It seems the only day I actually want to bound through the depths of snow, no kids are around. It's like they're bored of it or something. I, on the other hand, am in absolute awe at the site of the blizzard encompassing the town. This morning I walked to school with two kids wearing no hats or mitts (note: blizzard still happening)- "why?" one of them replied when I questioned his motives. I shrugged, they're obviously completely immune to the -25 temperatures. Last night was the first time I slept without a hat, fleece pants, wool socks, and two blankets. Perhaps I am finally adapting too.
Julian and I are excited to say we are well on our way with our lessons! Last week we were able to introduce the concepts of safety with the grade 3-4 class and work with the grade 1-2 class on hygiene (brushing teeth, washing hands). The little ones were definitely enthusiastic and were eager to participate. The energy of them begging to play "simon says brush your teeth!" was amazingly contagious and plastered a smile on our faces for the whole rest of the afternoon. Today we had a full day of teaching and we're both still high from the experience. Our lessons focus on cooperative learning and engaging the students outside of the classroom. We took the grade 3-4 class out to take pictures of risks in their favourite play space- the abandoned "A-Frame" house- and are eager to start collages based on their photos. The older grades are making their own movies based on concepts we discussed on first aid to teach younger grades about the issues. The younger grades are eager to develop their own section of the breakfast program.
Assembly today gave us a chance to interact with more of the community. It was great to listen to the student band and hear about specific leadership experiences at national conferences and within their hobbies of hula hooping and cup-stacking (check out youtube, it's kind of a big deal). The positive atmosphere developed through simple attendance awards and "positive students of the month" in addition to specific congratulations for a first polar bear hunt was successful in uniting the school and community.
Yesterday we enjoyed a breathtaking hike through what the students call the "pocket." A pocket of absolute paradise, that is- a frozen river sheltered by massive snow-covered hills. Did I mention Deb made us homemade bread for dinner that night? Perhaps we're a little too spoiled.
We look forward to taking the students on a camping trip "out on the land" and experiencing more of the true Arctic.
Warm polar bear hugs,
Sarah and Julian
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