At the School

Yesterday, the teachers picked us up at the hotel. Some of the teachers have just gotten back from England with students, so they were tired. At the school, the volunteers were divided into 3 groups, and an English teacher. In the first room the teacher let the students divide themselves into 5 groups, and then each volunteer as assigned to a group.

The classes were not large because some students were not there. (Those on the trip to England were home yet). I worked with 3 boys, who were 14 years old. This is a high school with an enrollment of about 700 students, a state public school. The students come here from surrounding areas because it is a school with a good reputation and offers some classes that most other schools don't. ( I think they have more science classes).

My students were shy, but typical high school with their sagging pants and styled hair. Each group varied in there competence of English, but many did not know the alphabet, numbers, and months, so we practice. The Italian alphabet has only 21 letters. Italian people love their watches, so I saw many students with their large jeweled watches, all looking very expensive. Of course, everyone seem to have a cell phone, even two. They are not suppose to use their phone during classes, but I saw some texting and one phone ring. All the students were very respectful and full of energy. The school has 4 floors and an elevator for the teachers. When were on the fourth floor, the fire bell rang, so then there was this mass chaos and lots of noise. After about 10 minutes of frantic movement, students went back to class. My teacher never left the classroom. Today, we are possibly going to a outdoor concert, which is somewhere in the city.

I am generally the first one up at the hotel, which is about about 6:30 am. Today is Thursday but there is no school Friday. Holiday. Some of us might go on the train to Leeche on Saturday, which is south and I think on the coast. I just sort of follow the group because too much input slows up the decision process. Ha!!

Bounjourno! I will try to have a few photos tomorrow.