Day 16

Today was quite a full day, and boy am I tired! We started off on a tour of this beautiful city. We visited the duomo, the academy, and had a very informative tour guide that told us about some main attractions in the town. I found The Academy the most interesting place. We got to see paintings from the Rennesaince and up. It was so interesting to see how art has evolved over hundreds of years. We finally got to see the main attraction-the statue of David. Boy, was Michelangelo a piece of work. This statue is beyond amazing. To think someone chizzled a huge piece of marble into a masterpiece...it is unbelievable! 

The detail with his veins, muscles, and whole body is truly amazing. I appreciate being able to see something so magnificent. I noticed other pieces of women and children in another room. He children looked not so happy in these pieces. There was a piece of a sister holding what looked to be a dead little boy, and there were other statues that just had a gloom about them. It looked like the children had to be much more mature for their age back then. I don't know a whole lot about the time period, but it looked to be a bit rough back then. I'm glad some of the art work has been maintained for us to see today. 

Lastly, we went into the duomo to see the art, frescas, and the tomb of the amazing Michelangelo. It is amazing to see the beauty and craft that was put into the churches back then when they had limited needs for construction. He foundation is so incredible, and the architecture is beautiful. I love it all. 

Day 15

Today we arrived in Florence! We took a bus here and then headed straight to the fresh market to have a unique experience. I found black beans--yay!! They were 5 times more expensive..but worth it. Afterward, we did more bargaining in the street markets and I had myself a little rest outside of the market to observe this new town. I did not notice too many children, but the ones that I did see were with their families. There were children of all cultures out since this is a more touristy town. I noticed a lot of them enjoying cups of gelato with their families. Who could blame them?! I saw many mothers and other family members (I assume) pushing baby strollers around. There are also younger kids strapped to the backs of fathers. It was a nice and enjoyable Friday! Florence is my kind of town! 

Week 2 completed

Today was out last day in the schools. It was a slam packed day, but it was a success. We started with a group of 4th and 5th graders. We did our "Where's Walrus" lesson with them along with answering some questions about ourselves. These students were very curious about our country. 

When we split into our groups, I started in one by myself. It was most certainly a challenge because I felt pretty sick and secondly...the language barrier. These students understood minimum, but ice noticed there tends to be one student in each group that understands more English than the rest. I am always so happy when this happeneds, because I want the students to understand our fun lesson. Anyways, with our first group I noticed that the students really enjoyed the book, but it took them a while to start on the activity. They were very concerned with what their friends and peers were going to draw, and I think they were afraid to draw something "wrong" I suppose. Once Ray came over to show an example, the became a bit more comfortable. So, we had yet another successful lesson.

Next, we had a group of 2nd and 3rd graders. The energy was different--in a good way! They always seem so much more excited, and I love heir curiosity. When we got into our groups though...we had a more energetic group with one of those dominant students. They all enjoyed the book, but when it came to drawing...they all drew the same thing. It was so hard to communicate with them because they knew even less English than the first group. We made it work, though. We also observed some students who appeared to be more ahead and mature by looking at their drawings. Ray pointed out that observation and opened up that new perspective to us. He showed us how 2 students made their drawings overlap while others didn't make objects touch or overlap. Bravo to that! Overall, the kids had fun so our last lesson was a success. 

We ended the night with Cochi and his family. I truly am grateful for them and how genuine they are. Their family is so lucky to have such caring people like them in it, and I am so happy to have gotten to meet them. They have had a great impact on us whether they know it or not. 

Day 13

Today was very interesting at the school of Reggio Emelia. We visited this child centered place this morning, and we observed children from the ages of 3-5. There were sections for all three ages, and what we saw was quite impressive. Upon entering this building, we noticed the very creative student crafts that were in front of the school. These student models were decorated In a variety of asterisks of things found around the household. We were informed that parents are very involved with the children, and their assistance is needed often. This is all a part of the Reggio Erika approach. 

As we walked in, it was a very spacey, bright, and organized environment. We saw the area where there was an abundant amount of parent information on what their children were currently working on, we saw a school greenhouse type thing, and we had a peak into some of the rooms. 

We toured all three sections. Every room had a main focus project and every room was totally equipped with so many resources. There was a home area, a light table where students built things with random materials, a construction area, writing/messaging table, easels inside and outside, and an area where they worked in their focus project. The students get to choose at the beginning of the day what they would like to do. A teacher will sit and take notes on the students during some of their "centers." It was so personal and so focused, it was unreal! The guide also informed us that they provide a lot of natural materials for the students so they are encouraged to use their creativity for playing and whatever else they do. 

Finally, we saw the art room. I have never seen an assortment of resources! It was amazing to see all of the options for these students to use and manipulate with. They had some awesome creations and resources that help to provide a rich and quality learning experience. These children are very privelaged to be able to have access to these things. This school does cost money, but it looks well spent. 

It was nice to see what opportunities the children have in this school. Like our schools, the children are given responsibilities, doing activities to help them learn, and are having fun. While I see a benefit, this approach does pose an argument in comparison to our schools--at least at the kindergarten level. I don't recall hearing about the children formally learning like math, reading, etc. Compared to my class level K, I had students who could solve math word problems, read at a level of high first grade, and critical think our solutions all In a different learning environment. Whether or not students at this school do this, to some it may seem as an advantage and some may think this required learning is a disadvantage because of taking childhood away. Personally, I like aspects of each! 

Day 12

Today was more of a free day for us, but we still got a taste of the culture her--literally! First, we went to the Parmesan factory where the most authentic cheese is made. We got to watch the process from start until the final product. It was so fascinating to see and learn about the Italian cultivation of this product. 

Afterward, we headed to the balsamic museum where true balsamic is made. We learned about the incredibly long process that is involved in making just a small bottle of that fine vinegar. It requires wood with aroma, dedication, and at least 8 years. If you want some incredible balsamic, you can bet it took about 25 years. What in the world?! Well, I definitely learned some new things today, and I am double interested when food is involved ;) 

Day 11

Today...MAGNIFICO. We started off meeting the mayor of this town. She was incredibly nice, and they were SO welcoming. They had our flag, welcome signs, snacks and all to make us so at home. We talked for a bit, then we got a tour of the middle school. We got introduced to a class, and they were so fascinated with us. It was like being a celebrity...it's so funny! Then, we went to the elementary school where we were once again so warmly welcomed but like never before! There were many classes of children out front and they serenaded us with a group song, played their little flutes, and one teacher played the guitar. It literally brought tears to our eyes. Children singing is just precious as is, but it was so incredibly welcoming---I can't get over it. We introduced ourselves to this large crowd, and it was like a red carpet event. It was quite dramatic in a good way! We went inside for a small tour and an introduction to a classroom. Soon enough....it was time for lunch! All I can say is WoooW. It was a three course meal, no lie! First, we were fed a large bowl of pasta, second, we got meats and cheeses, lastly, we got a fresh baked pie. It was so generous and so good. The hospitality was very much appreciated! 

Afterward, we finally got into the classrooms to do our lessons. It was more of a challenge this time because these children didn't speak as fluent English as the ones we met before. They would ask questions but I could not answer... Anyways, we did the Where's Walrus lesson with them and it was a success! We did this lesson with another class as well.

When it was time to say goodbye, the children made sure to get their goodbyes in. We would here "Americana's!" from every direction. It really is an experience to be a foreign person in another town/country...
We made it home for a rest then had dinner with Dr. M's friends. When I say I fell in love with this family...I mean I fell in love! First of all, they are the cutest and SWEETEST people ever. They are so generous, giving, and loving and they just met us! Anyways, I tell you we had the most natural and home cooked meal EVER. Cochi's wife provided us (get ready for this) fresh bread along with homemade balsamic vinegar, homemade pasta noodles and meat sauce, locally made wine and cheese, homemade chicken with gravy and roasted potatoes (to die for), salad, and for dessert...homemade cherry pie and a mint torta. Did I mention this was all homemade along with freshly grown herbs and spices?! Yeah...We were spoiled. This lady was so kind to do this for us, I could've cried tears of joy and thankfulness. We wined, dined, and chatted before going up to see Cochi's balsamic room. He thoroughly explained the long, time consuming process of how to make legit balsamic vinegar. I usually don't like this stuff, but I practically drank his.

Needless to say, today was beyond wonderful and I am thankful for this kind family and them showing us an incredible, authentic Italian meal. BON APETITE! :)

Day 10

We got to sleep in today WOOHOO! I really enjoyed the hotel breakfast, yes I did. They had these little wrapped cheeses---I have no idea what kind it was, I want to say swiss maybe but wow they were good. They had many pastries and all....ah yes, I love a good breakfast :) Then we met Dr. Marciano's friends from Modena and woah, were they the sweetest ever! They took us to an antique market where we browsed for a few hours. I had lunch with Greg and I ate an entire pizza by myself. I do have quite the appetite. Then, we went for a gelato and I had another slushy. That slushy wasn't as good as the one in Venice, but it was still very tasty. Afterward, we headed to the ferarri museum and a local festival where they celebrated a crepe like pastry with pork in it. I really enjoyed it and had some of Shakeala's. It was so generous of them to treat us to those things! Then we ventured into the streets full of people and booths. I literally bought 10 euros worth of candy (and stocked up on my pin wheels) and I bargained myself a cute dress! I am very happy with my purchases. I really would've loved to stay longer at this festival because the environment was so fun and filled with food and music (my favorite things). When we left....we tried our first McDonalds in Italy! I had a ceasar salad with....no dressing. They only had balsamic (of course) and olive oil. I unfortunately love my dressing, so I but BBQ sauce on it--haha. It was good thought! Kind of like a tasty tangy BBQ salad. I also got a burger for tomorrow :) Now for some sleep because we have a full day!!