Teaching and Learning in Guatemala

During  the  2009  March  break,  11 elementary  teachers  travelled to  Guatemala —  a  trip  during which we would teach and learn. Most of us were members of the Simcoe County Teacher Local and most of  us  didn’t  know  each other  before going on the trip. Our destination was Santiago de Atitlan, where we would meet with local teachers for three days of class visits and workshops. The Santiago de Atitlan  area  was devastated by mudslides a few years ago during  Hurricane  Stan.  Homes  were destroyed and many people were killed. Our  group  leader, Ann  Berman,  had been a volunteer there at that time and had  made  connections with the local school and  with  a  Guatemalan social worker,  Maria  Elena  del  Valle,  who helped her make arrangements for the trip. We travelled by plane, bus, boat, and finally in the back of a pickup truck to  lodgings on the shore of Lake Atitlan, which is surrounded by volcanoes. Getting to the school involved a short and scenic walk along the shore where a group of local women could be seen doing laundry in the lake each morning.

For most this was the first experience  volunteering  in  a  non-English- speaking country, although many of us had  previously  delivered  professional development  sessions  at  home.  The focus  of  the  professional learning  in Guatemala —  teaching strategies and literacy  —  was  decided  on  in  consultation with  Maria  Elena, who  was able  to  identify  some  areas  of  need. We  brought  with  us  many  beautiful Spanish and/or dual- language picture books and other learning materials to donate to the schools. We also brought shoes  —  Croc  look-alikes  —  which Ann  Berman  knew  would  be  much appreciated.

Attending the workshops were 11 teachers from the local school and 14 teachers  who  had  travelled  for   five hours in the back of  a pickup truck from  Ixil,  a  remote  mountain  area. They took part in small and large group sessions focused on specific ways to use picture books in a comprehensive literacy program. We demonstrated ideas for drama, graphic organizers, written responses, word walls, shared reading, Q chart, song, and games. The schools had no children’s books, so even reading a book aloud was a novelty. Two translators ably assisted in the delivery of the program. They were a very full and intense two days. The Guatemalan teachers told us they were inspired by the workshops and were planning to try to implement some of the ideas.

Guatemala is  a  beautiful  country. We  stayed  at  the  home  of  a  retired couple  who  had  taught  in  the  local school  for  35  years.  On  our  second night there they held a fiesta in our honour,  with  a  delicious   meal  and music.  It  was  a  memorable  evening. We spent the remainder of  the week visiting local sights in and around the colonial town of Antigua. We came  away  from  our  time  in Guatemala feeling enriched by our new experiences and thankful for the  conditions in which we live and teach.

For more information contact Ann Berman, annberman@sympatico.ca,  or Roz Owen, rozowen@gmail.com.