Week 2 in Barcelona

The students at St. Paul's are truly remarkable, as they can speak three different language (Catalan, Spanish, and English). The students learn all subject material in English. English is not the native language for the vast majority of students. From what I have observed at the school as well as what I have heard from the other WKU students at St. Paul's, the students' English develops tremendously throughout their primary years. As I am in a first grade classroom, I have noticed that students have a hard time articulating what they want to say, as they do not have a large enough vocabulary or a deep knowledge of English grammar to always make coherent sentences. This has been a real challenge for me, as I have a particularly hard time trying to decipher what students are saying. They also throw in some Spanish words too, which makes things even harder. I am also having a hard time communicating with students because I feel as though they do not understand half of what I am saying to them, as they often just look at me with a blank stare. I think part of the problem is that they are not used to hearing someone with an American accent speak English.

As far as content goes, I do not really think that the students are more advanced than American students at this point in their school career. The first graders are currently learning how to tell time (o'clock and half-past only right now). They also practice reading a book or two every week in reading groups (ability-based). This is very similar to the second grade classroom I was in last for student teaching, as each reading group had different books they read based on reading level. The first grade students a St. Paul's are also learning phonics. I have not seen a lot of phonics instruction or the beginning of phonics instruction, but what I have seen is quite similar to phonics instruction in America. The major difference that I have seen between this school and American schools is handwriting. The first graders at St. Paul's have the best handwriting I have ever seen for students so young - and it is in cursive! It is truly remarkable. They use the Spanish form of cursive, which is very similar to American cursive with some minor differences.

I was able to teach a couple of lessons this week and lead a couple of activities as well. I taught the students how to tell time when the minute hand was pointing at the 6 (half past). I also taught students about what plants need to survive. I led an science experiment activity in which we planted cress seeds in different conditions (no water, no light, no soil, no air, milk instead of water, and a control). I also led the mother's day card craft. Today, I showed the students how to plant their bean seeds and showed them how to begin their bean plant diary. Throughout the week, I have also helped during these activities in the other first grade classrooms. I have also assisted students and I led a small group. During this small group, I worked on reading comprehension with the students.