35. Starting with the students

I was a little nervous heading into the school on Tuesday 13th September for my first session with a class of 2nd year students. I'd prepared a lesson plan for myself and Jordi, the school director. The class is split into two halves, around 13 students each, with one half outside with Joel and I and the other half inside with Jordi.

I was quite worried about there being nothing left in the garden after the long, hot summer but the fabulous, quirky, messy garden shone. The watermelon that has been growing endless leaves and no fruit, popped out a little watermelon, much to the delight of the students. There are now 4 aubergines growing, lots of beans as well as chillis. There was even a strawberry ready for the picking.

The first session was 'Getting to know the garden'. There was a slight panic stricken look on the students' faces when I said I don't speak any Catalan. I wonder how long it will take for them to realise I can understand a bit ;-)

Joel explained the concept and introduced me. We immediately went outside and introduced each other with something we like from the garden. Quite a few students have gardens at home but aren't very involved with them. 

The students drew a map of the garden and labelled the plants with beautiful drawings my niece had done over the summer.

It didn't take long for the tomatoes to be discovered and the beginnings of interest in the different water systems.  One student asked about the chillis and indicated that he liked spicy food. I gave him some of the chillis. Before long, the boys were daring each other to eat one and soon there were lots of kids with fiery mouths, jumping up and down, eyes watering!

At the end of the session outside, we dug up the potatoes. I had no idea if there were any potatoes under the ground or not! We talked about how you know whether potatoes are ready or not and how to dig them up. We managed to glean enough for dinner for Jim and I.