On Tuesday, I began my volunteering position at a public elementary school about a fifteen minute walk from my house here in Alajuela. The educational system in Costa Rica is very good, with a literacy rate of 90% or higher for the country.

The very interesting thing to me is that I was not given materials or information about exactly what the children needed help with. I was told that I would be given 10 students per grade that are having a hard time learning english. So, I went in search of ideas of what to do with them. I am still searching, but yesterday, I visited the library (aha! the library!) and looked at the curriculum for english classes. This was helpful.

With the 2nd graders, we practiced, what is your name? and my name is... and nice to meet you. Also we sang Head Shoulders knees and toes. It went pretty well. There is one boy that kept speaking outloud, in spanish. He is my -class clown- I think. Yesterday with the 4th graders, we talked about activities they like to do. Swimming, dancing, etc. It think that they enjoyed the class. I had them come to the front of the class and act out their activity. I know that I really enjoy that, and I hope that they learn while having a good time!! I hope...
We played Simon Says, of course. There were two mothers sitting in the back of the class room, one with her toddler. I thought at first that I would be more nervous with them there, but I really was not.

The kids are really sweet and helpful, and even share their snacks!

I am also volunteering at a Catholic school. The physical environment at the private school is much better and bigger, with beautiful plants and patios. Today, I felt like a superstar, no joke! Two 5th grade classes and one 6th grade class interviewed me all in english about my life and of course, if I had a boyfriend. Outside the class, the kids were talking the me and saying, Hi Corrie... It was pretty fun, being a superstar for a day. There is a male English teach who is young and single, and of course, as that age always does, they wanted to know if I liked him. One boy asked me if I wanted to be the english teacher"s girlfriend...oh, those crazy kids!!

So, my volunteering is work...not just something I can show up and leave. But it is good prep... a little tiring and of course will test my procrastination once again...

I will keep you all posted if any other exciting things happen in the schools.

And Debbie, I went to a dance studio the other day with the little girl I am staying with. She is taking modern dance and the teacher had Justin Timberlake playing in the background. I thought of you!!