Saint-Valentin Continues... un peu

Bonjour mes amis!

I had a nice day at school... more animals in Corinne's class, more colors and emotions in the CE1 classes, and we made Valentine's in the CP classes after I explained our traditions and we practiced saying "Happy Valentine's Day!" I told them that they could give their cards to their parents or grandparents.... or even their amoureux if they wanted. This got a laugh, but surprisingly enough, a few little girls did make cards for boys in their class. I tried so hard not to laugh in Nathalie's class because a little girl gave a card to a boy named Jules. Jules didn't even look at the card, he immediately turned and gave it to the kid behind him:( Nathalie explained that it's impolite to turn away a card or gift and that he should say thank you. He took the card and shook his head.... like ah man.... not this again! Apparently, the little girl had given him a card yesterday on Valentine's Day.

During lunch, we recounted this little lover's quarrel and the other teachers asked how we avoided situations like this in American schools where everyone gave out cards. They also wanted to know what you did with the kid who didn't get any cards at all. Apparently one of the CM1 classes I worked with last week voted on whether or not they would try out our custom of card giving, and they actually voted not to do it in fear that they wouldn't get any cards:( I explained that everyone gave out cards to everyone in the class... and most cards given out are pre-made, so there's little room for overly lovey messages... although there are always a few that are slightly suggestive to romantic feelings.... very slightly of course as they usually involve a cute rhyme- Be Mine Valentine.... with a Scooby-doo background. The teachers were probably confused, but they said ohhh ok it's a little more organized then. Sure.

After lunch, I spoke with Eve and Nathalie about our upcoming soirée (also going out with Elise and Mireille). We're going to go bowling, go out to dinner, and see a movie this Friday. They asked if I wanted to see anything in particular, but I didn't know what was out. They all mentioned "Black Swan." I had heard that it was an odd Natalie Portman movie.... but I said sure, sounds good. I got home and saw the movie trailer.... and immediately thought- oh crap. I am not a good horror/suspense film watcher... and this one seems to be fairly freaky. I'm going to try hard to persuade them to see something else.... but we shall see I guess. :-o

On Saturday, I'm going to Perouges with the girls. It's a cute medieval town just outside of Lyon, 30 minutes by train... so it will be a nice little day trip. It was voted as one of France's most quaint villages, so I have high expectations! Take a look for yourself:http://www.perouges.org/

So- Thursday night I'm babysitting for Corinne and Luc.... Friday out with teachers.... Saturday going to Perouges... and then I have one more week until Victor comes! I'm sure I'll be busy busy busy being excited and getting ready for our trip to Italy. I've already borrowed a few books from Luc (who lived in Siena for a few years). Today I read through some phrases in the handy Italian phrase book. It's actually French-Italian, so that makes for an interesting puzzle... I think about the French phrase first... then attempt to pronounce the Italian without sounding French. When I explained this to Victor he said- I'm going to speak English. I'm sure that'll work too:) But personally, I like to do as the locals do. Unless of course I'm in Switzerland and have no idea what anyone is saying because I'm nul at German.

Hope you're having a good week!

Reste cool:)

Valentine's Day Holiday Identity Crisis

If I was in my own classroom in the United States... I would have probably enjoyed a very pink and red day full of cupcakes, candy, valentines, cute-sy crafts and decorations (with hopefully an ounce of educational value). My kids would have brought in heart covered shoe boxes and if I was lucky... maybe even chocolate or flowers for me! By the end of the day, I'd be ready to send them all home on the bus with their boxes full of Hello Kitty and Spiderman themed cards.

In France however, they have not been over taken by this Halmark holiday (I say this in the least negative way- I'm a Halmark holiday sucker). Instead, it has remained a day devoted to adult romance in honor of Saint Valentine.... for those that actually celebrate it. At the lunch table today, out of the 7 other teachers, not one teacher besides myself and Vincent, the director, said they were doing anything in particular this evening to celebrate the holiday. Vincent said that he would probably stop on his way home and buy flowers for his wife.... otherwise that was it.

When I told them my parents had sent me Valentine's candy and I had gotten a few cards from friends and family (thanks by the way!!!), they were shocked! "You mean....your parents sent you something for Valentine's day?" And then when I told them I sent flowers to my sister, they were even more blown away. To them, love is between lovers. I explained that with my family and even a few friends, I say, "I love you." They explained to me that very rarely do they tell their children or parents they love them.... it just seems weird to do so. They aren't cold by any means... I think Corinne and Luc are very loving with their children.... they say little pet names and kiss and hug their children often. But- the phrase, "Je t'aime" is left for lovers... and very occasionally very close family members. Instead, for example on Desperate Housewives, I hear this said often, "Bisous" or "Bises" when the wives are on the phone with their husbands. But... similarly, when signing emails, most of my teachers and Corinne's family writes "bisous" or "grosses bises." This technically means "kisses," but I've come to learn that it's kind of like how British people sign things "xx" or "xoxo." I guess it means... fondly, see you later, kisses- all wrapped into one. I guess they do the double cheek kiss when they meet someone for the first time.... so in that sense, it does make sense that they write kisses at the end of things. Interesting, non?

I would say maybe 2 or 3 students in each class wore the color pink, and whether it was purposeful, I can't be sure. No one brought in any sort of candy or cards for their teachers. I'm sure if they had, it would have been thought of as sweet, but really really out of the ordinary, and potentially strange. Had I not done a few lessons on our traditions, I doubt many students would have even realized what day it was! When I asked what day it was, I got proud, "It's Monday!" responses lol.

In my CP class, we worked on presenting oneself, "Hello, my name is.... I'm... years old." After everyone practiced saying it, I asked if they wanted to sing any songs. They requested the song I taught around Halloween- one little, two little, three little pumpkins.... and Jingle Bells. So, just to sum up, we sang a Christmas song and a Halloween song.... on Valentine's Day :)

On my way home I stopped by the post office to pick up a package. It was from my Aunt Molly, who sent me an amazing box full of American cooking goodies and a pretty blue sweater. I'm actually wearing it right now because after walking home in the rain, I was freezing and put it right on! And now I'm going to have some rice-a-roni for dinner:)

Anywho- I hope you all have a nice, Joyeuse Saint-Valentin!

Reste cool:)8

movie day and pancakes

Yesterday, I spent pretty much all day watching girly movies in honor of Valentine's Day weekend (Sweet Home Alabama... which made me want to immediately pack my bags for home and then head south to Georgia, Romeo and Juliet, always a crowd pleaser, Paris Je t'aime, and 10 Things I Hate About You). Besides having the jam hearts (which, sadly were sub-par.... I think they needed frosting or something), I made big, good ol' fashion pancakes with syrup for breakfast (which, sadly I'm almost out of my pancake mix, but fortunately, I think I have more coming soon!!!). I did my nails and cleaned up my apartment.... took a quick trip to the grocery store/walk to the castle, but otherwise, it was a pretty relaxed day!

Today I'll be tutoring and lesson planning.... and maybe a little trip planning for when Victor comes! I have to brush up on my Italian phrase book- grazi! Only 16 more days of waiting!

I know these aren't the coolest pictures.... but I've had a few requests for more pics.... so enjoy them:) The sunset was taken a few nights ago.... the day the fog was so bad in the morning. I'm thinking the pollution must create beautiful sunsets, because I have some of the most colorful sunsets I've ever seen!?

More later!

shop til you drop and valentine's day goodies

Yesterday after school I went to the mall at Part-Dieu. You may have heard me talk about Part-Dieu's train station which is the one that I can get to fairly easily on the bus. There is a huge mall/movie theater across the street from this train station. This area of Lyon is not one I've taken many pictures of because it's got fairly new buildings and architecture, as opposed to the more interesting roman empire/middle ages/renaissance/17th-19th century architecture of the other areas of town. The mall is 4 floors of every store one can think of; I know I only came close to getting through half of it. I was on a shoe/clothes-for-my-trip-to-Italy shopping mission... and 3 hours later, I semi-successfully came out with a dress and 2 shirts... no shoes:(

I had a fun school day... In Corinne's class, I continued teaching animal names. I've decided that if I put out books and flashcards on a table, they're more likely to talk about the subject naturally as opposed to me making them sit through a story or play a little game. They would pick up a card and talk about the animal in French and I'd sort of mention the English word and they'd turn to their friend and say what I just said. It was pretty cute. And although I think I've only successfully taught them the word for dog.... and maybe sheep, I feel like that's a pretty good start for 4 and 5 year olds who are still learning French, their first (or even second) language at school.

In my CP classes I got to work with half of the group which was awesome. It made me realize how far I've come in my French language skills because I'm able to do a lesson and behavior management successfully... at least with 6 year olds:) In my CE1 classes, I did a neat lesson with colors and emotions and the kids got to act out certain things like jealousy and anger.

I had brought in a little plate of brownies and other Valentine's Day candy goodies from my package. I figured I should share so that I don't force myself to eat it all before Valentine's day;) (Wouldn't have to force much hehe). So during the break, my favorite teachers hung out with me in the lounge and all had a little tasting of reese's peanut butter hearts, red hots, and brownies. They looooved it all. They were shocked at how moist the brownies were, intrigued by the cinnamon tasting candies, and amazingly pleased with the peanut butter candy (as the French usually scoff at the mention of peanut butter). They don't celebrate Valentine's day at school like we do, so it's been fun to talk about with them!

Today I went down the street to do my laundry and cleaned up my apartment. I'm about to make heart cookies to share with teachers at school tomorrow. I know I could have gone downtown and done something cultural today- that would have probably been more interesting for you to read.... but sometimes I just need moments of normalcy. I don't want to go a whole 7 months without doing things that I would normally like to do (like baking Valentine's Day cookies), just because I'm in France. And to be honest, sharing American goodies with my French friends is a very cultural experience... I always think back to one of my earlier blog posts about why I'm here... I'm hear to exchange cultures and to create relationships with people from a different culture. And the museums will still be there in March and April. I'm not done here yet! So if I want to spend extra time creating thorough lessons and making cookies to share, I should!

Anywho- hope you're all having a nice week!

Reste cool:)