Monday Jan.26
I am reading worrisome blizzard predictions and thinking about everyone back home and along the east coast. Hoping you stay safe and warm and do not lose power.
Today was a remarkable day. Walked over to Chugin school, where the teachers Met us and accompanied us to our first classrooms. They had the four volunteers meet with the class in one large group for first session. About 32 kinds per class. After today we will work in smaller groups , 4-5 students with each volunteer. 3 of my classes were 10 th graders and one was a 7 th grade. Classes are 45 minutes. With 15 minute breaks in between. The kids had numerous question about life in America, our feeling about Israel's role in the world, inquiring if we felt safe in the US etc. the teachers are very positive and grateful for the time we are contributing. Wednesday's assignment in the 10th grade classes will be reading about and discussing Martin Luther King. Tomorrow I am at a different High School where the kids are researchin Greek Mythology.
after a quick lunch, I took a long walk down hill to an area called Hadar. (i went with a couple who has been on the trip 5 times, so their knowledge of the area and Hebrew was very helpful!) An immigrant neighborhood along the side if the mountain. Small shops and cafes. It is on cable car line, finicular, Which we took back up to hotel. 4 pm was our first Hebrew language class. Many of the participants are quite advanced, so she will separate us into 2 groups. I found it painful to feel so unprepared. Teacher will bring some more elementary teaching materials next time and we will see how Wednesday class goes...
This evening we had a fabulous speaker. He is principal of an elementary school for at risk kids. Very creative and high energy. The Boston Haifa connection contributes funds to support some special Ed programs there. No volunteers from our program are assigned there , yet, but we may go on a tour if our schedule allows.
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