Wow, I have actually been in Jamaica for 2 years, and only have 2 months to go before I return! Already there is a different outlook- last things to do or see, last projects to finish. I am beginning to think about what to give away, leave behind and what to take home. For Peace Corps we have various documents and steps that we need to submit before departure. One of which is called a DOS- description of service. We are to document what we did for the 2 years into a 3 page document, sort of a PC resume. I’ve started working on that- quite a challenge! I am also working with my counterpart teacher to develop a succession plan for when I leave. My last day at school will be May 11.
I received an interesting compliment from the supervising teacher for the practice (student teacher) Spanish teacher who shares the library space with me. His teacher is from Cuba and she came and talked with me after I had had library with one of the classes and had read a Dr. Seuss story to them. She said she wished they had this program in Cuba. (Not actually sure if she meant Peace Corps or library time)) She explained how they have free education and libraries in Cuba but many of the students don’t love books and how important that is. We had a lengthy discussion about schools and learning needs in Jamaica and Cuba and the US.
Breadnut Hill Primary held their Sports Day down at a field near Ochi so all the students had to be bussed there using 1 bus taking 2 trips. So the 9:30 starting time became 11AM. So of course it went on until after 5PM. There have been 2 other field trips recently and both times the students were told to be at school at a specific time yet the bus didn’t leave until at least an hour later. That’s Jamaica time. Good news is that all 4 of our dance groups qualified to go on to the St Ann parish finals in May. And at our District Sports finals at least 2 of our younger runners will be going on to the St Ann parish sport finals. We were proud to finish 4th at this meet – (out of 6) traditionally we are last. Without a field to practice on it is difficult for our athletes to be conditioned and ready.
March 2 was the end of my Biography Book Reading contest for grades 3-6. I was pleased to receive 47 reports and book prizes were given to the winners from each class. For these students this was their first experience reading biographies. March 2 also began Dr. Seuss Time for grades 1-3. Since we have a limited number of Dr Seuss books only grade 3 and 1 are having their contest in March and Grade 2 will have theirs in April. I have been reading The Lorax and Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss to the older grades and it is amazing how attentive they are! I am watching to see if The Lorax movie will be coming to Ochi soon. Wouldn’t that be perfect!
March 22 and 23 are the GSAT test dates for all of Jamaica. Grade 6 students may only take this exam once so it is extra important to be prepared. These students have been having extra classes on Saturday and after school. This is a knowledge based test not an aptitude test. One parent just told me they had decided to keep their son back in grade 6 another year so that he would score better next year and get into a better high school. The rest of the school’s students and teachers (and me) have those 2 days off so that they can use the whole building and spread the students out. It has become more apparent the longer I am here that Jamaican students are expected to absorb facts and that creativity and higher level thinking skills are not stressed. I think the open classrooms, the noise levels and large class sizes makes it much easier to just teach rote learning. Wg/0ES7nslw7pc/s200/DSC05504%2B%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721639665330768466" />hen I ask my remedial students to draw a picture to go with a story or a word they struggle- “I can’t draw an elephant or a lion, can I trace it?” Two boys didn’t want to draw a house because I didn’t have a ruler for them to use to make the lines. Jamaicans certainly are creative when it comes to music and dance though!
March 17- St. Patrick’s Day in Jamaica! The word went out that there would be a PCV gathering at Oceans 11 in Ocho Rios for St. Patrick’s Day. 9 of us enjoyed green Red Stripe or Guinness. The wait staff were all decked out in St. Paddy’s Day costumes, and green hats and leis were handed out. It was fun.


Thinking of you all- ...May God hold you in the palm of His hand.