Every winter, Polish students are given a two week break. When this break occurs is based determine geographically and rotates through the different regions. Our winter break was last week, and this week, making today the middle point. Two weeks is the longest time we have off from school the whole year, including Christmas! And even though we had only been at school for six weeks, everyone was ready for the break.
I spent last week visiting the American teachers in Tisovec, SK. I didn't really do a whole lot of activities, but it was such a blessing to relax and to have so many other Americans around. It was the most I have seen since Thanksgiving! They still had school, so I spent most of the days at home reading, knitting, sleeping, or just listening to podcasts.
In the evenings we did a variety of different things. On Tuesday they have their "Friday Night Lights" Bible Study. A bunch of the girl students came over to one of the houses of the missionaries and they watch an episode of this television show, and then talk about some topic. It was really cool to see the girls get so into the movie. Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, so we did potluck dinner with all of the missionaries and had a devotion. It was my second Ash Wednesday without ashes. I missed the tradition of going to church, but I wouldn't have been able to understand it anyhow being that it would have been in Slovak, and I can't pretend to understand Slovak. Thursday I got to join in on a pizza dinner with one of the first year mentorship groups. The students were a lot of fun and seeing them interact with their teachers was awesome. Friday was a relaxing night of just hanging out. I don't know if they always do so much together, but it was great for me to have so much social time since that is something I miss the most.
Their situation is very different from mine here in Poland. They teach at a bilingual school, so their students take REAL classes in English, not just English as a foreign language. Therefore, the American teachers teach classes like religion, biology, history, and even physical education and they have a more tangible authority and give REAL grades. Their school is also a boarding school to which the students commute for the work week. This gives them the evenings to interact with the students, whereas my students disappear to their various villages to be with their families. Seeing a different school caused me to think a lot about my placement and I wondered where I would prefer to be if I could change/do it again. One is not better than the other, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Now that I am settled and assimilated in Poland, I think I would stay here, but if I knew nothing of Poland, settling into Slovakia would have been wonderful too.
So this is now week two of winter break. This week will be more active than last. One of my closest friends from Roanoke is coming for the week and we're going to Wittenberg! I'm super excited to get my Lutheran history fix. She will also come back to Cieszyn with me for a few days.
The break has been wonderful and I am looking forward to the rest of it. I am somewhat nervous about starting school again because transitioning from Christmas break was very difficult. Hopefully that fact that it will be March will make a difference.
Oh and the weather here. Snow, snow, and more snow. Haven't seen the grass since 2009.
Peace,
Colleen
21 February 2010
10 February 2010
Don't Fight Your Destiny
I found a Valentine's Day Mad Lib on the internet and decided to use it for some of my lessons. The students got a big kick out of it! I don't think they had ever done it before. This is a combination of all of the best responses from the three groups I did this with. Enjoy!
My beloved Tosia,
I saw you fourteen days ago and since then I haven't been able to sleep or sleep at all. It was love at sixteenth sight! You look exactly like Robin Williams and have the most beautiful leg. Your eyes are like two smiley stars and your lips remind me of ripe bananas. Your blue is pure poetry. I dream of burning with you till the end of our days. I'm sure we are perfect for each other. If you want, I can take you on a love trip to Hiroshima by tank. Sweetheart, don't fight your destiny. Let's meet in the field at 00:01. I will be waiting there, holding a stressful turtle.
Your secret lover,
Henry
My beloved Tosia,
I saw you fourteen days ago and since then I haven't been able to sleep or sleep at all. It was love at sixteenth sight! You look exactly like Robin Williams and have the most beautiful leg. Your eyes are like two smiley stars and your lips remind me of ripe bananas. Your blue is pure poetry. I dream of burning with you till the end of our days. I'm sure we are perfect for each other. If you want, I can take you on a love trip to Hiroshima by tank. Sweetheart, don't fight your destiny. Let's meet in the field at 00:01. I will be waiting there, holding a stressful turtle.
Your secret lover,
Henry
09 February 2010
All You Need is Love
Over the past week I have had a variety of experiences that center on Valentine's Day that I would like to share.
Kocham Ciebie
is how you say "I love you" in Polish. One day last week I was at one of the little shops near to my flat doing some basic grocery shopping. I was at the produce counter with my four little oranges wait patiently for the people in front of me to pay. While standing there, I noticed a flat of apples that were set apart from the others. As I got closer I saw that they had "kocham ciebie <3" written on them! I have no idea how the Poles managed to do this, but it was super cute. I had to buy one! After some thinking I have concluded that Americans should also have I-love-you-apples instead of conversation hearts. Apples send the message: I want you to be happy, avoid the doctor, and live a long life. Candy hearts say: I want you to eat chalk and have too much sugar and get fat.
Shopping Galore
Many of the stores around town have all types of Valentine's Day paraphernalia out for sale. Most of the products are similar to those sold in America, though they are much less in quantity. Also, everything is focused on couples. There are not cards or gifts for any other loving relationship other than boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife. Everything is cute and obnoxious.
School Play
Our school LOVES to do little English skits for major holidays. Today was the Valentine's Day presentation. It was put on my some of the 1g students. It was called, "Valentine's Day: How did it start?" The students presented three different theories of how it all began. There were some great quotes full of wonderful anachronisms, awesome music (All You Need is Love, When a Man Loves a Woman), and cute kiddos. My favorite quotes were these. St. Valentine: Maybe in a few centuries people will remember that I married people and celebrate it." And by St. Valentine's cellmate: Great card! I will copy it and sell it for money to people to give to their loved ones. I will be rich!" Again, I was very impressed by their skit and really enjoyed it.
LOTE/GTE Post
Today a special box appeared outside of the Teacher's Room. It is covered in red foil and has hearts on it. From what I can gather it is the Valentine's Day Post Box. Students can put cards in it with the name and class of their friends and then they will be delivered. It's super cute.
Student Reactions
In many of my classes this week I am talking about Valentine's Day. I was curious about what they thought of it and how they celebrated in Poland. I found that they have very similar reactions as Americans. Some love the holiday and think that it is a great day to tell the people you love how much you care about them. Some think it is a time to help shy people be brave and express their feelings. And inevitably some despise it and I have heard all of the standard reasons. It's too commercialized, you should tell you love on other days, it's nauseating to see all of the couples out and about. When I first brought up the topic a few students actually groaned. It was awesome.
However, thanks to my mom, I have been able to share one of my favorite things about Valentine's Day: little kid cards! I have enough cards for each of my students. Their faces are priceless when they open the little paper to see a Disney character telling them what a good friend they are. I tell them now they will at least get one Valentine this year.
All in all it has been fun to learn about how a different culture shares this holiday. I hope that you have a day full of love on Sunday. Take advantage of this opportunity to share love. Though we should tell people how we feel about them all of the time, we all know that we don't say those three little words enough. So say them over and over again and remind the people around you how much you care and how empty your life would be without them. Trust me- to be apart from the ones your love is excruciating, so don't waste a single second with them. So from me to you: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! I LOVE YOU!
Blessings,
Colleen
Kocham Ciebie
is how you say "I love you" in Polish. One day last week I was at one of the little shops near to my flat doing some basic grocery shopping. I was at the produce counter with my four little oranges wait patiently for the people in front of me to pay. While standing there, I noticed a flat of apples that were set apart from the others. As I got closer I saw that they had "kocham ciebie <3" written on them! I have no idea how the Poles managed to do this, but it was super cute. I had to buy one! After some thinking I have concluded that Americans should also have I-love-you-apples instead of conversation hearts. Apples send the message: I want you to be happy, avoid the doctor, and live a long life. Candy hearts say: I want you to eat chalk and have too much sugar and get fat.
Shopping Galore
Many of the stores around town have all types of Valentine's Day paraphernalia out for sale. Most of the products are similar to those sold in America, though they are much less in quantity. Also, everything is focused on couples. There are not cards or gifts for any other loving relationship other than boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife. Everything is cute and obnoxious.
School Play
Our school LOVES to do little English skits for major holidays. Today was the Valentine's Day presentation. It was put on my some of the 1g students. It was called, "Valentine's Day: How did it start?" The students presented three different theories of how it all began. There were some great quotes full of wonderful anachronisms, awesome music (All You Need is Love, When a Man Loves a Woman), and cute kiddos. My favorite quotes were these. St. Valentine: Maybe in a few centuries people will remember that I married people and celebrate it." And by St. Valentine's cellmate: Great card! I will copy it and sell it for money to people to give to their loved ones. I will be rich!" Again, I was very impressed by their skit and really enjoyed it.
LOTE/GTE Post
Today a special box appeared outside of the Teacher's Room. It is covered in red foil and has hearts on it. From what I can gather it is the Valentine's Day Post Box. Students can put cards in it with the name and class of their friends and then they will be delivered. It's super cute.
Student Reactions
In many of my classes this week I am talking about Valentine's Day. I was curious about what they thought of it and how they celebrated in Poland. I found that they have very similar reactions as Americans. Some love the holiday and think that it is a great day to tell the people you love how much you care about them. Some think it is a time to help shy people be brave and express their feelings. And inevitably some despise it and I have heard all of the standard reasons. It's too commercialized, you should tell you love on other days, it's nauseating to see all of the couples out and about. When I first brought up the topic a few students actually groaned. It was awesome.
However, thanks to my mom, I have been able to share one of my favorite things about Valentine's Day: little kid cards! I have enough cards for each of my students. Their faces are priceless when they open the little paper to see a Disney character telling them what a good friend they are. I tell them now they will at least get one Valentine this year.
All in all it has been fun to learn about how a different culture shares this holiday. I hope that you have a day full of love on Sunday. Take advantage of this opportunity to share love. Though we should tell people how we feel about them all of the time, we all know that we don't say those three little words enough. So say them over and over again and remind the people around you how much you care and how empty your life would be without them. Trust me- to be apart from the ones your love is excruciating, so don't waste a single second with them. So from me to you: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! I LOVE YOU!
Blessings,
Colleen
08 February 2010
Colleen on Ice
For one reason or another, I never got around to ice skating in my life. I know this is somewhat odd because I grew up in Erie where it is winter like 10 months of the year. I have two cousins that play on hockey teams, and friends who like ice skating. But I never got to the rink myself. This fact shocks most of my students. They cannot believe that I had gone before and they ask me why I did not learn how to do this is physical education. My lack of skating experience was also a shock to Sarah. Therefore part of my Christmas present from her was to teach me how to skate!
I was terrified. I told several students about my plans for the weekend and told them that if I was in crutches on Monday that they would know why. Sarah and another one of our missionary friends headed to the rink on Saturday afternoon, ready for an adventure! The rink was super nice. We paid for one hour, and then were given an ID card type this on a lanyard. We went to another window to get skates, and when we tried to speak Polish to the man at the window he angrily told us to just speak in English. Whoops! The next room we entered was a locker room of sorts. The ID card that we had been given at the first counter turned out to be a key to the lock that we each were assigned. It was really cool!
After adjusting the skates like ten times until I was satisfied with the fit, we headed out to the ice. I WAS SO NERVOUS. I was not sure if I was going to like it our not and I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to stop myself. Natalie and Sarah were brave and were patient with me as a slowly made my way onto the ice. I held on to the side for a minute, but then took a deep breath and let go.
I slowly stumbled/skated/hobbled/glided on the ice very awkwardly for the first few laps, but as time went on I became a lot more comfortable and really started to have fun! They were playing great American Top 40 music, so I felt right at home. There were a few scary moments when I thought that I was going to run over a small child or fall, but I was able to slow myself and avoid any catastrophes. The worst moment was when the announcer man said something in Polish, and we had no idea what we said. Then suddenly, everyone started skating in the opposite directions, RIGHT AT US. I felt like Simba in "The Lion King." I thought I was going to die. Somehow I was able to turn around and avoid the stampede.
Overall, I had a great time and am thinking of going back for some more this weekend! And the best news of all: I DID NOT FALL ONCE!!! Apparently 16 years of ballet training are worth something these days. I think I will probably join the Olympic Speed Skating Team for the 2016 Olympics. I can now officially say that I have been ice skating. . .just never in America!
Blessings,
Colleen
I was terrified. I told several students about my plans for the weekend and told them that if I was in crutches on Monday that they would know why. Sarah and another one of our missionary friends headed to the rink on Saturday afternoon, ready for an adventure! The rink was super nice. We paid for one hour, and then were given an ID card type this on a lanyard. We went to another window to get skates, and when we tried to speak Polish to the man at the window he angrily told us to just speak in English. Whoops! The next room we entered was a locker room of sorts. The ID card that we had been given at the first counter turned out to be a key to the lock that we each were assigned. It was really cool!
After adjusting the skates like ten times until I was satisfied with the fit, we headed out to the ice. I WAS SO NERVOUS. I was not sure if I was going to like it our not and I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to stop myself. Natalie and Sarah were brave and were patient with me as a slowly made my way onto the ice. I held on to the side for a minute, but then took a deep breath and let go.
I slowly stumbled/skated/hobbled/glided on the ice very awkwardly for the first few laps, but as time went on I became a lot more comfortable and really started to have fun! They were playing great American Top 40 music, so I felt right at home. There were a few scary moments when I thought that I was going to run over a small child or fall, but I was able to slow myself and avoid any catastrophes. The worst moment was when the announcer man said something in Polish, and we had no idea what we said. Then suddenly, everyone started skating in the opposite directions, RIGHT AT US. I felt like Simba in "The Lion King." I thought I was going to die. Somehow I was able to turn around and avoid the stampede.
Overall, I had a great time and am thinking of going back for some more this weekend! And the best news of all: I DID NOT FALL ONCE!!! Apparently 16 years of ballet training are worth something these days. I think I will probably join the Olympic Speed Skating Team for the 2016 Olympics. I can now officially say that I have been ice skating. . .just never in America!
Blessings,
Colleen
05 February 2010
Prom Pictures!
So I did not do the best job taking pictures at prom the other weekend. However, today we were given the link to the professional photographer's website that has all of his pictures. There are ones from the whole evening, including the program and dance. Please enjoy! Also, please listen to my new favorite Polish song on YouTube while watching.
Peace,
Colleen
http://www.fotourbanek.pl/lote2010/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0T7MLc2THs
Peace,
Colleen
http://www.fotourbanek.pl/lote2010/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0T7MLc2THs
04 February 2010
My Favorite Lessons
I really do try my best to plan worthwhile lessons for my students. Sometimes I hit the nail on the head and we have a great time while they learn something new; other times I miss completely and feel like I want to run away. Most days land somewhere in the middle. But my favorite lessons are the ones when I get to throw the plan out the window because by some twist of fate I only have 1 or 2 students. This usually only happens in my community group or one section of my 3 graders. During these lessons we really just sit, talk, and basically hang out. We talk about whatever comes up, and whatever is interesting at that particular moment in time.
I had such a lesson on Monday. For my community tutoring lesson I usually have three second graders from one of the other local high schools. They are a really fun group, and I enjoy spending time with them. For first time, I only had one student show up, Mariusz. We chatted for a half an hour, and then we decided that no one else was coming. I said we could go home if he wanted. He then said he had nothing better to do and would rather stay and talk. I was extremely excited about this! We spent the next hour talking about very random things from driving lessons to monster trux to funny things teachers do to misbehaving students. It was a really great time. It was great to have a natural conversation with him, and he did a great job speaking. I think it's safe to say that this was one of my favorite lessons of the year.
If I knew I could walk into every class without a plan and just have a successful, natural discussion I totally would. But that is unrealistic, irresponsible, and slightly dangerous. So alas, I will continue to plan real lessons, but secretly hoping for the days that I can throw them out the window and just talk.
Blessings,
Colleen
I had such a lesson on Monday. For my community tutoring lesson I usually have three second graders from one of the other local high schools. They are a really fun group, and I enjoy spending time with them. For first time, I only had one student show up, Mariusz. We chatted for a half an hour, and then we decided that no one else was coming. I said we could go home if he wanted. He then said he had nothing better to do and would rather stay and talk. I was extremely excited about this! We spent the next hour talking about very random things from driving lessons to monster trux to funny things teachers do to misbehaving students. It was a really great time. It was great to have a natural conversation with him, and he did a great job speaking. I think it's safe to say that this was one of my favorite lessons of the year.
If I knew I could walk into every class without a plan and just have a successful, natural discussion I totally would. But that is unrealistic, irresponsible, and slightly dangerous. So alas, I will continue to plan real lessons, but secretly hoping for the days that I can throw them out the window and just talk.
Blessings,
Colleen
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