Let the Games Begin!



Parașute!

While the weather proved less than cooperative this week (windy and rainy), the children thoroughly enjoyed the activities planned for them.  And I'm thankful we finally are working with the children!  We began the week with parachute games-- a much anticipated event for the children since posting the weekly schedule two days prior.  "What is 'parachute'?", they kept asking curiously; I responded with, "Wait; it's a fun surprise."  All age groups had a great time learning the new games that required them to practice their listening and teamwork skills.  And they continually talk about the parachute and want to know when we will play with it again.  As imaginable, the children struggled with implementing these behaviors.  Right now I can't help but invision an idyllic transformation that parallels John Kimball's experience in "Kindergarten Cop." 



"Wou, este super!" -- "Wow, it is super!"



Among the other activities, we also ventured on a magic carpet ride.  After donning our prince and princess hats and avoiding the mean dragon by staying on the carpet, we flew to the land of sharing, the land of taking turns, the land of teamwork, and the land of manners.  Each "land" challenged them to use these skills in order to complete a task.  Those who successfully demonstrated the behaviors received a sticker and the satisfaction of participating in the fun activity.



The land of teamwork-- completing a puzzle together.



The land of manners:  "Mulțumesc."..."Cu placere."

It is very evident that the children struggle with simple behaviors that are ingrained in most children early-on.  While attributable to myriad factors, the fact that they receive little individual attention to develop these skills and those who display behaviors receive that much-desired attention definitely impacts their success in social situations.  This week was very challenging, for both us and the children, but I know they already recognize that Iulia and I give attention only to those who behave well.  Nevertheless, even those penalized during the activity time are asking "Do we have activities/games today?!" (on the weekend) or "When will we get to play with you again?"  Inherently this brings a smile to my face.  They also have been wonderful with adjusting to the translation process, and somewhat enjoy listening to me speak in English.  We have a long way to go on our journey together, but the adventure is worthwhile.