Mathematics MONTH?!

Even though they don’t celebrate Halloween here on the island, the students have learned a lot about it from the cartoon shows they watch. When I asked them what they knew about the holiday, they replied with the standard answer of “dressing up in scary costumes and eating a lot of candy.” True, this is what it has become, but since most of the students are Catholic, I took some time to explain how “All Hallows Eve” is related to All Saints’ Day. Much like American kids, they were way more amused with the costumes and candy explanation and graciously accepted the festive pencils I brought from home for them. They also enjoyed looking at some of the pictures I brought of myself dressed in various costumes from past Halloweens.

Also on Wednesday afternoon, I accompanied the students on a field trip to the Folk Research Center. Contrary to the students’ beliefs that this was a place for old people, it was actually filled with numerous artifacts and displays of ancient Creole tools and toys. It is the closest thing I’ve found to a museum here and the displays were fascinating. I’m sure people in Colonial times used to use many of the same “inventions,” too. Returning home while listening to the 18 students on my bus belt out the words to some song in Creole, took me back to when we used to sing “99 Bottles of POP on the Wall” and “The Wheels on the Bus.” I couldn’t help but laugh and enjoy their energy.

Finishing up the remaining two hours of school with adjectives, mental math and social studies, I was ready to finally go out and enjoy the sunny St. Lucia weather. I knew a new friend of mine was coming to pick me up, but I had no idea we were going to the beach! It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon and was a wonderful break from the massive amounts of rain we’ve had lately. We had so much fun taking as many pictures as we could before we had to head home. I just might have to force myself to take a bus here on a few afternoons to write my lesson plans as I watch the sun set.

Thursday, the students were let out at noon so that all of the teachers from the schools in Gros Islet and Monchy could meet at the Gros Islet Secondary School for a group faculty meeting. The principals arranged for a doctor to come in and tell us about diabetes and how we can start promoting healthy lifestyles in the classroom. It was much like our seminars at SNC except for the fact that there was only one male teacher in the whole audience! I also discovered that a lot of the teachers here aren’t even certified, but teachers are in such high demand that many were offered jobs very easily. After talking with some of them, it was great to hear that they plan on going back to college soon to receive the proper certification so that they may better assist their students’ learning. My principal, Ms. Jean, wants me to have a discussion with the new teachers at the Monchy Primary School to help explain some of the advances and techniques we are being taught in the States, and I hope to learn more from them about the programs here.

This weekend should bring a lot of fun and exciting things including ‘Pork City,’ the Basilica and shopping mall in Castries, playing rugby, and hopefully the Food and Rum Festival in Rodney Bay! By the way, November here is designated as Mathematics Month! What luck! I’m sure there will be plenty of fun activities to write about later, so stay tuned.