Mom sent me a 31 lb box, with Christmas gifts for me and Nathaniel, which I carried all the way back from work to the apartment. Thank you Mom, I loved all the gifts, though I have to admit I couldn't use my arms (couldn't even type) for over an hour after I got home. And of course the box exploded with glitter so now there is glitter all over my apartment floor. I also enjoyed the decorations. Thanks again Mom. All the kids loved the Christmas stickers that she sent me, and I shared them with the other kindergarten classes. It was nice to open them via Skype with the family. Ah, technology, how you make the holidays away from home easier.
So we also had a few Spelling Bees that week. I had a total of four students participate. One third grader, and three second graders. I was the MC (Master of Ceremonies) for the Second Grade Spelling Bee. Basically, I called on each student and told them which word to spell. Pretty simple. I had three students participating in that spelling bee, and one of them was the overall winner. I was so proud of them all (Congratulations and Good Job Everyone!). They also had to take a test that day, so it was a pretty hard day on them, but they all did very well.
Before the Christmas celebration day, the morning kindergartners had market day where they get to exchange their hard earned big stickers for fake money and buy things. So everyone got to go home with new toys and pencils etc. During market day, my class also got to do a surprise ballet lesson demonstration for a new class that they will be beginning when the new semester starts in March (I think). Basically, the teacher had them stretch and stand on their toes, but all of them really had a lot of fun. You could tell that most of the girls had taken ballet, as they could follow the directions easily enough, whereas the boys struggled just to keep their legs together and straight. Sad to say, but I probably would have had the same problems as my male students had I been participating. The teacher threw a bunch of fluffy balls around and the kids had to dance around gathering them. I helped, at the insistance of Sally (one of my kindergarteners), and I am sure I looked quite funny but the kids got a kick out of it.
After the puppet magic show, we held the song contest. Since I was the MC, I was unable to take pictures this time, but let me tell you that all of the classes did an excellent job. Basically my job was to call up the next class to perform and by time while everyone voted for the best class. The kids seemed to enjoy it but they were more competitive than normal and those who did not place 1st-3rd were upset when they didn't win. But they all did well. My class performed last, and sang "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" and received fourth place. Then all the classes, and the teachers sang "Silent Night" as we waited for the votes to come in. Chris Teacher's class (the youngest class currently at LCI) won with "Ten Little Angels." They were so adorable.
So after the song contest, we did a little bit of decorating for a friend before lunch. Then the kids got to go see Santa Claus. Santa asked if they were bad or good and if they had been bad, they had to promise to be good from now on to get thier present. Every student got a present (provided for by their moms) and a picture with Santa. They were sad because they were not allowed to open their presents at school, but had to wait until they got home or till Christmas, whatever their parents had decided. But I let them open their presents from me, and that made them happy, but they didn't have time to play with them as they had to go home soon, the day was over and break was starting for them. I gave every student of mine at least a Christmas Card that I drew and candy. I got each of my morning kindergarteners a present, a CD with pictures for thier parents, and stickers. My afternoon kindergarteners also got stickers.
After morning kindergarten, the day went fast with tests and spelling bees. Then it was time for the staff Christmas Party. They brought a lot of food, sushi, chicken, wine. I was happy to enjoy a nice glass of Mascoto (Yay for white wine though there was mostly reds) along with dinner. And even better they had BRIE! Yay for French cheese! Afterwards, we had the Secret Santa guessing and I had to go first. Lucky for me my wild guess just happened to be my secret santa. Thank you Ellie for the Christmas gift!! Granted the penalty for guessing wrong was just singing a song, which wasn't much of a penalty. Melanie (the owner) liked at least one of the earrings I gave her, though she had to sing because she didn't guess me. Otherwise, they played games, sang, and well drank, but it was the one time of year that they were allowed to so why not.
Afterwards, I spent Christmas with Nathaniel, and along with his mom, he chose a lovely black cat necklace which I will definately wear at the next available time. It is so lovely. Much nicer than my practical spices for him. But at least he likes practical. And so I started off my Christmas break relaxing, watching anime, and playing video games. Not a bad break, but it seems to go by too quickly. I also got a lovely pocket watch scarf and some cards from my students.
