Submitted by Kristen Loomis on the 2013 winter session program in Barbados sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management…
This week, we spent a lot of time in our placements in the schools and psychiatric hospital. I have been placed in a primary school (similar to our elementary schools). I am in a classroom for children aged five and six. I was very nervous to go into the school the first time, but the staff and students were so welcoming and curious about me and about the United States, that I immediately relaxed and have been able to enjoy the experience ever since. I had the opportunity to do arts and crafts with the kids, teach them a lesson on cats, do one- on -one tutoring, and aid the teacher I am placed with in any way possible. My teacher has taught me a lot about classroom management, interacting with children, and Bajan culture. The curiosity of the children allows me to speak about the United States and myself, but also to ask them questions. I have learned more from my five and six year old students than any of the cultural events I have been to. Their perspective and positivity about everything relating to their culture is infectious and I have really grown to love it here. I am very sad that the trip has passed its halfway point, but I know I still have a lot to learn before I come home.