Butterflies and Reading

Our "summer" break is almost half over already. (I use the term summer for my American friends.  It is always summer here.  The kids don't even use the term.  They just say vacation or holiday.)  Dennis and I don't really take a break from visiting the village.  As a matter of fact, we tried to take a whole week off recently and we were not happy people.  We were happy to be back out in Buena Vista again!

During July and August we still visit the village three days a week, we just change what we are doing.  Since there is no school we go to the student's homes and keep reading.  I just call it my Reading Program.  We also have visitors at the house on a regular basis.

We had some girls over and made butterflies out of melted crayons and paint.

These young ladies were very focused.

It is always a pleasure just to spend time with the kids.  We chat and laugh.  Dennis always comes in and causes a great commotion!

Dennis and I go to four different homes and teach the alphabet, phonics, sight words, and general good reading skills.  We are always met with smiles and hugs.  We have a fun time.

That is Patricia, Joseline is in the pink and Danny is the little guy.  Joseline is very intelligent and I see signs of a future teacher in her.

We started visiting Joseline's family before school got out.  They had arrived recently from Salvador or Honduras.  None of them were ever taught English.  This was my first time teaching English from square one.  I hope I am doing it right.  I am on the internet often seeking help in this area.  I am licensed as a Special Ed. teacher, not English.  

In the background is the mother of all the kids.  I can never remember her name.  She often gives us fresh fruit to munch on while we are there.  A few times she cooked some wonderful food as well.  She is a great cook.  We see her sometimes selling her food in the village.  Very resourceful woman. 

We sit in the main room for about 90 minutes at a time.  We have quite a time when there is no interpreter there to help me.  Patricia has been a big help.  

That is Memo (Jose) in the middle.  He keeps all of us laughing.

If you are a person who requires a quiet, organized world in which to study, I would say this is not the place for you.

This is another house we visit.  Some of you will remember tall Wendy.  This is her home.  We sit in the future kitchen area spending alot of time on phonics and memorization of sight words.  We just finished the first of the Magic Tree House Books.  The kids really enjoyed it and that was the point.  Most of the students do not read for enjoyment.

Adonias, very smart guy! 

We are scheduling a day when the whole group will come to the house!

Wendy

Kerlin

Justin

Nataly, she will start Infant 1 in September.

Coloring a picture of a T-Rex from the book.

The kids wanted us to join them in a game of First Catch, which is just like our Tag.  Since it was over 100 degrees we declined.  They are just like any kids.  They love it when adults watch them!

We are right where God wants us to be.  We feel blessed even in the heat.

Love you guys!