After being asked 
yesterday to prepare a presentation about ourselves, Michigan, and American schools, Kristin, Nicki and I presented to Widey Court. The kids were most surprised by how long American students had off for the summer holiday. They were all ooing and ahing! Afterwards, Mrs. Browning, the head of the school had to make it clear that the reason why American summer vacation was longer was because we went to school nearly the entire time during the regular school year, and that we didn't have long holidays during the year. I thought that was really funny. After the assembly, I returned to the same classroom that I was in ye
sterday. When I 
arrived, my class was outside playing on the playground while the guitar instructor was inside tuning all the guitars. I walked around with my camera and took many pictures of the children playing. All their games were just like the games American children play. I even filmed two of the girls showing me their secret handshake! After the break, we came in for guitar lessons. Every student was provided a guitar that they are able to keep for the year and bring home to practice. The guitar instructor taught the students a few notes and had them play a song. It was interesting to see a music lesson, something I have never seen before. During this time, I was filming and talking to the substitute teacher. She told me that this guitar lesson was relatively new, but was becoming successful. I really thought that this idea was great, the entire class was learning an instrument together! I don't think this would happen in the US. With all the talk of cutting music and art classes in the US, it is clear that the English schools value their non-core subjects. I was extremely sad to leave, although I had only been in the school for about a day, the relationships I formed with the students were amazing. All of them were sad to see me go. My experience in Widey Court was extremely beneficial and eye opening.
yesterday to prepare a presentation about ourselves, Michigan, and American schools, Kristin, Nicki and I presented to Widey Court. The kids were most surprised by how long American students had off for the summer holiday. They were all ooing and ahing! Afterwards, Mrs. Browning, the head of the school had to make it clear that the reason why American summer vacation was longer was because we went to school nearly the entire time during the regular school year, and that we didn't have long holidays during the year. I thought that was really funny. After the assembly, I returned to the same classroom that I was in ye
sterday. When I 
arrived, my class was outside playing on the playground while the guitar instructor was inside tuning all the guitars. I walked around with my camera and took many pictures of the children playing. All their games were just like the games American children play. I even filmed two of the girls showing me their secret handshake! After the break, we came in for guitar lessons. Every student was provided a guitar that they are able to keep for the year and bring home to practice. The guitar instructor taught the students a few notes and had them play a song. It was interesting to see a music lesson, something I have never seen before. During this time, I was filming and talking to the substitute teacher. She told me that this guitar lesson was relatively new, but was becoming successful. I really thought that this idea was great, the entire class was learning an instrument together! I don't think this would happen in the US. With all the talk of cutting music and art classes in the US, it is clear that the English schools value their non-core subjects. I was extremely sad to leave, although I had only been in the school for about a day, the relationships I formed with the students were amazing. All of them were sad to see me go. My experience in Widey Court was extremely beneficial and eye opening. 
No comments:
Post a Comment