a stranger and all.
It was so much fun today!!
Friday, 21 August 2009
Day 4
I found out today that Thursday is a long day. We have more classes than in the other days of the week.
It was a tiring, but fun day! The children got to dance and see a video on Youtube with the famous Alexander Rybak. He is very popular amongst the children here. S., their teacher who I am assisting, knows this so I think it is a good thing that they get this kind of treat, since they are so hardworking!
F., who is one of our students and a one in a great deal of attention, gave me fruit (part of her lunch!). I accepted a plum because I didn't want to be rude or that she might think I was rejecting her or something. It was a beautiful and kind gesture, which I think shows how nice she is. She has some behavioral problems, but she's a good girl and very smart! She is great at Math! She likes to hold hands with me when we pick them up from the recess.
I love this class. These kids are very sweet.
I've noticed that at least two of them are left handed and am also starting to memorize which needs each one of them has. Some need to be reminded of the reading glasses, some need orientation during classes since they come from immigrant families and hence have more problems understanding Norwegian.
It was a long day!
It was a tiring, but fun day! The children got to dance and see a video on Youtube with the famous Alexander Rybak. He is very popular amongst the children here. S., their teacher who I am assisting, knows this so I think it is a good thing that they get this kind of treat, since they are so hardworking!
F., who is one of our students and a one in a great deal of attention, gave me fruit (part of her lunch!). I accepted a plum because I didn't want to be rude or that she might think I was rejecting her or something. It was a beautiful and kind gesture, which I think shows how nice she is. She has some behavioral problems, but she's a good girl and very smart! She is great at Math! She likes to hold hands with me when we pick them up from the recess.
I love this class. These kids are very sweet.
I've noticed that at least two of them are left handed and am also starting to memorize which needs each one of them has. Some need to be reminded of the reading glasses, some need orientation during classes since they come from immigrant families and hence have more problems understanding Norwegian.
It was a long day!
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Day 3
Today I have had the chance to participate in a meeting with all the school teachers and staff. I couldn't really understand much of what was being said, since they obviously speak in Norwegian, but the principal presented me and spoke a little about me in English so that everybody knew me. I was also invited to a dinner on Thursday night with the other teachers (unfortunately I couldn't make it this time - I have Norwegian language classes every Monday and Thursday).
It was a good day. We have had English, Norwegian, Math and Arts classes. I am starting to feel more comfortable to help them with the exercises as well as other things. The children seem to be happy about my presence and I love theirs.
I have memorized their names and faces so it is much easier to know who is missing and to call if/when I have to.
I am loving this experience, it's been awesome to be able to learn so much.
The whole city is beautiful and there are lots of lush-green parks everywhere! :)
It was a good day. We have had English, Norwegian, Math and Arts classes. I am starting to feel more comfortable to help them with the exercises as well as other things. The children seem to be happy about my presence and I love theirs.
I have memorized their names and faces so it is much easier to know who is missing and to call if/when I have to.
I am loving this experience, it's been awesome to be able to learn so much.
The whole city is beautiful and there are lots of lush-green parks everywhere! :)
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Day 2
This morning I decided to take the T-bane (subway), to try out something new (well, which is pretty much what has been happening since I got here anyway and one of the amazing things of moving to a new place!). I did it also because: One, I wanted to know how long it takes to get to school using this public transportation in particular; two, because it arrived first (I would have to wait more than 20 minutes for the other 2 buses). The only problem was when I got out of the station: I could neither identify the place nor could I find a sign with the school or street I was looking for. So I decided to ask. The lady was very nice but couldn't understand me at first: simply because I was pronouncing it wrong (but I didn't realize that until she repeated the name of the school in Norwegian)! After she explained the best she could how I could get there, I moved on and tried to find my way. Still no signs or recognizable street names. Crossroad. Not so sure where I was and which path to follow. Go back. Go forth. Ask again: no results. Ask someone else: Bingo! It wasn't too hard, but it was enough to realize what it's like to be so near and yet so far of something lol
After 5 minutes or so I was there. And on time!!
The day went pretty smoothly.
A student gave me a flower :)
Two others came to chat with me during the recess. One of them said I'm good at Norwegian LOL I can hardly say my name! But I'm trying hard to catch up so I can talk to/understand them. That's what I find harder: to understand their questions and, of course, answer back.
I was able to be in three different classes. Today we started with English, then Norwegian and in the afternoon Arts. I was able to intervene a bit more and am getting more comfortable relating with the children. I also had the opportunity to work with E. (which needs special attention)a little closer. That went quite well, specially considering he doesn't adjust well to new things/people :)
Children are shy, but extremely nice to me and they always try to impress me when the other teachers tell them I speak English (some of them anyway). They always say something to show that they too know :D
They are hardworking, polite and obedient (of course they talk louder and play around if they can, but if you tell them no, they accept it). They help the teachers with the tasks and are very open-minded.
I have met new teachers as well and got my key, which was cool, as now I don't need to keep asking others to open the doors (some are locked all the time) for me :)
End of the day: I'm tired, but happy!
After 5 minutes or so I was there. And on time!!
The day went pretty smoothly.
A student gave me a flower :)
Two others came to chat with me during the recess. One of them said I'm good at Norwegian LOL I can hardly say my name! But I'm trying hard to catch up so I can talk to/understand them. That's what I find harder: to understand their questions and, of course, answer back.
I was able to be in three different classes. Today we started with English, then Norwegian and in the afternoon Arts. I was able to intervene a bit more and am getting more comfortable relating with the children. I also had the opportunity to work with E. (which needs special attention)a little closer. That went quite well, specially considering he doesn't adjust well to new things/people :)
Children are shy, but extremely nice to me and they always try to impress me when the other teachers tell them I speak English (some of them anyway). They always say something to show that they too know :D
They are hardworking, polite and obedient (of course they talk louder and play around if they can, but if you tell them no, they accept it). They help the teachers with the tasks and are very open-minded.
I have met new teachers as well and got my key, which was cool, as now I don't need to keep asking others to open the doors (some are locked all the time) for me :)
End of the day: I'm tired, but happy!
Monday, 17 August 2009
Day 1
My first day at Voksen Skole was pretty nice!
Early in the morning I met the Rektor, as well as others teachers and students. After a small meeting with the her, she showed me around and presented me to other people who work at VS. I also got to know some parts of the building and some classrooms.
This is a Primary school with children aged from 6 to 13. Lovely cute little children, some of them with special needs.
I was very excited and looking forward for the school start and I absolutely enjoyed the experience. I was able to participate in one class (one of the classes I will be assisting) of 2nd graders. It's a class of 24 students, most norwegian, but there are also immigrant children.
At 12 pm there was a welcome ceremony for the 1st graders and their parents who are invited to watch their children's first class.
There are several things that for me were new (and awesome) about this school. First and foremost, the luxurious green surroundings and second there are no walls or huge fences "protecting" the school!! The children are very obedient and polite; the school has a "Zero tolerance for bullying, violence and racism" program; the children use different shoes inside and outside the classroom; they ate their lunch in the classroom. At the end of the class they tidy up the room and thank the teacher for the day, which in turn also thanks them.
Each child has their one locker outside the classroom and everything is so clean and tidy and organized!
In the teachers room, I met some of the teachers and was amazed but the multicultural environment, since some of us come from a few different countries. The room is pretty cozy, has a coffee and a tea machine and it's also where we get to have lunch at 11h30(yeah, 11h30!!).
Looking forward for the next days to come, when I'll get my schedule and get to learn more new people and things!!
Early in the morning I met the Rektor, as well as others teachers and students. After a small meeting with the her, she showed me around and presented me to other people who work at VS. I also got to know some parts of the building and some classrooms.
This is a Primary school with children aged from 6 to 13. Lovely cute little children, some of them with special needs.
I was very excited and looking forward for the school start and I absolutely enjoyed the experience. I was able to participate in one class (one of the classes I will be assisting) of 2nd graders. It's a class of 24 students, most norwegian, but there are also immigrant children.
At 12 pm there was a welcome ceremony for the 1st graders and their parents who are invited to watch their children's first class.
There are several things that for me were new (and awesome) about this school. First and foremost, the luxurious green surroundings and second there are no walls or huge fences "protecting" the school!! The children are very obedient and polite; the school has a "Zero tolerance for bullying, violence and racism" program; the children use different shoes inside and outside the classroom; they ate their lunch in the classroom. At the end of the class they tidy up the room and thank the teacher for the day, which in turn also thanks them.
Each child has their one locker outside the classroom and everything is so clean and tidy and organized!
In the teachers room, I met some of the teachers and was amazed but the multicultural environment, since some of us come from a few different countries. The room is pretty cozy, has a coffee and a tea machine and it's also where we get to have lunch at 11h30(yeah, 11h30!!).
Looking forward for the next days to come, when I'll get my schedule and get to learn more new people and things!!
The beginning of something new!
This is meant to be the diary of my Comenius assistanship in Oslo, Norway. I'll be staying here until June next year and therefore thought a diary will help me keep track of everything happening during this period.
Today was the very first day at school and I shall be writing about it later on.
Today was the very first day at school and I shall be writing about it later on.
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