Old Friends and New Games

Today was a day full of new learning experiences for myself as well as others on our team. We went to the school that we renovated last year. We wanted to share a part of our childhood and culture, so we decided to play some of our favorite American Preschool games. We started off by separating students into groups. Lanis and I tried to teach freeze tag. Thanks to the language barrier the kids had a hard time grasping the concepts we were trying to convey. Needless to say, we only played one round. Regular tag also had the same complications. Frustrated but determined we introduced the game of Duck-Duck-Goose. Luckily, it was a hit.

We then broke off to the classrooms to work on english reading comprehension with the kids. I read a text on the digestive system and had the kids repeat the text as I read along. I was impressed with their understanding of the scientific terms and concepts.  

Finally, after lunch, we played some ice-breakers. Meadow, Kelvin and I taped questions onto a soccer ball, made a circle, and tossed it to different members in the group. The students would then answer the first one that they saw. This cultivated an open environment where we could all share something about ourselves and our lives. It helped me to be more aware of how different our lives could be, yet also the similarities that are human and organic to us all.  

After all this I learned that for one, children are tiring. However, I also was able to practice being patient even in stressful, frustrating, problem solving situations. But most importantly, I was able to see each child’s mind turning their own personal cogs and gears, and I now know that the learning process can be unique and individualized for us all.

-Madeline Goss

Ilish with her group.

Taryn Lind