Madame Amelia

Today was a GREAT day! Spent all morning at the school again and even got to teach Food & Nutrition!!! Had to start off with "preaching" to the whole school (198 students)...Tyler told them the story of the Prodigal Son and then we discussed the importance, taught them a few songs, and watched the performances they always put on for visitors. It was pretty awkward "preaching" because we were not prepared at ALL, they already knew most of the songs we tried to teach, and we didn't track down a Bible until after the lesson, but we got by.  I was shocked by the emphasis they put on prayer...started with the raising of the Kenyan flag and a prayer, as well as a handful of songs, which were almost all related to prayer, faith or Christ.

Opening pledge, prayer and songs

Tyler preaching

The first class we taught was grade 4 math, where we reviewed addition and then had races,which the kids loved...they have a few math whizzes for sure. Then moved onto 4th grade Food & Nutrition, followed by a break (always full of games, songs, dances and kids petting our arms)...then 5th grade Nutrition, 4rd grade English where we taught compound words, then and P.E class. It was all a blast...except tha we ended up doing sprints in the relay during PE...was not expecting that! haha

relay races in P.E.

We covered the same basic material in both nutrition classes, but more in depth with vitamins and minerals in grade 5. We began with the definition of "nutrition," the food groups, examples of foods in each group, the importance of a balanced diet and how to make better choices (soda and sugarcane replacements, specifically). It's interesting to talk about all this with kids from such a different background because the examples are just so different from what we would use in the US. I definitely had to adjust the lesson to reach their culture. I was shocked by how much they all already knew about nutrition. I was stoked a few days ago when the head teacher told me they even had the class! SO important. 

I was a little thrown off because they call carbs the "energy-giving" food group, proteins the "body building" and fruits and vegetables the "protective" food group in 3rd grade but in 5th grade, they switch to carbs, proteins, vitamins, mineral salts and fats/oils as the 5 food groups. I wish they were more consistent because I think they would retain the information better, but at least they are learning it and being exposed to the topic.

Food & Nutrition Lesson

The intake of soda and sugarcane is insane here, so I honestly think that those discussions will be some of the most important points they can take away...we talked about cavities and tooth decay, as well as better choices they can make in place of those items (I hope this is the case, especially after helping out in the dental clinic). Beyond that, it is difficult to judge the impact that will be made, simply because they do not have a lot of choices for meals...they essentially have to eat what is available at the time. But, at least they know what good, balanced meals should look like and most of them said they help shop at the markets and a few even cook at home.  

The students were engaged the entire lesson...there were 2-3 in each class that were SOLID and would raise their hands every single time. But I think my favorite moment was when I left the room to see how much time we had left, and I came back to see the kids playing hangman with the definition of nutrition as the clue. They also asked if we could leave everything on the chalkboard so that they could copy it down in their notebooks. Their enthusiasm is so adorable and they just have loads of potential.  I love teaching them soooo much! Can't get the songs out of my head for the life of me though. And I can't help but sing them in their accent...just doesn't sound nearly as cute in our midwestern accent :)

Food & Nutrition Class for strong, healthy bodies!

Compound Word Activity

math races

Playing during Break

intense game of tug-o-war

love this pic.

After the morning session, we of course drank a soda with the teachers and then came back to the house to rest, study, soak up some rays, pack for the safari tomorrow, and play with the neighborhood kids (dance off, performances, magic tricks, etc). I bought some avocados, corn, tomatoes and hot sauce at the market yesterday, so I finally whipped up some of the guac everyone has been craving!!! T'was deeeelicious!!! The only thing was they don't sell normal tortilla chips here so we had to make due with potato chips. Not too shabby...got the job done. We got word that Josh was paying for us to go out to dinner since Martha, our cook, was gone...turned out we were going to the Gilly Hotel. woof. Luckily, they gave us the best meal they have made us yet...breakfast...pancakes and fried eggs (yes!). Oh, and also wine...?!? That was a first - pancakes and wine - but I didn't hate it. Side note, the electricity here goes off randomly all the time, so it was like we were eating under a strobe light.

dominating the guac and potato chips

romantic flashlight-lit dinner

Now we are all back at the house, playing cards and finishing up packing for the safari...soooooo excitedddd!!! Can't wait to tell you all about that on Monday when we get back!