The final week was a short
one. We took off Wednesday to see the Pope, which meant I only had three days
with my kids. Monday and Tuesday were so much fun. I have thoroughly enjoyed
getting to know the kids more and more every day. Seeing the children interact with
each other, by themselves, and with their families allowed me to see each them
in a new light. I feel as if I have just started to really get to know the
kids, and then I have to turn around and leave. It is never easy to say good
bye, but good byes knowing you’ll never see them again are even harder. I
couldn’t have asked for a more perfect group of kids to work with. Even though I
did experience some difficult times, they only made the experience more
rewarding.
On Monday, I completed my
observed lesson by Kyle. I planned to read Chicka
Chicka Boom Boom and have the students complete an activity after the
story. Originally, I wanted them to find the letters in their name and glue the
cut out letters in trees they had previously made. Very last minute, I decided
to change up my activity. Although the lesson/activity took longer than
expected, it went so much smoother than I thought it would and that is all that
matters. I had a group of five kids (Fabiana, Gaia, Khadejah, Matteo, and
Federico) and my little trouble maker (Matteo) was on his best behavior. He
started showing off in the beginning but quickly pulled it together as I engaged
him in the story. Near the end of my lesson, I looked at Kyle and said, “well,
my activity is done, but if you want to stay and watch the madhouse you’re more
than welcome.” He stayed and helped with my group of kids. They adored him. I
can imagine it is fun, especially for the boys, to have another man in the
classroom. This is from the feedback Kyle gave me, “After a half hour of
observation, I am exhausted and don’t understand how you can sustain this level
of activity, energy, and organization for an entire day!” They’re absolutely
exhausting, but so worth it.
Strep throat broke out in the
early childhood classrooms. Since the parents are so protective and cautious,
many parents chose not to bring their kids to school on my last day. I didn’t
plan on spending my last day with only 10 of the students, 7 were out. Over the
four weeks, I got so attached to the kids and not being able to say goodbye was
not how I wanted it to end. I wrote letters to the 7 kids who were missing.
With anything and anyone, people connect to certain people and form stronger
relationships with them over others. I adored each and every one of my
students, but there were two who held a special place in my heart. They were my
two little translators, helped me when they could tell I was getting
frustrated, and were always there to make me smile. During the difficult
moments, they were right by my side cheering me up. Alessandro, who I formed a
strong connection with from the start, asked me “can I go home with you?” I
will miss them dearly.
The kids made me an adorable
book with drawings and pictures. They kept asking me why I have to leave and go
back to America and I said, “I have to go back to my mommy and daddy. They miss
me!” Explaining I am studying abroad was too complex for a four year old. On my
last day, Thursday, we had a party, exchanged gifts, and had a wonderful time. The
only thing that would have made it better would have been to have all of my
kids there. Before the kids left, I got bear hugs and kisses from them all.
This was such a perfect
journey and experience and I will look back with only happy memories.
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