Guatemalan Schools

Today I thought I"d write a bit about the differences in Guatemalan and American schools.

The first main difference is obviously the scructure. American schools have standards which all must meet. (ie, clean floors, enough bathrooms, running water, electricity, (some have AC), textbooks, ). In Guatemala it is quite different. I am speaking only from my experience in Santa Catarina. There, there are between 25 and 35 students in each classroom. There are maybe 4 bathrooms. One teacher to each class, who is required to finish high school, but not continue on to university. There are no IEPs, no set rules, and no clear consequences. No one observes during recess (the teachers are all inside their rooms taking a break). The teachers are amazing, don't get me wrong, but the resources are not there as they are in the United States. Today I met 'Brian'. He is a first grader with some EBD- emotional behavior issues. Today I watched him have a tantrum for about an hour. (remember, school only lasts 4 hours). He attacked another boy (kicking, punching, takign him to the ground). Then once the teacher seperated him from this other kid, he punched the metal door for the next 30 min. The principal came and explained to him that he was trying to do work, but couldn't with all the noise ( i think in attempt to encourage him to stop hitting the door), but to no avail. He was left there for the next 30 min while he yelled, punched, and went for anyone who walked past. The teacher tried to control him, but there's only so much one can do when they have 24 other 1st graders to take care of. I am going to look up some EBD resources online because Eva, my mentor seemed very receptive when I asked if any goals had be set for Brian, such as less trantums a day equals a special treat or if he is able to use his words to express his emotions when angry he can stay outside the classroom (where it's 20 degrees cooler) for five min to cool down. We'll see where that goes. Eva suggested I plan the lessons for Monday, so i'm excited to get started on that tonight/tomorrow. I want to make sure to include a before, during, and after reading strategies and maybe work on leter recognition with the kids.

The seond difference that I notice is what we call in teh education world 'kid touch'. Here is abounds! (in a good way) Senos always have a hand on the kids heads or backs or are giving hugs, even the male teachers. The children and the teachers are so much more affectionate and open in their affection. The children seem genuenly cared for and loved by all the teacher, (the principal included).

Also, Today was cooking class with the school. Here are some pictures.
Me and Sara, the other student in the afternoons.

These are called "Renitos' or little full things. They are mashed bananas stuffed with a chocoalte black bean sauce. Very similar to the taste of a choclate covered banana.


My Teacher, Soledad (translates to lonliness) prepping the guacamole.