How does one summarize three months in a different continent? It's almost inconceivable to me that we are at the end of the first part of our journey this year already! And yet, here we are... and I know the boys will be asked numerous times over the next several weeks in Canada some variation of "sooo.... how was your trip?!"
In preparation for such questions (and in hopes of avoiding monosyllabic responses), we spent some time yesterday co-constructing a mind map summarizing our first three months.
After getting some of our ideas down on paper, we discussed the impact of "audience" on what we might say and how we might say it. The boys considered how a presentation to classmates might differ from a conversation about the trip with Vinx, or with their grandparents. We also made a list of "new" words that have become part of our almost daily vocabulary here (cartonero, helados, hemelos, sube, subte, cambio, blue etc.), but which may require some explanation to friends and family back home.
In preparation for such questions (and in hopes of avoiding monosyllabic responses), we spent some time yesterday co-constructing a mind map summarizing our first three months.
After getting some of our ideas down on paper, we discussed the impact of "audience" on what we might say and how we might say it. The boys considered how a presentation to classmates might differ from a conversation about the trip with Vinx, or with their grandparents. We also made a list of "new" words that have become part of our almost daily vocabulary here (cartonero, helados, hemelos, sube, subte, cambio, blue etc.), but which may require some explanation to friends and family back home.
Then, they went away and thought some more, and began preparing two "stock" responses, for two different audiences.
Tomorrow we'll practise saying our responses, and talk about what makes for effective oral sharing (appropriate volume, well organized material, possible photos, maps or other supplementary tools, etc.)
The boys will also write a blog post for homework tomorrow, summarizing some of the highlights of the first half of our adventure.
With a little luck and some intentional preparation, Alex and Simon will be ready for the onslaught of curious questions when we arrive home in Canada later this week!
Tomorrow we'll practise saying our responses, and talk about what makes for effective oral sharing (appropriate volume, well organized material, possible photos, maps or other supplementary tools, etc.)
The boys will also write a blog post for homework tomorrow, summarizing some of the highlights of the first half of our adventure.
With a little luck and some intentional preparation, Alex and Simon will be ready for the onslaught of curious questions when we arrive home in Canada later this week!