Anne Frank and a little French girl

This week I submitted an assignment for my GDTL course.  The task was to create a literary experience for a group of children, and to read them a story and get them to act or react to it.  The assignment consisted of a multimedia production of evidence of the experience and a document outlining the lesson plan, how it linked into the Four Resources Model and a short description of the context of the experience.

I read a story about Anne Frank to the Year 6s in whose class I am currently on prac.  My lesson went really well, and I was pleased with the interaction and engagement of the students, and their genuine interest in listening to the story and their participation in the activity following.

More than anything though, I was impressed when a few days after reading the story to my Year 6s, a French girl came up to me and told me that her grandmother was sending her a copy of Anne Frank's Diary.  Then in her reading journal on Friday (unfortunately after I'd submitted my assignment) she had written (in English) that she had started reading a French translation of Anne's diary and was enjoying it very much, and linked back to my lesson the previous week!

I think this is that 'buzz' that teachers sometimes say they get when they connect with a student!

URGENT TYPHOON WARNING

SCHOOL CLOSURE WEDNESDAY 1st SEPTEMBER

This is the season for major rain storms. Although it is highly unusual for typhoons to hit Shanghai directly, there have been two times in the past 8 years when schools had to close due to heavy rains and street flooding which resulted in serious traffic congestion.

All International and City-run Schools are required to follow directives from Shanghai Education Commission regarding school closures when weather conditions are severe. The Shanghai Education Commission tries to avoid this at all costs but sometimes, for the protection of children, we need to take preventative measures.

The Shanghai Education Commission informed us this evening (Tuesday 31 August) that all schools should close on Wednesday 1 September due to the weather alert.

Last night the above message was emailed to all teachers, parents and students of all international schools in Shanghai! 8.30pm notice of school closure the next day!!  Of course we have woken up with blue skies, no rain and no wind... let's play!!  Or plan, or mark, or finish those assignments!!