Submitted by Carson Hanna on the 2017 winter session program in Barbados sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies…
This week in Barbados, we had our first three days of placement in various primary schools around the Island. The classroom I am in, is in the Infant A wing, which really surprised me, since they are not infants at all! This class consists of children aged five and six years old, but they are already ahead in terms of reading and writing compared to America. They can read full paragraphs and formulate sentences all on their own which amazed me.
I have found that in my short time there, I feel that I have already learned so much about their education system and made personal connections with the children and staff. While I am there to learn about the education system in Barbados, I also have enjoyed helping out the teacher in my classroom with daily tasks. The first few days were hard and I mainly observed since she was not sure what to have me do. She mentioned to me that she is usually spread very thin with the class of 28 children and does not have anyone to help her. I am glad that I can be a support for her in the short time I am here, as well as learn from her about their school and how it differs from America.
Besides our placement, we have been exploring the culture more and more each day. Whether it is swimming with sea turtles, or heading out to the the Celebrations of Rhythm show, there is a lot to do on this tiny island. At Celebration of Rhythms, they share the history of Barbados in regards to the evolution of their music and what other cultures have influenced them. It was so interactive and a little bit overwhelming, but I thoroughly enjoyed their take on Bajan History.
Next week is another week of placement and I am excited to teach a review lesson with the students about the different shapes their learned last term. Our program is flying by, but every minute of it has been truly wonderful!
