Finishing Up

Well, the last time I posted I had just taken over the whole class. Yesterday I finished teaching my last full day. The time has gone quickly especially in the classroom. Over the last few weeks we have traveled through a unit on maps where I had them make a model of the classroom using salt dough. They then made their own maps and got to use maps to go on an Easter egg hunt. Before we left for spring break, be had fun celebrating Easter and worked on writing books for a Young Authors Fair that will be held this coming Friday (after I leave). I took the students through the writing process from brain storming ideas at the beginning to writing and editing, to illustrating and finall this week we built books covers and fully assembled the books. What a priviledge to see the excitement on my students faces when they finished their books and got to read them to one another. Yesterday, I ended my last reading lesson by having the students make marblized paper with shaving cream and food colors. Again we had a blast and fortunately the paper wore more of the shaving cream than the students (always a good thing).

During spring break, I was able to finish my e-folio and then was blessed with some free time to do some sight seeing. I loved touring down town Budapest! It has such a beautiful old world feel to it. The building are just incredible in their detail and structure. While I was down town, I got to see a Jewish synogogue which is one of the largest in Europe, tour around the outside of a palace, visit one of the local high schooler's homes and see Hero Square.

Over spring break, I also got to go on a day trip to Vienna. The city is much more modern and well preserved. Once again there were incredible building filled with amazing architecture and detail. I am always amazed and delighted when I get to see frescos and paintings on the buildings. We just do not have anything like this in the U.S. While in Vienna, I got to walk through their Easter market, which was alot of fun and tour one of the palaces. Wow, it was unbelievable! I felt like I was walking through history.

Today I am planning on doing a little more meandering through the city as I tour my way around the Castle District in the day light and do a little more shopping. I will be sad to leave this lovely city.