The students that I have here in Spain have been great. Aside from some of the boys constantly getting in trouble, kids seem to be the same no matter where one goes. They just speak a different language. Today during English class, I had the opportunity to share with the students the difference between "their math" and "our math" (in America). Because I am going to be teaching Math in America, my teacher here thought it would be a good idea for me to prepare a math lesson for the students here. The 5th graders are old enough to where they can handle (and are interested in) the differences between the two countries because they know enough to where they won't get confused.
First, I was with the girls. Prepared, I had different cards for the girls to explore various word problems in groups. Instead of using the cards, the lesson turned into just comparing the difference between the two "maths". For example, in America we write "9.56," but here in Spain (Europe) they write "9,56". (They use a comma instead of a decimal). Then, I talked to them about the differences with our notation of division, and the students for fascinated and it allowed me to teach them new vocabulary. I had to stop myself sometimes and write words on the board so that they knew what I was saying and could associated words with sounds (especially since I have a difference accent).
After I talked with the girls, I was able to do the same with the boys class. They were just as interested, but asked different questions. I was able to talk with them about the differences in the structure of classes and classrooms in America rather than how it is here in Spain. The boys were engaged, and I greatly enjoyed this lesson. (Plus it kept the boys out of trouble, and trouble happens a lot with these boys.)
Today was such a successful day! I'm going to miss these kids!
One more week and I will be returning home.
#MiddleSchoolMathEducation
First, I was with the girls. Prepared, I had different cards for the girls to explore various word problems in groups. Instead of using the cards, the lesson turned into just comparing the difference between the two "maths". For example, in America we write "9.56," but here in Spain (Europe) they write "9,56". (They use a comma instead of a decimal). Then, I talked to them about the differences with our notation of division, and the students for fascinated and it allowed me to teach them new vocabulary. I had to stop myself sometimes and write words on the board so that they knew what I was saying and could associated words with sounds (especially since I have a difference accent).
After I talked with the girls, I was able to do the same with the boys class. They were just as interested, but asked different questions. I was able to talk with them about the differences in the structure of classes and classrooms in America rather than how it is here in Spain. The boys were engaged, and I greatly enjoyed this lesson. (Plus it kept the boys out of trouble, and trouble happens a lot with these boys.)
Today was such a successful day! I'm going to miss these kids!
One more week and I will be returning home.
#MiddleSchoolMathEducation