Friday, June 26, 2015

There and Back Again: Day 13-17

Day 13:  Although sad to leave my host school, I was excited to see the rest of the TGC group.  We hopped a short flight over to the nation's capital of Delhi and reunited with our American pals for dinner.  Not to be outdone by the gorgeous ladies of India, we all donned our new frocks for dinner.


Day 14:  We all took a guided tour of Dilli Haat, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Chandni Chowk, and dinner at Moti Mahal.  We ended the night at a sound and light show at the Red Fort.  I'm not sure how I felt about the light show...I think something was lost in translation.




 


Day 15:  We had the pleasure of visiting the Sesame Schoolhouse; Sesame Workshop is the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the landmark television program that reaches millions of children every day. Established in 1969 in the United States of America, Sesame Workshop’s work today extends across over 150 countries, making it the world’s largest preschool educator. The Workshop’s mission is to use the educational power of media to help children everywhere reach their highest potential. Delivered through a variety of platforms, Sesame Workshop develops research-based content – including television programs, books, games, mobile apps and community engagement initiatives – that supports early childhood learning, helps prepare children for school, and addresses developmental needs. The Workshop’s programs are tailored to the needs of specific regions and focus on topics that help young children and families develop critical skills for lifelong learning.

Sesame Workshop made its foray in India in 2006 with the educational television show, Galli Galli Sim Sim, which has reached over 80 million children till date.
This expertise of Sesame Street is now being brought to the Indian preschool space by Sesame Schoolhouse, through Sesame Street Preschools. The preschool and after school programs, brings together the best of Sesame Street and Galli Galli Sim Sim’s content to provide a holistic learning experience to children, helping them become global citizens.
The Sesame Schoolhouse mission is to use the educational power of media to help children everywhere reach their highest potential.


Day 16: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal!  No big Deal...We also visited the Agra Fort and Local Market.  I mastered the art of not making eye contact, pretending to be hard of hearing, and avoiding street vendors!






Day 17:  We had our debriefing and a farewell lunch at our hotel then we all departed for the Dehli Airport to await our flight.  The last 17 days have given me an experience that I will never forget.  At times I was hot, uncomfortable, sweaty, and in gastric distress; but I wouldn't trade it for anything. The magic of India gets into your soul.  I will cherish the friends I have made and the memories they helped create.



 

Saturday, June 20, 2015

There and Back Again: Host School Experience Day 8-12

Our Host School started our first day with a Welcome Assembly where we were given jasmine leas.


We then toured the school with stops in different Biology and Physical Science classes and then we presented to the students about our schools and communities. 



The rest of the week consisted of more class observations, lessons taught by the TGC teachers for students and faculty and a Round table discussion on classroom management.  The students were even gracious enough to cook us lunch and showing us native dances.





























 
 

Sunday, June 14, 2015

There and Back Again: Host School Experience Day 5-7

Day 5:  I packed up in Bangalore and caught my flight to Kolkata to spend the week at my host school of Sri Shikshayatan.  Kim Stalnaker, Kirsten Surprenant, Sandra Thornton, and I arrived at the N.S.C. Bose International Airport and were met by our host teachers Tanu and Soma.  On Day 6, we took a trip through the city of Kolkata and visited a Jain Temple, the Vivekananda Museum, the Rammohan Roy Museum, the Jorasanko Thakurbari Museum, the Marble Palace, and the Indian National Museum.











On Day 7, we toured the Birla Mandir Temple, BITM, the Kalighat Temple, and the Aksardham Temple