SYDNEY
Elementary Education Graduate |
SYDNEY
Elementary Education Graduate |
I am thrilled to be leaving for Zambia in 3 days!!! I have been collecting school supplies to donate to the school I will be working in, and the orphanage we will be visiting. I have put together supplies for the classroom teacher(s), as well. We can’t forget about the teachers! Some of the supplies include crayons, construction paper (large and small), markers, chalk, bubbles and books. Each student in the classroom will receive a goody bag with a pencil, two erasers, a pencil sharpener, two stickers and various candies unique to the United States. Just as I am looking forward to trying new foods and other items unique to Zambia, I’m sure the children will enjoy trying these special sweet treats! I also wanted to bring them blow bubbles because it was something I enjoyed when I was younger. I am also not sure if they have blow bubbles or have ever seen bubbles before. If not, it will be great to see their reactions to these delicate and pretty floating orbs. I have been told that there is a lack of books in the classrooms of Zambia. Since Zambians speak, write and read English I thought it would be a good idea to find books to donate. I found picture books and illustrated chapter books. I hope these books will be read so students can experience these wonderful stories. One “special” student will receive a drawstring bag, a notebook and a water bottle. All students will be able to earn more candy, erasers and stickers from the extras. The classroom teacher(s) will receive a small dry erase board, a dry erase weekly calendar, “Good Character” certificates, stickers, chalk, 2 notebooks, pens and dry erase markers. Some of the teacher supplies are for only the teacher(s). However, I wanted to give the teacher(s) items that they can give to the students. As a teacher, it feels good to give students any kind of award/reward. The certificates and stickers are a great way to show that you care and you are looking for their good behavior and good work. Along with supplies, I will also be donating some clothing that is not worn anymore. I kept in mind the cultural differences in clothing style and what is appropriate clothing to wear in Zambia. I did some research to find out what is appropriate for myself to wear during my stay. The articles of clothing that is being donated, I think, meets the standards of the Zambian culture. Here are some pictures of the supplies I am brining. I am slightly nervous about what to expect. Even though I have traveled overseas, I have never been to a developing country. This alone will make my experience eye-opening. This opportunity will be a great way for me to grow as a teacher, in a unique way. Going to Zambia and being able to work with these under-privileged children will allow me to gain new perspectives that I cannot obtain from schools in Western New York. I am eager to work with these students and learn from them and their experiences.
I week from now, I will be waking up in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa!!! :)
0 Comments
|