Teaching and Learning at Dandelion

Today we returned to the Dandelion School for our second day of teaching. Before our lessons began, we joined the students out on the playground for a brief assembly and introductions. Ralph W. delivered a brief message to the students:

"On behalf of the teachers from America, I would like to thank you for inviting us into your school community. Some of the teachers from America, including me, teach students in the same grades as you. When I look and see your faces, your joy in learning, I see the faces of my students. I have learned that the world is not so big and we are all the same in many ways. Thank you to your principal for opening your school to us. Thank you to your teachers for opening your classrooms to us and most important, thank you to the students for letting us teach you. We have traveled to Dandelion to share some of the ways we teach in our schools and to learn about many of the wonderful things you do here at Dandelion. All of us teach our students about China. Being here, seeing your beautiful country, and talking and learning from you will make us better teachers. When I return to my school, I will share pictures and information with my students and they will learn about the Dandelion School. Our deepest hope for each of you is a long life filled with good health, a desire to always learn, and deep happiness."

The day continued with learning activities designed to teach the students at Dandelion about new topics and demonstrate new pedagogical methods for their teachers.

Jonathan T. and Cailleen B. are teaching about the Columbian Exchange. Today, they engaged the students in a lively activity designed to help them remember which goods came from the New World and which from the Old World.
Wallis R. and Juli K. reviewed vocabulary with students to help them learn about and compare landmarks in China and the United States.
Joel G. and Cheryl K. guided students through an investigation of convex and concave lenses. Students were so engaged in their work that they did not even want to take their scheduled break!
Check back tomorrow for more photos and stories from our time at Dandelion. We are looking forward to another day of teaching!