I did it now!!! (3/27-30)

I did it now!!! The honeymoon is over as far as teaching is concerned. It happens to teachers every year. There is a period for which the children are new to you and you to them, so they are well-behaved because they don't know what to expect or don't know others well enough to be brave. Well, that time is over here!

Most of these children have been together since preschool. They know each other sooo well that they know what each other are thinking. That can be good, and it can be bad. Students are beginning to speak harshly to each other and get rough with each other because they are very familiar with each other. They don't have patience when things go wrong and they don't have boundaries, resulting in some aggressive behavior lately. I saw three boys fooling around. One was play-pushing, one got annoyed and got rough, the third bent over to avoid the pushing and banged his head on a desk. Ouch!

I and my co-teaching partner (we switch classes all the time) took this problem to the principal. With a deep appreciation of the situation and grave concern, our principal suggested that there be an assembly to address the matter. She put Pily and I in charge of it. We have to get the students involved in role-playing and acting skits out. We need to have it ready by April 19th. That's what I get for opening my big mouth!!!

Visa Fun! (3-28)

Chile really has been an adventure. The many new experiences help us be more understanding and appreciative. Our visas and "identity" in Chile has been a source of much "learning"!!!! Deb was delayed in arriving to Chile because the embassy made recommendations concerning her contract in several steps instead of all at once. Paper work for her identity number has been lost, resulting in beginning anew. Getting a bank account, car insurance, and telephone service depend on whether you have an identity number. If you don't have an "identity" you can't get these things. We've been counting on Deb's identity to get all these things.

Well. I recently started the process. I took a day off from school and went downtown to get my visa AND my identity number. Chile has a very beaurocratic process for just about everything. (IE, it takes about two weeks for you to get a bank account where you pay $70 a year and get no interest.) With instruction from a Lincoln staff member, I went to the first office to begin the process. Unfortunately, I was informed there that I had been misguided and they couldn't help me. (Figures!)

So I walked 6 blocks to the Immigration office to wait in line for information on what I needed to do to get my visa and identity number. I was given the number 78, they were on 27. But, there was some luck in this! A lady went up for a turn just before me. She wanted to renew a visa, but couldn't speak any Spanish. When I arrive at the station right next to her, they were just beginning to realize the desperate need for a translator. When they learned that I could speak English and Spanish, they asked me to translate for the lady who couldn't speak Spanish. In no time the delema was solved and they happily and patiently aided me with my questions. I discovered that I couldn't apply for both a visa and an identity number at the same time. I did need a paper from the first office to complete my request for a visa. And that I could apply by mail if I had all the documents.

So I went back to the first office and kindly, but directly, asked for what I needed. They completed the documento de ingresar and I went home to complete the application. So now I wait to here from the office about my visa. They said it would take 20 days. And I have been instructed to call after 10 to make sure they have everything they need. Wouldn't it just be ironic if I got my identity number card before Deb?!?!

Loose Ends (3/25-26)

This weekend was highlighted by two significant events. One was car shopping. Deb and I went shopping with friends Andres and Priscilla (and their little boy, Benjamin). And, after shopping for several weeks now, we finally bought a car. We looked at several cars until we decided to test drive a Chevy Corsa. It's a bitty car with lots of pep! You can't get them in the states because they are too small. It was a good price, color, a 2004, and will be easy to re-sell when time comes. Andres was quite a resource. He really knew what to look for. But the real deal came when Andres flexed his negotiating skills. He saved us a bundle, I know!!!

The other weekend event worth mentioning is Deb and I attended church for the first time since we've been in Chile! I know, I know. I AM a sinner! We just didn't have things together and were sure where to go. We however went to a Presbyterian church here in Santiago. We thought we arrived a little late, only to discover that church starts at 11:20! (What an odd time!) I was pleasantly surprised at how much I could understand during the service. Shortly after things started they welcomed visitors and indicated we should stand and introduce themselves. (Sigh.) But everybody was so nice to us. Afterwards, we had coffee and cookies in the courtyard. We discovered that the pastor is from Brasil. I felt really warmly welcomed. We will probably go back again. I feel like we have friends there for sure.

School Routine (3/20-24)

This week I welcomed two twin sisters to our class. Yes, a rare occurrence, for sure. But, the parents requested it and this is a private school aiming to please. I often ask myself, why? The reason many people tell me is because I am a native English speaker. This is an advantage for the children as they try to learn English. So I can't tell if this request is a compliment, or not. I was just happy to welcome the two girls!

One of my students broke her arm this week at school. Yep! I was told that she was pretending to be Super Woman. Hmmm... I have become keenly aware though, these children can frequently be found playing in ways that I would consider rough, or even dangerous. There seems to be a much more relaxed attitude about it here. "Boys will be boys," they may say. So I am not always know how to respond.

As my Spanish language skills develop, they come in handy as I interact with students in casual settings. There are several phrases that are much like our slang. As I learn them I like to find opportunities to use them. I did so once with a small group of three students. I was telling the students to go outside for recess instead of staying in the classroom. I told them I wanted them to get fresh air and play, then I used some slang. "Catchi?" I said (meaning "Get it?"). One of the students turned to me with a surprised expression and informed me that I was sounding Chilean these days! Cha-ching!

We had our Open House on Friday. Many parents sent in food (good food) for afterwards. And it was well attended! The other fourth grade teacher, Pily, and I prepared a PowerPoint presentation going over important information. We had some intense questions afterwards regarding cell phone policy, scheduling tests, and values education at school. These are some concerned parents!!! I guess if they are paying for it they want to maximize the service. Well, I really enjoyed talking with the parents afterwards. They were super friendly.

Buen Viaje, Blayneys! (3/18-19)

On Saturday we rented a car for the weekend. We took advantage of the wheels first to visit several car dealers around Santiago looking for a car to buy. Little luck in that department, but then in the afternoon we took off for Valparaiso, a city on the Pacific Coast that in its hey-day in the 1800's was the main Port of Chile. The drive there was beautiful. Once you cross the hills that run between Santiago and the coast, the landscape becomes noticably more wet and therefore green. The highway takes you past many vineyards and green farmland. Suddenly the highway descends a mountain and then almost out of no where you are in Valparaiso.

Valparaiso is a city of incredibly steep (aka vertical) hills. You look at the houses perched above you on the hillside and it seems un-natural that they stay there rather than come crashing down to the coast below. The buildings are all brightly painted, too: pink, yellow, bright blue or green. From a distance it almost looks like a carnaval with thousands of colored tents.

Bob and Sylvia arrived in Valparaiso on Friday to tour around some before embarking on their cruise back to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We met them there on Saturday afternoon at their hotel and then drove to the neighboring (resort) city of Vina del Mar. There we parked the car and got out to walk and enjoy the Pacific Ocean breeze. We walked the road that lines the coast and enjoyed watching the waves come and go, gulls and pelicans float along in the evening air and boats off in the distance coming and going from the Valparaiso port. We found 4-person surreys for rent (basically a Fred Flintstone-type car with four seats, all with their own set of pedals). So, we rented one for 30 minutes and cycled up and down the coastal road looking at the ocean and trying not to run into any other tourists who were equally preoccupied while steering their own surrey bike. Then we were treated to a beautiful sunset on the ocean. Chris took a couple of pictures that help capture the bright, warm colors and the soft movement of the waves, but there is really no substitute for being there. Picturesque in every sense of the word.

On Sunday we went for a walk to the Port to take a look around. We stopped at the Cathedral of Valparaiso on the way and peaked inside during Mass. As we approached the port area, there was a pedestrian bridge that went up over the road and so we climbed it and got a great view of the city and its many hills, not to mention the port itself. From there we easily spied the Millenium, the cruise ship Bob and Sylvia would board later that day. It is positively huge and I can now see how it can contain things like a shopping mall, hundreds of hotel rooms, a casino, restaurants, etc etc. At the port we saw several freight ships that were either being loaded or unloading cargo in Valparaiso. Lots of them carried refrigerated cargo (fruits, vegetables, and fish) that are some of Chile's main exports to the United States and many other countries. It was interesting to watch all the trucks bring in their ocean containers and see the huge cranes pick up the containers and place them on the ship. Deb was especially interested because part of her job is to schedule loading these types of containers at the company so that they get to the port on time to catch the boat and sail to another country.

Then it was time to leave Bob and Sylvia at the Port for their cruise home to the US. Buen Viaje, Blayneys!

-Deb (Just in case you hadn't noticed the different writing style, I thought I should identify myself.)

Filling the Shoes (3/14-16)

After just a few days, I feel that I am "finding my groove!" I've concluded that, as far as behavior goes, kids are kids everywhere. I have a few ornery students, a few talkative students, a few students who are distractible, and the students that you want to give hallows to. When problems arrise we talk about them and find solutions. The hardest thing for me to get used to is the students all call me "Sir Chris."

Finally, after much waiting, our container arrived with all our stuff!!! With Bob and Sylvia and a truck driver's help, we carried all our things into our apartment. Now we have the fun job of unpacking and making "house." I am so happy we don't have to eat while sitting on the floor any more!

Isla Negra and Algarrobo (3/12)

Deb and I headed to the coast with Bob and Sylvia and some Chilean friends this weekend. We saw some beautiful mountains, lots of eucalyptus trees, and the vast Pacific Ocean. We stopped at the house of Nobel Prize winning poet Pablo Neruda. His house reflect the same boyish pleasures that his poetry exemplifies. He collected incredible shells, thousands of bottles, and ships in part, in bottles, or in idea. He boarded a little on bizarre. But, his house was enchanting and the view of the Pacific fantastic!

Algarrobo has nice beaches that are open to the public. The water was freezing, but that didn't stop people from swimming. The very young to the very old waded in and cooled off. I would need a serious layer of blubber before I could take a dive. I entertained myself by hunting for shells and sea glass. The rough sand was like a exfoliant for our feet. We did find some pretty treasures to take home with us.

My Poor Neglected Blog (3/8-11)

Yep, I am definitely back to work!!!

I have been busy adjusting to the many tasks of teaching. There are lots of new systems to learn, rules to know, and curriculum to teach. Many of the kids in my class have been here 4 or more years. And they want me to be in charge!

There are several things worth noting. I teach Math and Science to two 4th grades classes of 20 students. There are LOTS more boys than girls. Students have to wear a tie and coat to and from school, then change into a smock when they get to class. A kiss on the cheek is a typical greeting. They write A LOT. And they have special classes daily, 3 recess, and a long lunch.

Lots of differences, but lots of similarity too. I love this picture of kids in the computer lab.

Ready For the Big Day! (3/6+7)

Well, they have come at last! School started today and I met almost all the children in my fourth grade class. And, at last, I feel good about what I've gotten myself into. I was worried about many things, but today I learned that children are the same everywhere. The students were nervous, hoping to learn, ready to have fun, and glad to see their friends again. Just like all the other children I've taught. Our classroom was a wreck until we sorted supplies and packed things away. But then we could get to know each other. I was really surprised at how much English they understood. Some are a little hesitant to speak, but I can tell with time they will be more will to try.

This day makes me think a lot about the first days of school this year at LES. We had no idea then of all the things that would happen, of all the changes that were to come. I don't think I could repeat that again.

Update From My Classroom! (3/4+5)

This marks a new era in my blog! I am in my classroom RIGHT NOW! That's right. I am blogging from Lincoln International Academy. This blog was originally created for me, a teacher, to blog about my school experiences. But, I will definitely include other stuff too! (So please don't stop reading!) This is my classroom, by the way. It has changed a little as I have been adding some decorations. I will post another soon.

Any way, I said I would update you on the weekend. This is a shot of our bare apartment. Well, with help from Bob and Sylvia, Deb and I took all of our stuff from the hotel to our new place. We still have some cleaning to do, but we are definitely getting settled. We are spending a fortune at local stores because we don't have very much at all. With a rented truck, we all picked up a refrigerator for the place. Our new bed arrive in good time. (It came with some pretty splashy sheets! Sorry I didn't get a picture of that yet.) Now all we need is our container of belonging which should be sailing down the west coast of South America by now. It's supposed to arrive on the 10th. That means we have 4 days until it arrives!

Last Night in Hotel (3/3)

I received this wonderful e-mail and photo from a friend. I liked it so much I wanted to publish it on the web. These are just some choir friends. I miss all of them!

What an eventful day! I am nearing the completion of decorating in the classroom. We went out with Bob and Sylvia in the evening for dinner. Tomorrow well will take our stuff to the new apartment! We just have a couple of suit cases and a refrigerator to load. It shouldn't take too long. A bed will get delivered too. So this is it! The last night in the hotel. I will miss this vista. I love it! But we will have a pool and gym. (Seems like a fair trade to me.)


We won't have internet connection for a little while, but maybe I can e-mail from school. So during our move I will make notes and update you with a picture or two on Mon. Man, I've really been getting into this. I know I will be sorry that I can't blog.

I'm Tired. (3/2)

I'm getting my classroom ready and I have to make a lot of things. I am speaking a lot of Spanish and thinking very hard so that I can understand. I am trying to get to know others by being very friendly. And I want to spend time with Deb's parents, Bob and Sylvia. But by the end of the day I am very tired. I will go to bed shortly.

But I need to describe my experience with Spanish. I feel that I speak rather well for a foreigner and I get lots of compliments from the teachers here. (They are nice to me.) But today we had a staff meeting IN SPANISH. I worked so hard to understand everything I could. But when it was over I had so many questions! I talked with some of the others in English, and that helped me understand better. But, I was working so hard at understanding, I got a headache. I need to be patient and keep practicing. I won't get perfect in one day. But little by little.... I keep telling myself. :o)

First Day of School (3/1)

Lincoln International Academy teachers returned from summer break today. Their were a lot of new faces and names to remember, but I made some definite friends. The elementary grade teachers made me feel at home. I enjoyed conversing in a mixture of English and Spanish while we drank coffee. Maria (just moved from 4th to 1st grade) volunteered to be my mentor and take me under her wing. I spoke with a third grade teacher about some of the students in my class and am looking forward to meeting them. And then, I was paid a surprise visit by young fellow that I found, after some questioning, will be in my class. Simón seemed like a very nice fellow and I look forward to getting to know him better.

Today was a first day for Bob and Sylvia, Deb's parents, who just arrived from the states. They came to visit and for a vacation. It was fun to catch up, eat dinner together, and show them around the block (literally). They will be here for a while, until the 19 I believe. Then they will return to the states on a cruise ship. It will be quite a nice vacation. (Little do they know, they will probably be helping Deb and I move into our apartment this weekend. :o)