Veselé Vánoce!

my 'elementary' level post-secondary class

Yesterday was our last day with post-secondary classses until after the new year, so we had a Christmas-themed lesson! There are many differences between Czech and American traditions at Christmastime, so we had a nice discussion comparing our two cultures. Since they don't have stockings to hang  by the chimney with care, I had them decorate their own (paper) stocking to bring home! As you can see they were very creative and had a good time with the mini art project. We listened to Christmas music in the background and it was even snowing outside so it was quite a festive lesson. They gave me a present from baby Jesus (the Czech equivalent to Santa?)  and were looking forward to 2 weeks holiday  :)





my 'pre-intermediate' post-secondary class... at the pub!

My other post-secondary class (above ) was sad to see the end of the week come because the other teacher, Zach, will be going back home early January. So we had our Christmas lesson then took them out to a pub nearby for a farewell drink. Five and a half hours later we were finally saying goodbye! They were very happy to have us spend time with them outside of class and we all enjoyed each other's company very much.

Now I just have 4 classes this week and I'm off to London for Christmas!

St Mikuláš day

The one day a year when it is ok to make children cry.

It's true-the kids are seriously terrified of this day because, as story goes, if you have been naughty then the devil comes and puts you in his bag and takes you to hell. However if you are good then the angel gives you goodies, only after you recite a poem or sing a song though! St Mikuláš (St Nicolas) oddly resembles the pope and is cause for celebration on 5th December.

So one of my classes (the elementary level post-secondary group) planned, with the other teacher Marketa, a lesson for me about St Mikuláš day on Monday! When I got to class three of my students were at the front dressed as St Nick, the angel, and the devil. It was hilarious. They proceeded to tell me the history, story, and events of this day and finished by asking me if I had been naughty or nice this year.

Of course I have been nice, but before the angel gave my my gifts (nuts, dried fruit, and an advent calendar) I had to sing a song or recite a poem. I dazzled them with 'Twinkle twinkle little star' and we feasted on the homemade treats they brought to school. We talked about Christmas traditions from the Czech Republic and I told them the American equivalents. It was a really nice, relaxing lesson for everyone!

sníh (snow)

street shot

It became winter here in Praha! On Monday it snowed literally all day. Then again yesterday, Wednesday, early afternoon it decided to start up again in near blizzard-like force. (and this coming from the girl from Minnesota!) This morning I had 1 student arrive on time to class, while others straggled in late muttering complaints about late/delayed/non-existant transportation due to the bad weather.

Luckily, the nice Czech handyman came and turned on the heat in my bedroom last weekend because the temperature has dropped drastically and there's more talk of another round of snow...

the newest addition to the Judd family!

Welcome to the world, Graham Anderson Judd!

All the best to my cousins, Cat and Andrew, and their new baby