Saturday, March 17, 2012

Acronym much? EAB's GAF!

Today was EAB's GAF and for those of you who need to know what that means, it means today was Escola Americana de Brasilia's, Global Awareness Fair.




Unlike students at schools in America, where most people simply label themselves together as Americans, at an international school the kiddos come from all over the world and it is important to not just acknowledge their heritage but embrace it as much as possible. Because just like how I was raised in America and have very American habits, ideas, and beliefs I have many students who were raised elsewhere and those habits, ideas, and beliefs are part of who they are. Half the fun of teaching abroad is learning about new cultures and experiencing new ideas so the GAF is an awesome opportunity to do a little bit of that all in one day.


We had been saddled with rain the last few days so I was kind of worried about what would happen but when I woke up this morning you could see beautiful blue skies and hear birds a chirpin. There were so many different countries represented today and it was such a great time exploring and seeing what they had. Everyone from Bolivia, to Israel, to Malaysia to the good ole US of A was there to demonstrate what was unique and special about their country. Most of the tables were created by students and teachers but some of the embassies came and set up their own tables too.

I was helping the 6th grade, aka my baby lovies, with the country of Argentina. Luckily, one of my students is not just Argentinian but has awesome parents who were willing to help out. We had two main things we could focus on, gauchos and meat. So, some of the girls created a great video about Argentina and then we decided everyone likes to eat so lets sell traditional Argentinian sandwiches and give the money to charity. Done and Done. So, I am not sure what I was expecting but when my students Dad asked if we could come pick up the grill I got a little curious. This wasn't a traditional grill y'all. It was a full on 4 foot long, open fire grill pit. It was amazing, his family was amazing, and most importantly that meat he prepared and cooked was AMAZING!!!!!! Im not a huge meat lover but it was honestly the best meat I've ever had and everyone else must have thought so because we sold out!

There were so many amazing things to see at the Global Awareness Fair and I wish I could highlight them all but I know eventually you have to quit reading, so since a picture is worth a thousand words, how bout a couple of pictures instead.

One of my students and I cutting bread. Knives courtesy of Momma Frannie and Williams Sonoma. :)

Our finished product.

Me and the 6th graders. Aren't they cute. Not sure why they have a German flag. haha!

Columbia!

For the USA table the 2nd graders sold PB&J sandwiches and bubble gum. Isn't that cute!

Barack came down and talked with his friend, Deb.

Israel

A hot, tired, and sweaty American! :)


Indian dancing

My 7th grade students did an AMAZING Indian dance. I have it on video but you tube is not cooperating. I will try and load it later. They did great!

Be a citizen of the world!