We had an amazing trip, an uneventful return and now we're back! Connections to the schools we visited are in the works.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
We rose early to catch the beginning of the day at Can Peixauet, a 7th through 12th grade public school. We met with two teachers who escorted us to an English class where a group of 8th grade students greeted us enthusiastically with many questions asked in English. The students were very curious about the political and economic climate in the U.S. They then presented us with a demonstration of projects they have done this year and last, using Scratch (a computer programming language). This project, which is part of Teresa's PhD dissertation, was tied in with the science curriculum demonstrating their knowledge of astronomy and acceleration. It was clear that this was a favorite activity. Large installation art work was in evidence throughout as we toured the building. It was another morning of warm welcomes and connections that we'll hope to maintain and enhance after we return home.
In the afternoon we continued our sightseeing with a trip to Museu Picasso where we were able to view a remarkably large chronological permanent exhibit of this Barcelona native. Much of this work had been unfamiliar to us and was quite a treat!
In the afternoon we continued our sightseeing with a trip to Museu Picasso where we were able to view a remarkably large chronological permanent exhibit of this Barcelona native. Much of this work had been unfamiliar to us and was quite a treat!
Sarah answering students' questions
A Scratch presentation in English!
In the school lobby
In the school entrance
Thurs. Jan. 26
A break from schools today....we went sightseeing!! From 11 AM til 6 PM we walked! We began our trek climbing up the hills of Barcelona to Parc Guell completely designed by Antoni Gaudi. Every aspect of this place is sculpted and tiled in mosaic in classic Gaudi organic style. Packed with tourists and locals alike it was an extraordinary experience followed by another trek to the next amazing Gaudi structure, La Sagrada Familia. This cathedral is Europe's most unconventional church. Begun in 1883, it was Gaudi's life's work. It continues to be under construction, as it has been for the last fifty years. We were truly awestruck by this phenomenal undertaking. The space, light and acoustics are unlike anything else. This is a must see! We dined at a taverna de pinchos where you select from a variety of small offerings and pay by the number of toothpicks. After dinner we indulged in even more gelato.
The steps up to Parc Guell
Musicians playing under the columns
Mosaic ceiling
A view from below
The altar at La Sagrada Familia
Exterior view
Light shining through a stained glass window
Another exterior view
Four pinchos at Sagardi
A break from schools today....we went sightseeing!! From 11 AM til 6 PM we walked! We began our trek climbing up the hills of Barcelona to Parc Guell completely designed by Antoni Gaudi. Every aspect of this place is sculpted and tiled in mosaic in classic Gaudi organic style. Packed with tourists and locals alike it was an extraordinary experience followed by another trek to the next amazing Gaudi structure, La Sagrada Familia. This cathedral is Europe's most unconventional church. Begun in 1883, it was Gaudi's life's work. It continues to be under construction, as it has been for the last fifty years. We were truly awestruck by this phenomenal undertaking. The space, light and acoustics are unlike anything else. This is a must see! We dined at a taverna de pinchos where you select from a variety of small offerings and pay by the number of toothpicks. After dinner we indulged in even more gelato.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wed. Jan. 25
Today we spent a whole day at Teresa's old school, St. Peter's in Barcelona. The morning began with a presentation by Alex Armanino addressing the students who will be applying to colleges next year. There is considerable interest in the possibility of attending American Universities. Susie and Sarah taught a two-hour cooperative lesson to the 7th graders based on "I am Poems" and self portraits. The Spanish students were attentive and responsive to a style of teaching that is unfamiliar to them. The results of their efforts were surprisingly positive and we hope to be able to post them to the Parker website upon completion.
The day included an extensive tour of the picturesque St. Peter's campus beginning with the babies in the nursery and going right through high school. Contrary to what we are accustomed to, ALL were in uniforms! Again, we were treated with extreme warmth and hospitality.We had multiple meetings with various administrators and teachers, all of whom expressed interest in learning more about, if not actually visiting, Parker.
Today we spent a whole day at Teresa's old school, St. Peter's in Barcelona. The morning began with a presentation by Alex Armanino addressing the students who will be applying to colleges next year. There is considerable interest in the possibility of attending American Universities. Susie and Sarah taught a two-hour cooperative lesson to the 7th graders based on "I am Poems" and self portraits. The Spanish students were attentive and responsive to a style of teaching that is unfamiliar to them. The results of their efforts were surprisingly positive and we hope to be able to post them to the Parker website upon completion.
The day included an extensive tour of the picturesque St. Peter's campus beginning with the babies in the nursery and going right through high school. Contrary to what we are accustomed to, ALL were in uniforms! Again, we were treated with extreme warmth and hospitality.We had multiple meetings with various administrators and teachers, all of whom expressed interest in learning more about, if not actually visiting, Parker.
Alex presenting to the older students
Susie showing a portrait example
Sarah explaining I am poems
Susie talking to students
Sarah discussing a poem idea
Teresa helping out
Students collaborating
Sketching portrait ideas
"I Love NY"
Another portrait beginning
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tues. Jan. 24
We spent today visiting schools with amazing views of Barcelona and checking out two of Gaudi's buildings along the Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona's Fifth Avenue. The day began at St. Peter's School, where Teresa used to teach. The tour there was brief as we will spend all day tomorrow teaching and observing classes there. The curriculum coordinator, Lourdes Barcelo, took us to a spectacular coffee shop overlooking the city, and then on to The American School of Barcelona, and then to her alma mater, Escola Virolai, which is similar to our charter schools. It was uncanny how American the American School was. The feel of the kids and classes was very familiar and we met several teachers from the States. Escola Virolai treated us to lunch, complete with bottles of wine on the teachers' tables in the cafeteria! We had an extensive tour of this school where we visited many classes and were greeted in English by students from grade three through middle school. The students and teachers at all these schools appear to take their English studies seriously. We felt like royalty throughout the day as everyone was gracious, especially our guide, Lourdes.
We spent the late afternoon strolling down the Passeig de Gracia admiring all of the remarkable buildings and elegant shops. Of special interest were the extraordinary creations of the "home boy" Gaudi. We have never experienced anything quite like it.
We spent today visiting schools with amazing views of Barcelona and checking out two of Gaudi's buildings along the Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona's Fifth Avenue. The day began at St. Peter's School, where Teresa used to teach. The tour there was brief as we will spend all day tomorrow teaching and observing classes there. The curriculum coordinator, Lourdes Barcelo, took us to a spectacular coffee shop overlooking the city, and then on to The American School of Barcelona, and then to her alma mater, Escola Virolai, which is similar to our charter schools. It was uncanny how American the American School was. The feel of the kids and classes was very familiar and we met several teachers from the States. Escola Virolai treated us to lunch, complete with bottles of wine on the teachers' tables in the cafeteria! We had an extensive tour of this school where we visited many classes and were greeted in English by students from grade three through middle school. The students and teachers at all these schools appear to take their English studies seriously. We felt like royalty throughout the day as everyone was gracious, especially our guide, Lourdes.
We spent the late afternoon strolling down the Passeig de Gracia admiring all of the remarkable buildings and elegant shops. Of special interest were the extraordinary creations of the "home boy" Gaudi. We have never experienced anything quite like it.
The American School
Coffee Shop
Lourdes and Sarah
Cafeteria at Escola Virolai
Wine with lunch!
School entrance
Gaudi's La Pedrera
Gaudi 's Casa Batllo
Monday, January 23, 2012
The village at the top of the mountain
The Monastery facade
Unusual stained glass windows
The Black Madonna, a unique aspect of this Monastery
An amazing, newly installed pipe organ
The view from the top
Mon. Jan. 23
We drove to Barcelona Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful
Benedictine monk mountain retreat about one hour North West of Barcelona. Not
only is Montserrat Monastery of religious importance, but the natural beauty
surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking. Another highlight of our
visit was listening to the famous and incredibly angelic sounding Basilica
boy’s choir performance of religious choral music.
Mont Blanc side street
Adorable interaction in the square
Picturesque view strolling down the street
Early Gaudi building in Gaudi Center
Sun. Jan. 22 PM
We visited the ancient village of Mont Blanc, with its picturesque, narrow, winding streets. We picnicked and drank coffee in the village square, equipped with WIFI--fascinating juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern. Walking along, we happened upon an amazing, innovative chocolate shop, with works of art made out of sweets. The most surprising of these treats being a sculpted confection resembling and tasting like...AN ONION!
We went back to Reus, home of Antoni Gaudi. Walking from Teresa's apartment, we visited the Gaudi Center, which is one of the earliest buildings designed by this famous architect.
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