In October, Lycée staff visited LJBPS for the eighth time, with many “firsts,” both in terms of content and travelers.The Lycée team was composed of 5 people, three of whom were discovering Haiti and the LJBPS for the first time. Here is what they did over two days in their own words:
I practiced some basic engineering skills with fourth-grade students by having them construct mechanical movements from cardboard. With third grade students, I taught them basic techniques to create pop-up cards, inspired by pop-up book authors such as Robert Sabuda. After the introduction, students cut, glued, and colored their own original creations. Both activities were designed to use materials that can easily be sourced locally. I am hopeful that a few of the students may even practice some of the things they learned at home.
Adam Romary, maker integrator and first-time traveler to Haiti
My work consisted of working with sixth-grade students over the two days with both the lead teacher and a class assistant. Afternoons were reserved for music and dance with kindergarten students. During these activities students learned ot play instruments they had never used before, and for many, it was the first time they had played instruments in a group! These instruments, including bass drums, snare drums and homemade percussion instruments, will be used by a newly created LJBPS Marching Band making its debut at the February carnival.
Sory Koité, Secondary science teacher and musician
I worked with students in fourth- and fifth-grade classes using the application Book Creator for iPads. We discussed what goes on the cover of a book, and the students created their own book covers. Many of the students started writing a story as well. During workshops with teachers, I demonstrated the students’ work on Book Creator and also presented a few other useful apps such as Adobe Spark Video and Scratch Jr. The teachers had a chance to explore using each of these apps themselves. Finally, I discussed with a few of the teachers some classroom management techniques for using technology with students.
Chesna Flor, Primary technology integrator and first-time traveler to Haiti
My work was primarily concerned with oral language development, with classroom observations of students in pre-K to third grade in the mornings. In the afternoon I presented my observations among the students each morning to teachers. The presentation was meant to inform teachers, assistants, the school psychologist and social worker about oral language development in children in terms of a set of skills, connections to other areas of study and the different stages of development in children.
Anne Proust, Primary speech therapist and first-time traveler to Haiti
I spent my time planning the schedule for the March 2018 3eme Service Learning trip, exploring possible student projects based on community needs and scouting out interesting locations where students could learn about Haitian history and culture while seeing the sights of this beautiful country.
Vivianne Kurzweil, Director of Service Learning
I also checked on a “kitchen renovation” project which was undertaken in May 2017 at a nearby underserved school , Etzer Vilaire. Theswitch from wood to propane fuel was sparked by a conversation with a parent who happened to be in Haiti during our March ‘17 first Service Learning trip.
The October trip was our eighth staff trip to Haiti and, in the words of Head of School Michel Deschodt, the most exciting as we addressed several educational areas which were just in their exploratory stages at LJBPS.
Vivianne Kurzweil, Director of Service Learning
About the Author :
A Lycée alumna, Vivianne Kurzweil has a bachelor’s in applied sciences from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in education from Bank Street College. Following 9/11, she created a program for community service at the Lycée. She is now director of Service Learning, and works with colleagues to promoste community service. Thanks to various volunteering projects, Lycée students have learned to make themselves useful in New York and around the world.