Ultima Semana!

Last weekend we made the journey to Arenal. It was a long car ride but well worth it! The volcano was absolutely beautiful and the hot springs were amazing! I wish we could have stayed longer... 
Arenal Springs Hotel 

Creativa Educacion - Cloud Forest School 

The cloud forest school was wonderful!  I love how much freedom the teachers have to plan their own lessons and use their strengths. I also love how they integrate real life issues, especially in science, like trying to find a sustainable energy source for the school. Testing methods like solar and wind energy and deciding if it is truly sustainable for the school to continue to use this type of energy. They also have their own gardens for food as well as plants for reforestation.  It was great to see how they incorporate both English and Spanish in instruction.  I was surprised by the lack of Spanish books they had.  I love how much respect they have for the teachers, giving them a set of standards, or guide as to what they should be teaching, but allowing them to use their own knowledge and skills to teach the content in a way that they are confident and comfortable. All that matters is that the children are learning the content that they need to.  

This is definitely an environment I would love to teach in! 

Wednesday we did a service project at a local farm, fertilizing coffee plants and planting trees. The farm is called Life Monteverde and is owned by siblings. Their goal is to get back into sustainable living. All of their crops are 100% organic.They have goats, pigs and chickens as well as coffee plants, which is their main cash crop, corn, green beans, bananas, and more! It was great to meet such an interesting person like Guillermo and have the opportunity to help him and his family and experience their passion for nature and sustainability.
Life Monteverde Farm 

Thursday we did zip lining at Sky Trek... It was a lot of fun and a great experience, but I can't say I'm anxious to do it again! Our guides were really nice and did a great job of easing my worries about falling to my death ;) 
Sky Adventures - Sky Trek

Today is our last day in Monteverde. I am sad to leave my family and this beautiful town, but am looking forward to going home to see my doggies and family! 

Language and Literacy Development 

I found out that my mamá tica is planning on sending her son to a private school for at least the first 3 or 4 years so he can learn English. She told me they think it is really important for him to learn English because it will give him more opportunities in the future in terms of getting a good job. Both of the parents interact with him a lot; playing with him, coloring with him, and just communicating in general. I have also noticed that his dad reads the periodica every morning, what a great model for his son!