Our lessons began with helping the children with their course work. We got into groups and then worked on the curriculum from the pace books for a couple of hours.
Ariana and Abbey then ran a geography lesson about NZ with all the kids, Logan took them for a NZ trivia lesson and Max and Gillian did some NZ history and culture teaching. They then had some quizzes and puzzles to complete and we worked with our groups again.
Lunch was maize, beans and rice with chai. It was enjoyable sitting with the teachers and talking about teaching life in Kenya and NZ. It was a great time to connect.
I then went outside and played random games with the children.
The afternoon was beautiful, so everyone took chairs outside and set up the classroom under the shade of an acacia tree. We then ran a geology lesson on tectonic activity and explained the similarities and differences between the mountains, valleys and volcanoes of Kenya and NZ. We finished the lesson with an explosive volcano demonstration using Coca Cola (thanks Janie). We had everyone in stitches! (There's a video floating around somewhere)
We cleaned up and restored the classroom, then said our good byes. It was time to go for chai at Paul and Florence's house. It was very nice, and of course chai turned into dinner. Paul works for the Kenyan government in Mombasa, so it was very insightful chatting with him about everything from education to infrastructure to policy. We enjoyed our meal of ugali, sikumuwiki and mursik.
Unfortunately, we had to leave to return home far too soon. We were shattered when we got home at 10pm.
It's so cool to hear about all of the members of the team contributing in various ways. It must be enjoyable to be able to share your scientific understanding (and for Jane to vicariously share through you!).
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like chai (and conversation) are two common themes of your time so far! And I'm impressed that your swahili is already good enough to be able to explain tectonics and discuss infrastructure!!!