Last day at Carmelitas

Four of us had the privilege of working at Carmelita's for three days while in Lima. We spent time in classrooms seeing multiple subjects and grades being taught. Everyone at Carmelita's was very welcoming, for which we are very grateful.

Becca
The last day at the school was heartwarming. Students made me drawings and origami birds, put on a dance for my class, and even read short stories and poems and allowed me to have a copy of my own. My favorite part of the experience at Carmelitas' was sitting in on a third grade math classroom. Math is my concentration and I thought it was very interesting to find out I knew almost exactly what was happening in the classroom, even with it being in Spanish, due to the teacher's approach and style in her presentation. And of course I didn't leave without getting my wonderful kiddos to throw up their L's!

Ms. Rebecca (Becca) Carroll and Carmelitas students throwing the Cards L!

Math at work

A 5th-year Primary student proudly showing her art

Ms. Carroll and her Carmelitas BFF!

Amanda
Throughout my visit at Carmelitas the students and teachers were very welcoming and I adored all their smiling faces. I had the opportunity to spend some time in a classroom where fourth grade students were working on their final stage of a project based learning. Students studied the topic of the effects of the sun on the skin. The students gathered together in a circle to discuss what information they have collected over the course of their study on this topic. After they shared their thoughts and ideas the teacher explained the expectations for group work while working on their project. It was very fascinating to visit the various groups in the class as they constructed 3D projects on foam boards and created items such as people made. 

Michelle
I loved my time at Carmelitas primary school. On the morning of our last day we were invited to go to a student art gallery with works submitted from every grade pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. I was very impressed by the talent of these students and the generosity we were shown as they guided us through the room. I have learned so much from these students and teachers, not just in the way that they teach, but in the kindness they have shown us in the past three days.

Ms. Heuer and a display of art work at Carmelitas

Cabrina
The Carmelita's primary school has a very dedicated administrative team as well as teachers. There is obviously a lot of collaboration among the teachers at various grade levels and specialists. This was evident by the use of project-based learning approach with a common process followed by each teacher and special performances and presentations by students. As our visit fell the week before their last week of school before their winter holiday/Independence Day, there was a lot going on. Students were rehearsing for a presentation for parents which included musical and dance performances, an art show as well as practicing for a procession to honor Our Lady of Carmen that weekend, and another performance for the following week to celebrate Peru's Independence Day. The school truly tried to find ways to allow students' talents shine. I enjoyed working with students in their conversational English classes, but I mostly appreciated the time talking with teachers and administrators with whom I found much in common. They described their school as a family, and we were accepted and made a part of it in the few days we were there.