This morning I woke up and got ready for my last day at my placement. I can't believe a month has flown by so quickly and that I will be on my way back to North Carolina tomorrow afternoon! Today we didn't have our regular morning circles because it was a "special day;" it was Valeska's birthday and my last day so we everyone celebrated together in the gym.
First, the children sang "Happy Birthday" in German to Valeska and they prepared a rocket for Valeska to fly into space by painting it pink and writing 'Happy Birthday' on it (all this occurred in German and was later translated to me). Erhard asked a few children to present Valeska with a card and gift from the rest of the staff.
Next, it was my turn to be in the spotlight. I was asked to share a few words with the children and the rest of the kindergarten staff about my time. I thanked everyone for having me and being patient with me for my lack of German vocabulary. I also told them that I enjoyed my time learning how they do things here and getting to know everyone (children and adults). Everyone sang me a goodbye song in German and I was also presented with gifts and a card to remember Hamburg.
The day went on as usual with the children picking how they wanted to spend their time, followed by lunch, and outside play for the remainder of the day. We had another Skype conference with my pre-k classroom in North Carolina as my "offering." The children were told about my offering and got to choose if they wanted to participate. I had about 8-10 children who greeted my other students and then we talked about the weather.
Around 4pm, it was time to leave kindergarten for the last time. I held hands with my host sister as we walked to her mom's car in the parking lot.
Below: Selfies with 2 year olds are the best! I love my minis! :)
Left: Me and Shuto Right: Me and Sammy
First, the children sang "Happy Birthday" in German to Valeska and they prepared a rocket for Valeska to fly into space by painting it pink and writing 'Happy Birthday' on it (all this occurred in German and was later translated to me). Erhard asked a few children to present Valeska with a card and gift from the rest of the staff.
Next, it was my turn to be in the spotlight. I was asked to share a few words with the children and the rest of the kindergarten staff about my time. I thanked everyone for having me and being patient with me for my lack of German vocabulary. I also told them that I enjoyed my time learning how they do things here and getting to know everyone (children and adults). Everyone sang me a goodbye song in German and I was also presented with gifts and a card to remember Hamburg.
The day went on as usual with the children picking how they wanted to spend their time, followed by lunch, and outside play for the remainder of the day. We had another Skype conference with my pre-k classroom in North Carolina as my "offering." The children were told about my offering and got to choose if they wanted to participate. I had about 8-10 children who greeted my other students and then we talked about the weather.
Around 4pm, it was time to leave kindergarten for the last time. I held hands with my host sister as we walked to her mom's car in the parking lot.
Below: Selfies with 2 year olds are the best! I love my minis! :)
Left: Me and Shuto Right: Me and Sammy
As soon as my host family and I got home, I was given more gifts to remember Hamburg (as if they haven't done enough for me already!). My host mother said the pack of Hamburg tissues is for when I cry tomorrow because I'll be sad about leaving Hamburg, or for when I see my sister and boyfriend and cry tears of joy.
My host mom and sister had plans for the evening so I walked to a pizza place down the street for my last dinner in Hamburg. I brought the pizza back to the house and watched Ice Age 4 while I relaxed and enjoyed my last evening in Germany.
My host mom and sister had plans for the evening so I walked to a pizza place down the street for my last dinner in Hamburg. I brought the pizza back to the house and watched Ice Age 4 while I relaxed and enjoyed my last evening in Germany.