Dancing in a Different Language: March 2010

All Laughs and Smiles

When I signed up to teach English here in Spain, I requested to work in an elementary school. And here I am teaching in a primary school, but what I had not anticipated was spending most of my 12 hours working with the 4, 5 and 6 year olds. I never anticipated coming to Spain to ‘teach’ English, would require teaching the numbers 1-10, the names of colors and singing songs.

But here I am working 9 hours with los niños and loving it! Every Monday when I arrive to work with Marilola, it never ceases to amaze me what she will ask me to do. She will say (in Spanish), ‘Ok, today I want you to teach them ‘sad,’ ‘mad,’ and 'happy'. Do you know any songs or games?’ So I’m usually given 2.3 seconds to ponder of what I’m going to do and then it’s go time.

I work with three 4 year old classes, three 5 year old classes and three 1st grade classes. I have been asked to sing ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,' 'Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around,' 'If You’re Happy and You Know It,' 'The Itzy Bitsy Spider,' 'Simon Says' and a slue of others, until I become blue in the face! When I get home, my roommates are always so stoked to hear the new song I had to repeat like a broken record. Haha NOT. The song usually gets sung and then it’s followed with, ‘OMG, I could never do what you do.’ (Basically I make fun of myself all day long.)

I however would not change any of this for the world. The children are learning the proper 'American' pronunciation of sounds and words at a young age, which helps build a solid foundation of the language. English is being taught and learned in a very fun and playful environment. The students are so precious and have the kindest of hearts. They are always filled with so much energy and have the want and drive to learn. They say everything how they see it and laugh at my silly gestures. (I swear I should become an actress sometimes.) They always greet me with the biggest smiles and hugs and will yell from across the playground just to wave at me.

Last week the 5 year olds were learning about the Native Americans and after remembering that I am from America, a little boy asked (in Spanish) ‘Do you live in a teepe?’ Who could not love such innocence?

Typical

Singing '10 Little Pumpkins' with the 1st grade bilingual class

Teaching 'ghosts' to the 4 year olds (BOO)

Marilola (Infantile Teacher) and I

Can you guess what I'm teaching? (Mad)

Coloring with Infants 4B

I was quite the lucky girl this past week. I was lucky enough to spend my ‘golden,’ 25th birthday, Spanish style, and to have my best friend Julia, from California with me. Not only was it special for me to share my life in Spain with her, but she provided me with a piece of home.

As my alarm sounded the morning of Thursday, February 25 at 10:30am, Julia and I both awoke, ready to take on the day. I awoke with a little more enthusiasm than Julia was hoping, considering we had gone out the night before and did not return home ‘til 4:00am (Welcome to España Jules.) I however was excited because I knew today was going to be a great day.

As I rolled out of my bed, I found a note that Lindsey had slipped under my door. ‘Happy 25th Dinner! It’s your birthday…eat dessert for breakfast! Look in the bottom drawer in the freezer…Love, Benjamin’ I ran into the kitchen to find Kit Kat drumsticks with my name written all over them. Never ever had I enjoyed such a delicious breakfast of champions! Thanks Benj 

Jules and I got dressed and headed to my school for a special birthday party that the first grade teachers had arranged. Knowing a little about Spanish traditions, I made a point to stop at the BEST pastelería, (bakery) to buy some goodies for all the teachers since it was my birthday. We arrived at Serrano de Haro during recess, and I felt like a celebrity as I was instantly bombarded with ‘Felicidades’ from the students and for the risk-taker 4, 5, and 6 year olds, ‘Happy Birthday!’ Maria Jose, Marilola and Anabel had a cake and treats all set up waiting for me. I was serenaded in English and Spanish and I felt very special knowing that my gracious co-workers took the time to recognize my birthday.

With my birthday already off to a great start, it was just about to get even better. Jules and I decided to have a ‘romantic’ lunch together at Jaén’s castle, Castillo de Santa Catalina. As we climbed the mountain, I conversed with the taxi driver and Jules admired the breathtaking, bird’s eye views of Jaén. We shared a lunch filled with excellent ambiance, food and conversation. As I sipped on my glass of wine, I again felt very special and royal-esque. Jules and I had taken the time, and reached a little further into our pockets, to enjoy a quality, ‘romantic’ experience together.

After indulging in some delicious food, we headed back to my piso for a much needed siesta. We took advantage of España’s custom and slept for two hours, prepping for the night’s events.

Time to fiesta! We began the evening at our local barrio favorite, Casa de Cordoba for some delicious tapas in a family-esque setting. Antonio spoiled us again by giving us ‘patatas a la pobre,’ (poor mans potatoes) and other tapas that are my favorite. The lights turned down, the music sung loud and I was again serenaded by a traditional Spanish tune. Awesome! With our bellies full, we went to another favorite, Iroquai for some killer music and we don’t mind the free drinks. (Thanks Quique!) As my friends and I were sharing laughs, what do I hear? Oh just my favorite tune, David Guetta featuring Akon! Oh yaaaa! I immediately headed straight to bust some moves on the dance floor. 4:00am rolled around and it was now time to head to the discotecas. We landed at 20th Century Rock and danced amongst the masses. After many songs were danced and sung to, we finally decided to call it a night around 7:30am.

February 25, 2010 will be a day I will never forget. I was surrounded by lots of love and felt very special. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and wishes that were sent via, facebook, tuenti, skype phone messages, emails, hugs, pieces of paper, texts and the lucky ones who I was able to reach by phone. Even though some of you are farther away than I would have liked you to be on my birthday, just remember you are even closer in my heart. I love you all and thank you for making me feel so ‘Golden.’

Felicidades a Mi: 25