SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
They have a dual language program (it is their first year), they have two groups, two classes and two teachers, one for Spanish and another one for English, so they switch in the middle of the day classes and groups. In each classroom you may find between 17-23 students.
That school has this program at kindergarten, and from 1st grade to 3rd grade. I was assigned at 2nd grade, that are 7 years old kids. I was really surprised because there were a lot of kinds that really understands Spanish. I would like to say that they had more problems to understand me at first because I speak a different Spanish that they are used to, I use different words and a different accent too. But now, I think they got used to it.
Those are photos from my class and the resources that it has:
Talking about my first impressions at school, I would also say the same, the thing most remarkable was the way that everyone talks to kids, in a really peaceful and calm way. Also, I would like to say that they use a lot of supports to motivate students as prizes or stickers. Another difference is that recess time is not teacher’s responsibility, as in Spain.
I am going to show some photos that I have from the activities that students did in class:
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN US AND SPAIN
I mentioned a lot of difference that I have noticed between US and Spain, but there are also some similarities.
In first place, I would say that in schools both countries teach foreign languages and give importance to that. Another similarity at schools is that in both countries they to a morning routine in the same way. They talk about themselves or about the topic of the day, and they work on the days of the week, whether…
Also, people are really friendly and helpful with everyone. Something that I really like because it makes you feel comfortable and safe.
Another important thing for me here is that I am not afraid, I feel really safe here, I can come back home late and alone calmly. This also happened in Santiago de Compostela, it is a really safe city.
