"A,B,C,D,E,F,Geeeeeeee..."

Summer school has been going on for a couple weeks now, and thanks to the efforts and pre-planning of Carissa, Denise, and our incredible Summer Staff, it has been running quite smoothly. The kids all have different schedules that they follow everyday, and get "stars" or "tachas" for good or bad behavior in the classes, which they are then rewarded for with special treats, trips to the store, etc. I am teaching English and Art classes this summer, and other than the occasional blank stares when I repeat directions for matching in all-English, or try to explain how the mauve sky is a "warmer" color than the cobalt blue... it's been fun ;)

Above, center: Michael shows his "kangaroo hop" while learning about animals in English class.

Above, left: The third period girls' class is quite advanced, and quite fun to teach as well... and even though I've repeated phrases such as, "I love you so much it hurts, and I want us to be friends forever and ever," or "Will you marry me because I love you so much it hurts, and I want us to be friends forever and ever" more times than I can count... still good times... lol. In this photo they are arranging the words to make full sentences.

Above, right: Poncho, Gabriel, Michael, and Jose play "Simon Says" in English during classes in the morning.

Art classes have been a special treat to teach. Although not an artist myself, I enjoy teaching some of the subjects, and especially seeing the kids throw themselves into projects. The first week we did charcoals (which ended in black hands, REALLY messy floors, and girls leaving wearing "cat faces" from the charcoal sticks and boys wanting to have cat faces the next week...) and this week we started acrylic oils. Some of these kids have a lot of talent...

Inevitably, we have lots of hearts, and lots of "I love you's" with the girls. However, the boys are also getting in touch with their inner, artistic selves, as I had them all express what they thought of the tree we went out to sketch for charcoals... I know Seth, Joel, and Limón will be so pleased... ;)

Top: Blanca turned out a beautiful, fairly abstract rendering of a heart on canvas.

Middle: The leftovers from our acrylic paints made a nice photo op...

Left, bottom: Jaqueline's roses were a big hit with the rest of the girls.

Right, bottom: Federico's rendering of the tree in the concha (courtyard outside the dining hall), which I think is quite beautiful...