Crazy kids and "Charlot"

And so ends the second week of work here for me. I am becoming much more comfortable at the school, though, to be honest, I only know the names of 3 of the teachers, and one secretary. It's not that I don't talk to them, I just can't seem to remember the names. I am doing better with the kids, though. Having a class list (and not having 4 different groups of kids) would help a lot. Then I could study. This week, Eusebio (first grade) has been sending me with groups of 6 students to the tutoria (study room?) of the first and second grades (first "cycle") to teach. I enjoy being able to hear every student, elicit more participation from the shy ones, and do more active modeling. I talked to the coordinator, and she is going to see about getting me a blackboard, which would be wonderful. When I try to explain something to the kids, I end up writing on a piece of paper and then holding it up, putting it back down to write again when I need to. It doesn't work very well. The kids are losing their fear a bit, and feel free to giggle when I am silly, though I do not put up with shenanigans, and they don't try much (thankfully). My biggest problem is keeping track of the time. I have had to rush the kids putting their things together and lining up far too often.

Now, to the title of my post. Wednesday, I have begun volunteering at another public school during an after school program held by the church I attend. Thirty-some second graders in a classroom with two adults. It's a little crazy. I'm the helper, but I think that we need more structure (desks, etc.) so that we can play games. Without order, we aren't able to do much at all! I enjoy the kids a lot, though, and hope that I can help. The girl that is in charge of this classroom and there everyday is about my age. I will begin there Tuesdays as well, but with the younger kids, leading some games in English. I'm excited to prepare that this weekend. Duck-duck-goose, London Bridges, act like animals (with pictures), ring-around-the-rosie, red light/green light, sound like fun. Have any more suggestions (3-5 years, some English language use, INDOORS)?

After school today, since I work halfdays, I went to Caixa Forum near the Prado to see a free exhibit there about Charlie Chaplin. They call him "Charlot" here. I've never seen his films, but some of them had me laughing out loud (yes, with lots of other people around). I learned some new words in Spanish too. When I left, there was a young man with an accent asking directions to the metro. I told him, if he'd like, I'd take him (walk) as far as the metro since I was walking past it on the way to the train station. When I later told Angelita what I'd done, she scolded me about talking to strangers and to be careful, not give my phone number out, etc. He turned out to be from Scotland, works for Amnesty International, and is speaking at a conference in Madrid. And, of course I didn't think of giving him my phone number. Point number two, I don't even know my phone number to give it to my friends, let alone a stranger. I just wanted to help out, since I could tell he was foreign, and had no idea where he was, since the metro was really close and on a major street. I've always appreciated when people have done the same for me. It was nice to meet someone new.

Today Lynn, who is connected to the missionary school nearby, came to visit Angelita. She is going to take me to visit there tomorrow, introduce me to the teachers, and take me home at the end of day perhaps. I'm excited to meet more people and see what the school is like! Saturday I want to go to Alcala to their medieval festival, cook lentil soup, and prepare a science lesson. Sunday will be church and the young people's group. Oh, and next Wednesday is my parents' anniversary!! Such fun things to look forward to.