Week 2

Sambodhi School
I spent alot of time using modeling clay with this class. Some of the children had not used clay before. They were very excited to learn that they could make things with it. Mostly, the children would watch what I made and then try to recreate it. I showed them that the clay could stick to their faces by putting some on my nose. They found it hilarious and began sticking it to their own faces which made for some really fun photos. (If you can, check my facebook page to see more... it is much easier to upload and share there).

 

The girl in the back row cannot walk and has limited mobility of her arms. I spent a half hour showing her how to use oil pastels and holding her hands to help her make marks. By the end of the half hour she was making marks on her own and choosing colors. She also really enjoyed the clay and yells for it when she sees me.

I have started helping this boy with Autism, named Dulmina, with his English. The first day I met him, he just kept yelling English words at me that he knew "TV, DVD, Computer... Understand????" He reads to me from his workbook and we do different worksheets together. Sometimes he just listens to me speak and he copies my words. He also points to pictures of things and I will tell him the English word for it. He remembers them all. He is really remarkable.  He loves to use my digital camera and searches my pockets for it. Everyday he amazes me.

I am also working with the music teacher to teach this girl, Sandura, to sing "I have a dream" by Abba. The song's lyrics are in her English work book, and the teacher new some of the tune but not all of it. I downloaded it for them to hear and now we all sing it together as practice everyday in school and then again at the orphanage after school. She tries so hard to get the pronouncation of each word right (th sound is hard for sri lankas because it is not in their language). Sometimes she is so beautiful when she is singing I start crying.

Sambodhi Home

I am still working to come up with art activities that are appropriate for everyone's ability level with this group...
We tried some collage work. I had them tear tissure paper and crush it into small balls. Some residents were happy enough at this stage...  others went on to glue the pieces to paper and  even add paint. Either way, they seemed to really enjoy it, laughing the whole time as usual.

We also did sponge painting, such a success. The residents LOVED it. It was a great activity that everyone could do together. Most of us were covered in paint. Once the papers dried, I tore them into squares to attempt origami. Mostly, they watched me make things and then played with them, which was still great fun... I may try it again with the assistance of a translator to see if they will possibly better understand directions. Thanks for reading everyone, your support means so much to me. Again, check out facebook it you want to see more photos.