Glory to God

My pile of grading started to get higher and higher and I finally found the time to attack a good chunk of it. I began to read through the student's creative writing projects where they had been writing about what it would be like to live next door to a pet who could grant wishes. My student's creativity continues to blow me away and I smiled as I read their ideas about owls, deer, turtles, and cats that could give you candy, someone to do your homework for the rest of your life, or 10,000 free apps on your ipad.
As I filled out the grading rubric and began to add stickers to their papers I began to consider what it would be like to have stickers on all our accomplishments. Many people know that I love stickers. They add that special little touch on student papers or on a fun craft. But what if on all our accomplishments we received a sticker? And what if this sticker was one that pointed to where the credit was really due? What if this sticker said "Glory to God!", "Praise the Lord!", or "Rejoice!"?
I think it would remind us to keep our focus on where our true source of value comes from. The Lord has blessed us with many amazing abilities, interests, and gifts. So often I loose track of who deserves the praise. I can become self-absorbed or proud of my own accomplishments or successes when in fact, the Lord has truly given me the ability and the blessing to be able to do so much.
Sometimes I find that I need that sticker. I need that reminder that it's not about me. It's not about what I can do. It's about what the Lord can do through me. And when the success comes (or even if it doesn't) we must remember to give God the glory. Rejoice! Praise the Lord! He works in us and through us in amazing ways.  

 I think I'll keep using my cute little stickers. My hope is that it reminds my students to give praise to God for the creativity and the awesome gifts God has given them!

 

Theater Week!

There's a lot I could blog about because it's been a little while since I posted! So sorry!

I'll start by sharing with you about this past week which was Theater Week at our school. This means that each grade prepared a short play (or two!) to perform for the whole school. We spent the week practicing and then performed in front of the whole school on Friday.

In second grade we decided to have the German students work on a play in English and the English students work on a play in German. During our normal language arts and partner language time this week we worked on our lines, ideas for costumes, a few props, and how to be a great performer in our play. I worked with our German students on, "The Tortoise and the Hare." It was not easy to keep the students focused on the performance (especially the boys!), but I was proud of the students' success in the end. Working on the play was true to it's message, "slow and steady wins the race!"

Here are a few shots from our Theater Week and Friday performances.

Students dressed up like animals from the forest and excited for the play!

 

Our mouse and our cat!

 


Here are my students performing "The Tortoise and the Hare" on Friday.

 

Hare cannot believe that Tortoise wants to challenge him in a race!

 

The students congratulate Tortoise on the win.

 

The English students worked on the play, "Der Hase und der Igel" meaning "The Rabbit and the Hedgehog". It was such a cute play including some songs sung to traditional German tunes.

 


One of the students started crying right before the play (for various reasons) and so I went in the front with her and tried to act out her part. In the end she was able to say some of her lines. So sad!

 


The English students taking a bow!

 It is so rewarding to hear the students say their lines and perform the plays in their second language. It is amazing how far the students have come from the beginning of the year until now. The students learn so quickly and really try their best to speak in their non-native tongue. Working on a play together was a great way to build their confidence and practice speaking clearly for everyone to hear.

I took this picture for the beautiful view outside. What an awesome day!

 


The fourth grade German students did a play about a field trip to the farm.

 

The fourth grade English students did a shadow play. It was super creative and fun!

At the end of the two second grade plays (both were about races) we all recited Philippians 3:14 in German and English about running the race to the true goal, Jesus Christ. In these cold winter days it is a good reminder to me to keep my eyes focused heavenward. Christ has called me to continue to serve here in Germany with joy and gladness even when I am exhausted or may be missing aspects of a familiar place. I am thankful to have a few days off (this Monday and Tuesday) during the German holiday, in order to recuperate and get back on course when the race gets rocky and tough.
Paul writes:
"I press on to the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:14.

And as Tortoise would say, "As you move from place to place, slow and steady wins the race!"

Snowy Days!

We have had some lovely snowfall here in Germany over the last few weeks. The snow makes recess at little more fun at school as the students build snowmen, play soccer in the snow, or slide down small hills in their snow pants! Everyday the kids get bundled up in all their gear to play in the winter wonderland.This week it is supposed to get warmer and it will be sad to see some of the snow melt away.

I have enjoyed watching the kids marvel at the intricacy of each snowflake and how they come back inside with bright pink cheeks and cold hands!

Here are some fun pictures of student's playing at recess in the snow.





Some first graders loving the snow!

 

Third graders pause in their play for a picture.



Awesome picture of one of my students showing off some acrobatic moves!



Playing with some of my German girls at recess.

 

So thankful to work with wonderful people! Enjoying the snow together during recess duty. :)

 


The kids play fussball (soccer) no matter what the weather is like!

 

mmmmm...snow flakes

 

Photo credit: Amy!

 

The front of our school with handmade snowflakes handing in the windows.

 

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes.

It is so much fun to enjoy the snow together and to be reminded of the beauty and intricacy of God's creation in each tiny snowflake. Just like each flake, we too are uniquely created and beautifully designed by a marvelous and loving God. Blessings as you enjoy the beauty of God wherever you may be!

A Peak into the Bilingual Classroom

Starting back to school last week after about 2 weeks off was a bit of a shock. I think in those two weeks off from school I forgot how much work and energy it takes to care for 23 seven and eight year olds. The first day back was filled with runny noses, hurt fingers, stuck coat zippers, whiney voices, and many students who forgot how to sit still and follow directions! We all needed lots of reminders of what to expect in second grade. Myself included!

 

The other shock of coming back to school was listening, thinking, and speaking in both German and English throughout the day. I teach all of my classes in English, however because we are a bilingual classroom we do many things in both English and German. After spending two weeks in America, I had to make a quick adjustment!!

 

It is amazing to watch the students learn in two languages and to see them improve throughout the year. This environment also helps me to improve my German language skills! At times, I am reminded of how truly unique this setting is and I smile at the interactions and communication that take place in my classroom.

Here are some examples:

1. Students working together

I really like to put the students in mixed groups of native English and native German speakers. I love to observe as the students figure out which language to speak to each other and how to communicate! Sometimes the language switches from sentence to sentence or even word to word. The students love to translate for one another when necessary and are eager to help. Students can really be the best teachers!!

2. The struggle to understand

We have been studying lots of different kinds of animals in science class. One day while we were writing about animals a German boy came up to me and said, "Ms. Nicholson, how do you spell... how do you spell... the animal with this: (and he places his hand in a fist with a finger sticking up on top of his head like a horn)".

I thought to myself, "He's getting really creative and must be writing about a unicorn!" I replied "A unicorn?"

"No, no, no! Like this!" He says and acts out the animal with the horn again.

"Is it like a horse?" I asked.

"Um, sort of. No. It is..." He continues to act out the animal while motioning it's particularly large size. Then he says, "Er hat zwei Hörner!!" (It has 2 horns!)

Then, I knew!

"OOOOO! A RHINOCEROS!!" I answered!

 

We both had huge smiles as we figured out the mystery animal.

The next challenge: helping him to spell it!

 

 

3. Putting it all together

The students in our class often have to switch quickly from learning or speaking in German and English and then back again. They are able to switch in their brains many times throughout our day depending on what subject is being taught or who they are speaking to.

It was after lunch one day and a German girl had to stay in from recess for behavior reasons and was reorganizing some of the books in our classroom library. I was finishing my own lunch at my desks and working on checking a few papers in the short time before the students came back from recess. As I sat, ate, and graded, I listened to this student talk to herself while she sorted the books. She went back and forth from German to English and English to German talking to herself about the books she was putting away!

How funny to hear the bilingual self-talk even when no one is watching!

 

4. The benefits

On the first day back from break I asked my German students if they spoke any English over break. I was blown away by their responses! We went around the circle and the students told me about ways that they are able to use their English to help others. A couple students had guests or visitors they met during their Christmas break that only spoke English. They were one of the only ones in their family able to help communicate or translate.

Other students shared how they tell their parents what they learn in English class. One girl really likes to help her brother. Another boy used his English to make a new friend that he met over Christmas break. Many of the students shared that when their parents do not know very much English, they are able to help them.

What a joy to hear the many ways that they practice and use their English to help others!

 

5. Sometimes we get stuck!

Everyday before we start English class with the German students I have them do the following motions. First, we open our brains, then we take out our German, we put in our English, and then we close our brains. From that point on we do our very best to only speak in English!

I started class with a song one day and forgot to do this routine. We had not switched our brains! I continued with the lesson in English not realizing this and stopped when I heard a boy speaking in German.

"Did I hear you speaking in German?" I asked him.

"Yes, Ms. Nicholson." He replied. "I can not speak in English because my German is still in my brain!"

  

Oh, what fun we have!!

Home for the Holidays!

It is so nice to be home in Pennsylvania for Christmastime. We finished decorating the tree last night and I'm enjoying the chance to sleep in and eat some American food.

Christmastime is here!

While I was really enjoying Christmastime in Germany there really is no place like home for the holidays. I will be in the US until January 2nd and then will fly back to Basel to be ready for school to start again on January 7th. As much as I love my students, it is so nice to have a break and to reflect upon the last 4 months I have had in Germany. I am hoping to feel refreshed and ready to return after these 2 weeks.

My students acting out the story of "The Mitten" by Jan Brett last week. The blanket was the mitten!

I'm also looking forward to seeing some family and friends during my time in the States. I can't wait to see The Hobbit, watch American football, spend time reading, and to go hiking.

What a wonderful time to celebrate Christ's birth together!

 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Markets

In the last few weeks it has been fun to go and explore the various Christmas Markets in the area. Several of the bigger cities in the area have sections designated for Christmas booths that sell different kinds of crafts and goods for the Christmas season. Each one is so unique and the crafts and art are so cool to see! I have had lots of fun going around and taking it all in. Here are some pictures from the various places I have been able to visit.

 

View of the lovely houses in Colmar, France.

 


Christmas market booths in Colmar, France

 


Lots of people shopping

 


Yummy treats from the market. It has been fun to try new things!

 


Christmas tree in the marketplace in Basel, Switzerland

 


Some shoppers at the market in Basel

 


Lots of unique gifts!!

 


Sarah picking out some ornaments for presents in Freiburg

 

View of the market in Frieburg, Germany at night!
 

Handmade houses from the Black Forest!

 

Beautiful lanterns on display at the Freiburg market

It has been fun to see the Christmas preparations and decortaions here in Germany. However, I am looking forward to retunring home to Pennsylvania to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. I leave this Wednesday and appreciate your prayers for safe travels!

 

Merry Christmas from Germany!

Frohe Weihnachten aus Deutschland!

Lots of Updates!

The Season of Advent has Begun!
I am enjoying celebrating the Christmas season here in Germany. From Christmas markets, to singing carols, fun traditions, and beautiful decorations there is so much to see and do.
It's been a while since I have posted about what has been happening and I have several fun events that I want to share with you.

Last Thursday was St. Nikolaus Tag at our school. This is a tradition in Germany that is celebrated each year on December 6th. On this day the students put their shoes outside of the classroom door and St. Nikolaus comes and fills it with yummy treats for their good behavior.
At our school the moms helped to gather the goodies for the kids and fill the shoes while we are in class. Then, a bell rang and we went to the window to see St. Nikolaus waving to the kids and wishing them Merry Christmas! Then the kids go see what St. Nikolaus/the moms left in their shoes!
It was lots of fun!


Watching St. Nikolaus out the window

St. Nikolaus waving from the front of our school!



Bags of treats shoved in the student's shoes

So excited that St. Nikolaus came :)

Yummy baked and chocolate treats to eat.

Friday was our Elementary Christmas Concert. The students learned lots of Christmas songs and performed short skits leading to the real meaning of the Christmas story. They worked so hard to learn the words and motions of many songs and to memorize their lines for the play. After the performance the students and their families came to the classroom for a time of eating Christmas treats and visiting with one another. It was so special to interact with the students and their families and to celebrate together. Here are some photos from the night!

Singing German Christmas songs with the CSK teachers

Students grades 1-5 singing together

The second graders performing their skit.

Lots of people in the classroom afterward to celebrate!

Congratulating the students after a great performance!

Such a special time together.

More Christmastime stories to come!!