Vail Mountain School 4th Grade Class

A couple of people have complained that I haven't updated in a while (all of 6 days) so here's a little tidbit to tied you over till I have something more salivating to present. So far the different groups are all doing the same activities and I don't think that everyone wants to hear about the modules over and over again, so that's why the posts aren't everyday....just stay patient.

The kids from Vail Mountain School left this morning on their 8 hour trip back home. I thoroughly enjoyed working with these kids as they were at that age when you're just old enough to understand what you can and can't do and that the world isn't completely fun and games, but where you're still young enough to pretend, run around crazily, and act like a fool without caring what others think. It's a great age and it makes teaching them more enjoyable.

If anyone's a teacher out there and look for a really neat school to work at I would look to see if VMS is hiring...these kids get every Friday off to go skiing, they go on at least 2 over night trips a years (things like rafting, horseback riding, etc.), the teachers have parties where they can win trips to Caribbean Islands....they just built a 27 million dollar new building...sounds pretty damn cool if you ask me. Random tangent over....back to the kids and working....

I worked with two other educators for this group; Talya (a seasonal educator that's here for four months) and Jenni (a permanent staff member that's been here for about 5 years). Because Talya needs to be able to teach by herself the next time that she's with kids, I was left to observe once again. But that's okay as it's interesting to see the different teaching styles that everyone has here. I did manage to get to teach the games, which is the best part anyways.

A cute side note on the games:
The kids weren't old enough to understand all the idioms in the English language and this lead to a great deal of laughter for the adults.
One of the games that the kids get to do is throw a spear via an atlatl (think of a pre-historic slingshot....looks different but same general concept). We put out a plastic deer that was aptly named "Buck" for the kids to aim at (three girls and none of the boys actually hit it too...go girl power ;~). So my job was to give the count down for the kids to throw their spears...Ready....Aim.....Throw at will....well, of course every kids puts their spear down and stares at me and then yells: "That's not Will, that's Buck!" I hope that little antidote puts a smile on all your faces...if not stop being so serious!

This group was very inquisitive and full of questions and energy so there was never really a dull moment. One of the little girls asked me whether she could send me a letter when she gets home....they're so cute...that's also a hint for others...letters are much appreciated :~)

Now that I've satisfied my readers for at least a day I say good night and hope that all is well wherever you readers might be.