Monday, December 8, 2014

What an adventure!

I have been back in the U.S. for two days now, and it is wonderful to be home! It is amazing how quickly one can adapt from one lifestyle to another. It already feels like my Chilean adventure is a memory to be talked about in past tense, even though I was just walking through the streets on Friday.

My three months in Chile far exceeded anything I could have hoped for. It was fun to live in the middle of a densely populated city, experiencing rush hour on the metro and having so much at my fingertips without needing a car. I loved that I needed to use my Spanish to interact with people on the streets (it feels pretty strange now when neighbors approach me and speak in English). I loved how friendly and welcoming Chileans were. I loved how amazingly unique Chile is, depending on which area you are visiting. Outside of Santiago, with a Starbucks on every corner, you can visit the vast desserts in the North, the lake region in central Chile, or the beautiful mountains and glaciers in the south. There is so much to see and do! After seven years of teaching, I loved getting to take three months to step back and watch others instruct. I learned a lot!

I am grateful for all of the people that made this experience what it was. The Fulbright staff chose me and supported me at each step. My adviser was a wonderful resource. So many schools and education professionals shared their time with me.  I was thankful to find a welcoming church so early on. My principal and fifth grade team made lots of sacrifices to accommodate my absence. My mother and father-in-law traveled three days to visit me. My family sent me daily emails and Skyped with me to help me stay connected. So many of you followed along with my adventures, reading my blog and sending me messages. And then of course, there is Grant. Grant supported me and encouraged me to pursue this dream, and I am so thankful! He took care of our house and our crazy puppy, and worked really hard to keep everything afloat while I was in Chile.


So good to be home, sitting by the fire and catching up on 3 months of mail.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Reflections

As I enter my last week in Chile, I started to think about all of the little parts of my day that have made this city a home during the past three months. For example,

The caramel man with his candy stand half-way between my apartment and La Moneda metro who sets out four caramels for me when he sees me walking towards him in the morning. He's finally given up on trying to educate me on the actual name for these square little caramels- he just has them ready  :)

Visits with my adviser,Annjeanette. She has the funniest stories as an American living in Santiago, married to a Chilean, and the best sense of humor. I think we spend more time laughing and comparing strange/funny/amazing/frustrating experiences than talking about my paper sometimes. I couldn't have been more fortunate to work with her.

The Starbucks employees, with their cheerful dispositions, who greet me with an, "Hola Daniela! Will it be the dark chocolate cherry mocha or the hot chocolate today?"

The goofy, scruffy little street dogs. I've come to recognize quite a few now along my regular routes. We'd have a full house if I lived in Chile permanently. They are absolutely adorable- just need a long bath and a trip to the vet.

The guards in my apartment building- they always greet me with so much joy, and let me practice my Spanish with them before I head out into the world for the day.

The InterNations events. I have met some of the most interesting people from so many countries, and always look forward to the next event.

So much that I could add.

And yet, there are also many things that I am ready to leave behind. The pigeons, for example. They are filthy, don't move for pedestrians, and are everywhere. One flew into my head yesterday. It was quite startling and not particularly pleasant.

Along those lines, I will not miss having water (I hope) dropped on my head from the above apartments as I walk through crowded streets. It is always unexpected, though sadly fairly frequent, and always a relief when it happens on my way home, where a shower awaits.

Things are... just a little bit off. Last week I ordered a Subway sandwich, and they actually had every ingredient available. It was the first and only time in Chile. Usually they are missing at least four things that one might want, including half of the bread options, mustard, or lettuce. My favorite salad place is the same way. Never know what you are going to find on any day :)

PDA. Wow! Parks, metros, buses, crowded streets. Places that don't exactly scream romance are rampant with very, very "overly-affectionate," Chileans of all ages.

Smashing onto public transportation. It is hot, someone always seems to have a horrible disease next to you, and there is no room to move.

The inefficiency. Oh, my goodness. No one seems to care about wasting time or doing things with any semblance of logic (though often it is the Americans here that have the most trouble showing up on time)

With all of the quirkiness, and all of the joy, I am so happy that I was able to come. Most days, I have merely laughed over the things that are "just a little different" than in the U.S., and relished the many treasures that this fabulous city has to offer. This past week, though, was pretty challenging. I missed my cousin's wedding, and I missed family Thanksgiving (they were eating turkey, and I had pigeons flying into my head). My cousin, Hillary, had her baby yesterday. A wonderful Thanksgiving blessing! My sister got to share the news that she is pregnant again. Enzo and Noelle were up to all sorts of craziness that only a puppy and toddler can create. It was really hard to be away.

So, today I choose to be thankful for the amazing opportunity that I have had to visit Chile. I also choose to be thankful for my family, my life in the U.S., and for all of the wonderful things that I have waiting upon my return next week.

Displaying IMG_1164.JPG
Cutest two in the family get to play on Thanksgiving.


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Busy, busy, busy

I realized that I haven't updated my blog in a while, so here is a quick entry for the past week:

I have been busy, busy, busy! So much to do! I am now finished with all of my school visits, and working on the research/paper writing end of things. It is great and incredibly daunting at the same time. I have enough flexibility to go for runs in the morning, and set my agenda, but I still have lots of work to accomplish each day. It has been fun to chose a coffee shop for the day (generally those that have already started playing Christmas music) and get to explore research that will help improve my teaching. I am adapting a little too well to this lifestyle :) I wish I had more time for this during the school year, because it is so valuable! My paper is still quite a mess of ideas, but I suppose that's how the process goes.

Other than research, I have had a full agenda with Fulbright, InterNations, and church activities. It is rare that I have a free evening. Last week I was the only person out of a group of 8 at a wine and cheese night that was working on my second language- most spoke at least 3, and two of the people I met spoke 6 languages fluently. InterNations has been such a perfect group for me, because I have been able to get to know extremely interesting people from all over the world as I practice my conversational Spanish. Church is great as well- so many fun people and activities. My bible study group is busy preparing for Saturday's Talent Show which has resulted in a lot of laughs and terrible dancing.

Yesterday Fulbright hosted their annual Thanksgiving lunch. It was held at the home of the Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy. It was beautiful! Everyone involved in the Fulbright program was invited, from people who conduct interviews, to US teachers, lawyers, etc. that are working on projects in Chile, to all of the Chilean professionals that are getting ready to go to the US next year, to the staff at the Fulbright Commission office. For many of the Chileans, this was their first Thanksgiving, so it was fun to share the tradition with them. The lunch was delicious- American yumminess with tons of Chilean wine. A great combination!

Lots more that I could write, but I am surrounded by books at the university library and have a meeting with my adviser this afternoon for which I'm not quite ready.

Also, my friend Julie sent me this link, which quite accurately/comically describes life in Chile. Thought I'd include it. 20 signs you are culturally Chilean

Mike and I were seated at the table of honor with the host. Super interesting conversations!
Delicious Thanksgiving lunch #1.

I can't wait to get home to Enzo!!! Last week, he was really excited about his new
friend at the dog park. Grant found out that it was Enzo's sibling from the same litter.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Sign me up, please!

Included are professional photos of Craighouse
        
          "Cecilia is expecting you. Head out the doors, walk down two flights of stairs, and turn in the direction of the primary area." 

           These were my directions after two and a half hours of travel involving the metro, three buses, and a car ride to get to this expansive campus nearing the final stages of construction. I will spare the details, except to say that only by luck and a lot of help from strangers did I arrive on time at 8:30 that morning. The campus itself was difficult to navigate, and I was grateful when I saw an energetic blond haired woman in a vibrant red dress heading my direction to help me find her office. Cecilia is a native Spanish speaker, but communicated with me in impeccable English with an accent reflective of her years in England. I started by thanking her for welcoming me into the school, and for arranging a morning of observations in third and fourth grade PYP classrooms.

            "We are open-minded and collaborative. We live by the principles we teach." After I finished my observations, Cecilia spent an hour adding to this comment and walking me through the PYP model. The Primary Years Program is for students from 3 to 12 years old. As part of the IB system, it focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. Cecilia asked me how I enjoyed my visits at the other two private PYP schools in Los Condes, Dunalaister and Santiago College. I expressed how warmly I was welcomed, and the enthusiasm from the directors. The teachers also so strongly believed in the method that it appeared as though they almost felt compelled to share,  aware that they possessed a treasure with the ability to transform a child's life and wanting as many people as possible to benefit. Throughout the days, I continually heard comments such as the following: "Let me show you their portfolios. I'll take the kids to lunch, then come back so we can talk more during my break. You need to see this!" What a wonderful experience I have had!

            "We live and breathe the principles and attitudes we practice here," Cecilia told me. "We can't expect children to comply with ideas that teachers do not follow." She explained that several years ago, there was very little collaboration between the three schools. They were, after all, competing for the same pool of applicants. This all changed after they became certified in the PYP method. Now representatives from the schools meet several times a year to discuss the newest research, problem solve together, and share effective strategies that are working. Cecilia told me that they want to be as open as possible, and that any PYP school that does not welcome interested visitors is not worth visiting.

            Within the school, collaboration is essential. Cecilia told me that one of the biggest struggles has been to help teachers understand the importance of true partnership. Valuing time, team members used their four hours of team planning time a week to delegate tasks, then worked separately to fulfill their end of the work. Cecilia said that teams finally understand that collaboration involves putting their heads together and creating something as a group, tying it back to the principles and attitudes of the school. "How can we expect students to collaborate when we are not doing the same?"

            "We are changing the way that students learn. When you and I were kids, we were expected to memorize and express this on a test. We worked on point systems. We all know the value of a 6.5 in comparison to a 7[1]. We don't need to transmit this to our children. They can grow up in a different system, where thinking process is valued above testing skills. In this age, students can access facts. What we need in our next generation are open minded workers who know how to collaborate with people from different cultures and can think critically." To this end, PYP does not use textbooks. The model feels that textbooks force teachers into following a prescripted agenda that does not promote authentic learning. Rather, teachers work as a team to create a unit, then tie math, science, literacy, social studies and language skills authentically to the big ideas and concepts. Instead of learning about Columbus' discovery of America, for example, students investigate the broader concept of exploration. They talk about the function and delve more deeply into global implications.

            Each unit is very intentionally planned so that it is relevant, authentic, and globally minded. Taking the idea exploration for example, students may begin by sharing experiences where they have been explorers. The teacher will purposefully engage them in dialogue that looks at their purpose for exploring, the value, the challenges, and the feelings attached. Even pre-kindergarten students can connect to any lesson. The idea is that teachers always begin by helping students to see that they already have a knowledge base to bring to the lesson. Throughout the unit, students create their own questions. In school visits, I saw students of all levels raising eager hands to tell the teacher what they wanted to investigate that evening at home. "I will investigate plants that have visible roots," one first grader shared. "I will investigate water plants," added another. This form of home investigation is not mandatory, but most students do so on a daily basis because they want to be able to add their expertise to the next day's lesson or group work. After the unit, there is always an extension component that connects to the broader community. Students are often the ones who dictate how they want to apply their knowledge.

            "Can you tell me about your involvement with the families of your students?" I asked. Cecilia had an answer ready for this as well. There is a counsel of parent leaders who run the PTA meetings and act as intermediaries between the school and families. Every classroom also has a set of parent volunteers who fulfill the role of president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. These parents represent and communicate with the parents in the class, and attend the monthly PTA meetings to have accurate information to bring back to the other parents. I asked one of the teachers that I observed how he felt about this system.

            "It is really positive. I moved here from England five months ago, mid-year. The president of the class met with me, helped me get a feel for the needs of the class, shared the feelings of the parents, and offered to help with the adjustment. Just recently, the counsel invited me to their end of year party. Every classroom has their own off-campus party, organized by the parents, in which parents, students, and teachers participate." Cecilia told me that she sees great value in the set up as well. For one thing, it means that the administration can be more efficient. The school receives lots of nonsensical complaints, such as the color of a door. The parents are the ones to filter concerns and placate parents with unnecessary demands. On the other hand, the system gives a voice to parents who often see things that are overlooked by the school personnel. For example, they may notice a great system in place at the elementary level that is not continued in middle school. Their observations in this case help the school maintain continuity among the levels.

            Additionally, Cecilia offers evening classes to parents in order to help them understand the PYP model and explain how it is different from their own educational experiences. It helps them buy into the model. She shows them how to best help their children at home- not by quizzing them on facts, but by engaging them in critical thinking questions involving the PYP principles and attitudes and helping with student led home investigations. 

          "Whatever you need, don't hesitate to contact me," Cecilia said as she left to greet a group of teachers arriving from Texas to learn from the school. "Information, clarification... we can set up Skype partnerships or pen-pals with your school. We are here to help."


           Armed with IB World magazines, an inbox full of reference material sent by Cecilia, and tons of great, practical ideas to implement in my own classroom, I left with a deep sense of gratitude. I am happy that the learners I saw are able to develop in a way that will give them skills to effectively work in the global world. I am happy that there are teachers who are so passionate about their program. I am happy that I was able to learn about a model that makes sense, and eager to see how I can implement some of the philosophies into my own classroom upon my return. 



[1] Chile uses a 1-7 evaluation scale,  in which a 7 denotes excellence.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Museos de Media Noche

Museos de MediaNoche is a night when museums, cultural centers and galleries open their doors until midnight so the public can visit their expositions. Various artists, dancers, and singers come throughout the evening to give performances or talk about their work, and there are free tours of the museums. It is a great idea, and I was excited to spend my Friday evening walking to and from the various participating locations. 

Today was also a memorable day, because just before seven am, three of the four metro lines closed due to electrical problems, affecting the 300,000 or so daily commuters that use the metro system during morning rush hour. In a city of seven million, the metro situation resulted in absolute chaos. Desperate to get to their jobs, masses of people flooded their best alternative, the bus stops. Unfortunately, the buses are already very full under normal circumstances, so adding this huge influx made life very unpleasant for everyone. The paradas were so full that people spilled out into the streets to wait, making the already heavy traffic day all the more impossible for those driving their own vehicles. 

I was quite fortunate enough to have scheduled Friday as a research day, so I was able to walk to a coffee shop and spend the day working without ever having to enter the craziness of the transit disaster. One metro line still remained out of commission by the end of the work day- the one connecting passengers to Santiago Centro, where the museums are located. As you can imagine, Museos de MediaNoche had a much lighter attendance than anticipated. I am fortunate enough to live within walking distance of many of the locations, so I had no problem arriving.

Enjoying the dance performance.

Clothing Christmas Tree! Wasn't quite what the artist was going for,
but that was my take on the mound.
personas desaparecidas

Monday, November 10, 2014

Takeaways

A friend from DC asked me today what the biggest takeaway has been so far in Chile. One idea that I've been reading a lot about recently is bridging. Rather than teaching each language in isolation, the idea is to be continually thinking about the interaction of Spanish and English and focusing on making content and language connections at appropriate instructional moments. I also go back to the PYP model (elementary version of an IB school). My visit to Santiago College left such an impression on me that I asked the PYP Coordinator, Monica, for help contacting similar schools in the area. I am eager to start visiting and thankful for her help in setting it up.

 Another takeaway has to do with willingness to share time and an appreciation for Chilean helpfulness. I have been blessed so much more than I could have hoped for with the schools that have opened their doors to me. Today, for example, I re-visited Nido de Aguila, a private school in Los Condes. The director listened to my specific needs, then tailored the day in such a way that I could meet with the most pertinent people to my project. Each teacher that I observed was magnificent, and happy to have me in his classroom. I met with Jon, the assistant principal, who, like the principal, previously directed a dual language school in the Salem area. Despite the many busy things that I am sure he had on his plate, Jon shared a full hour with me, then invited me to have dinner with his family. He was so passionate about helping under-served students, and so eager to help. Similarly, I talked with Renea, one of the ESL support teachers, for an hour. Afterward, she invited me to join her for a delightful lunch with three other coworkers. I barely knew them, but still laughed for the full thirty minutes. So much fun! Beyond schools, strangers go out of their way to help. This morning, I got off at the wrong bus stop, and didn't know how to get to Nido. I asked a group of people on the street, and they began giving me instructions on how and where to find a colectivo. I'm sure my expression conveyed precisely what I was thinking, "Oh, dear...I'm never going to find this. Maybe a taxi will pass by," so one of them walked up the hill with me, flagged down the colectivo car, and told the driver where I needed to go.

When I think about takeaways, however, I'd have to say that my church experience immediately comes to mind before all else. As a Wheaton girl who has attended many churches over the years and studied the bible in many settings, I've never experienced a community quite like the one at Iglesia Christiana Internacional de Santiago. On my apartment wall, I posted six yellow sticky notes reminding me of my goals for each day in Chile. The one in the middle states, "Que vivan de una manera digna del llamamiento que han recibido (Efesuis 4:1)." (Live in a manner worthy of the call that you have received). I think this is what God has been teaching me during my months in Santiago and the reason He opened up so many doors for me to come. I walked to church last Sunday, and when I was about a half mile away, I heard a couple with a new baby yell, "Hey, Daniela, hop in!' as they flagged down a taxi. When I stepped inside the church (or hotel where services are held) doors, I felt so warmly welcomed. One friend even had a cup of tea in hand for me, which is just what I wanted. During the service, I looked around the room and realized that after only two months, I actually know a lot of the people, and have lived life with them. They are open about their struggles, and excited about their lives. They also care about mine. They are some of the most inclusive, passionate disciples I've met. Carlos and Lucy, the pastor and his wife, have a lot to do with setting the tone and example. The members of this church that I have come to know are really living the lifestyle for which we have been called, and it is beautiful to experience with them.

Sunday afternoon and evening, a group got together for an asado to celebrate a birthday and a new baptism. Standing on the roof of the 24 story apartment, overlooking the city on a perfectly sunny day, I paused and reflected on the great gift that I had received in being included in such an ordinary yet extraordinary event. So much to be thankful for.

Rob, a third grade teacher, was truly one of the best I've observed in
the US or Chile. Such a dynamic teacher!

Casey, a fifth grade teacher, wins the award for the most spectacular classroom.
It was huge, and beautiful, but also impeccably set up.
Why not have a tent in your room?

Fifth graders  designing a house for a client
while practicing their geometry skills.

May have stopped on my way home at the best ice cream place that
Grant and I discovered last week in the mall.


FUN Sunday afternoon at the asado.

Yum! Best part is that we ate it all with our hands :)

Got to watch my bible study leader baptize one of the
members of the study at church on Sunday.

I LOVE this photo that Grant took of Enzo after their hike.
Such a cute, muddy little dog. Had to include it in the blog :)

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Waiting with the Masses

I miss Grant VERY much! I got so used to having him around that now everything in the city feels kind of empty. It is going to be a great last month, and I am certainly not ready to return, but I'm also really glad that I only have one more month to go before we get to resume our normal lives. I am thankful that I have such a happy life to return to- the best husband in the world, the cutest puppy ever, wonderful friends, a great family, and a dream job. 

I was super grateful that my friend Andrea emailed to see if I had time to meet on Friday before our bible study. It was really nice to have plans so that I could distract myself from missing Grant. We had a great time talking, and then I had a terrific time at bible study. Side note- I am officially part of the church talent show at the end of the month :)

I was also super grateful to talk with a helpful foreign immigration official Friday morning (he was way too happy for working where he did!). First, I had to wait on the third floor to explain my reason for coming (extension for my visa) and get a ticket. Then, I had to return to the second floor, where I waited with the masses for T079 to be called. It was like a busy day at the DMV times thirty. So many people waiting! Fortunately, the "T" group went fairly quickly. More fortunately, I asked the official if there was any grace room for paying the $140 fee, since I will only exceed my limit by five days. I was pleasantly surprised when he said that I can get an extra ten day extension for free! Hooray for immigration! 


So many people!
I may have watched "Los Pitufos" yesterday when I was missing Grant.
(When I was little, this was our favorite show- my Dad would tuck us in
and tell us Smurf stories before bed).