Summer Programs - Part 1

I am so happy to be a part of creating, organizing and planning 14 summer programs for our kids at the albergue! We wouldn't be able to do it without all of the volunteers (Americans and Peruanans) that are helping us. After spending weeks in countless planning and scheduling meetings, we emerged with some wonderful programs and only a few kinks to work through. Peru changed their school schedule this year. The children finished school the week before Christmas and will return the first of March. Therefore, we have only 8 weeks of our summer schedule. I think all of us have determined that summer is our favorite time at the albergue.

Since there are 14 programs, I am going to feature a few at a time.

Lectura (Reading)

We have four groups of kids that spend an hour a day reading in our library with the guidance of an adult. Reading was my favorite part of teaching and I am happy to be able to participate. So many Peruvians only read when they're in school. Books are a luxury and sometimes viewed as uneccessary. We hope to spark a passion for reading and a love of books within the hearts of our kids. I work with the two lower reading groups, as my spanish is just barely at their level. :) Another volunteer and a worker at the albergue help implement this program.

Tutoria (Math & Writing)

All the kids are split into grade level groups to study and practice skills for the upcoming year. We spend two hours a day in tutoring. (yes... during the summer) Some children are being reinforced in skills they struggled with the previously and others are getting a head start on the upcoming year. The madre tutoras and volunteers handle the 9 different tutoring groups. I work with the first grade class. I have a difficult time giving into the way the Peruvian schools teach these kids. I see so many kids that struggle with learning and (to me) it's because the way they are taught. There is little differentiation or time to practice the skills they're trying to learn. So, I enjoy my tutoring time... sneaking in fun ways to learn, using my experiences as a teacher and hoping the kids will master a few skills to make the upcoming year successful.

Kinder (Preschool) & Pequinitos (2 yr olds)

Kinder is one of our year-round programs. Our volunteers run this program throughout the year. Hayley (Coast Guard, Maryland) was the Kinder teacher during the winter and Erin (New Jersey) has taken the class over for the summer. Each week there is a theme of learning. Along with learning bible lessons, the children learn their letters, numbers, colors, shapes, how to spell their names and, most importantly, how to follow directions. They also learn their colors, numbers and simple vocabulary in English.

The pequinitos can be a challenging age group, but we only have 3 - two year olds right now. Luckily, our new volunteer, Amy (Kansas City, Missouri) is in love with these little ones. With the help of a past volunteer, (Elizabeth, Texas), she has a colorful room to implement learning, crafts and playtime.