Our Native Feast

Yesterday was my last full day in Kotzebue.
So I went out burping fish all night long...

One of our school secretaries is a Native Alaskan, from the Bethel area and thus Yupik rather than Inupiaq, however she is quite a native chef. Months ago we asked her to make us a ntive meal. On our last day in town she wouldn't stand for us leaving without a feast.

We had a mixture of items that are native to the Kotzebue area as well as thee Bethel area. Some of them were delicious, some of them were less than delicious. Through the entirety of the meal we were told to use only one hand, and to NOT touch anything but the food and our napkin. This was due to the fact that everything was dipped in seal oil, and stains things very badly. The family we ate with actually put on their "Native meal t-shirts" that they use specifically for eating seal oil so as to not ruin their other clothing.

Here is what was included in our main course of the meal:

*Quaq- frozen trout ("popsicle fish") -GOOD
*Maktak- beluga while (white), bowhead whale (black), chased with a slice of apple- NOT GOOD, very mushy
*Dried Whitefish -good
*Dried Salmon - good
*Dried Pike -good
*Smoked and Dried Salmon -REALLY GOOD
*Oogruk- dried bearded seal -not very good

Then came desert:
Ahpik (Salmon berries)
Blueberries
Blackberries, all of which came from the tundra outside of town.

Then came the "Agutak" or Eskimo ice cream. We had two kinds of ice cream (blueberry and Salmon berry), both came from recipes from the Bethel area. This includes: fish flakes (which amazingly, you could not taste much, especially in the blueberry one!), crisco, berries (of any kind), and sugar. This differs from the recipes from the Kotzebue area in the fish flakes. In Kotzebue, generally they use seal oil in place of the fish.

These traditional meals are often eaten before going out into the cold on a snow machine because it has so much fat it helps keep you warm on the long days in the cold weather. Cool, huh? Only, we didn't go out aftewards, so we are just working towards getting fat.

All in all, the meal, though not glorious tasting at times, was fascinating. I learned a lot, and experienced a lot. It was a wonderful way to say goodbye to Kotzebue!!

Farewell First Grade

It is the last day of school.
It is snowing. But, I wore flip-flops today anyway....well, once I got here. I wore my boots on the walk.

As I sit here in my classroom, the walls stripped of all our work and classroom things. The names removed from the cubbies and the coat hooks, the name tags off the desks, I find myself feeling at a loss.
Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to get home. After all, I get to be part of a dear friends wedding and celebrate as I myself get married. And for goodness sakes I can put my boots away for at least 6 months.
But. I won't be able to see all these little faces everyday anymore. I won't be able to walk into a classroom 5 or 6 days a week and feel proud of every ounce of hard work I put into it. I was so sad yesterday when I unstapled all of the things we worked so hard to make right for our classroom.

And most of all, how in the world do I say goodbye to 21 kids that have made this year what it has been? They have both loved me and hated me. They have both (nearly) hit me and hugged me. They have also made me laugh and cry. My heart has been beaming and breaking over and over this year with them. And today, after we clean our desks and say goodbye, that is it? I'll never see them again?

How on earth does a teacher do this every year?

I am certain a few weeks will go by, and I will have adjusted back into life. I will remember my first graders, and think of them fondly. I know I'll be just fine, and in a few years time perhaps I'll get the hang of giving my heart away every year and asking for it back at the end. I'll be a champ at saying goodbye with a smile on my face. But, this year, I am not yet a champ.

I'll bet the students today will lead the way. They will say goodbye and give me hugs and tell me to have fun in Colorado and have a nice wedding. They will keep light and fun and sweet. And forever I will appreciate their happiness when they walk out the door, because after all, they are headed to 2nd grade, where everyone will be there once again. And they have 3 whole months homework free!

Either that, or I will stuff them all in my backpack, and bring them home with me. I have been thinking Colorado is lacking in Eskimo kiddos. :)

Wish me luck, as I leave June Nelson today!

First Grade Mumblings: The final Chapter

The year, that sometimes has gone too fast, and others too slow, is coming to a close tomorrow. I have so many emotions to go with it, but they can easily be expressed through the words of these beloved 1st graders....

"Ms. Ray, after I watch a scary movie, I always pray."

"Ms. Ray, when I am at home I poop big poops. It's the color of soldiers."
"Wow."
"I did. It's true."
"So, are soldiers brown or green?"
"......................?" (raised eyebrows and shoulders in complete puzzlement).

"Ms. Ray, she said this is not God's world. It's everyone's world. Is it everyone's world or God's world?"

"What kinds of things do you like to pretend to be?"
"I like to be an army guy!"
"I like to be a cheerleader!"
"Buzz Lightyear, from Toy Story 3."
"A pillow."

"I have a song....
     Tarzan swings, Tarzan falls.
     Tarzan break is mighty balls."

"You lucky ducks!"
"I AM NOT A LUCKY DUCK!"
"Oh, I am so sorry. What are you?"
-"A lucky rhino."
-"A lucky dog."
-"Lucky turtle!"
"I AM JUST A LUCKY BOY!"

(all whispers...)
"Ms. Ray, I have a girlfriend."
"Oh my!"
"She is far away, in Wasilla."
"Oh!"
"Her name is Piper."
"I like her name."
"Don't tell. It's our secret."

"Boys and girls, please put your folders away in your desk."
...blank stare from one boy...
"Please put your folder away."
......even blank-er stare.......
"Quick. Put your folder away so we can begin math."
......still blank...and getting really creepy with the eyes.....
"Hello?"
"HELLO! I AM A WIZARD!"

"Can you use 'air' in a sentence?"
"I always fly in the air to see God......God always walk on water. God always make it winter so he can walk on the water. It's frozen."

"OH! An extra balloon! It looks just like you, Ms. Ray!" (while pointing at a giant green balloon).

"Ms. Ray, I only drink Diet." (I know this is relatively normal to hear...but from a 6 year old?)

"Ms. Ray I wish money was never invented. That way we would just get everything free."

"Ms. Ray. My baby brother is in Anchorage because he ate a nickel and a dime."
...one week later....
"Ms. Ray, my baby brother pooped out a nickel and a dime."

At school, if the students get in trouble at recess or during school, they sometimes owe a time-out from recess. When this happens, they lean against the ramp out by the playground. One day, I was standing near one student who was doing just that....
"Ms. Ray. How come you're on the wall? Cause you're bad?"

"Next year, when you come back to school, I won't be your teacher, and you'll be in 2nd grade."
"I know."
"I am really going to miss you. Did you know that?"
Nod yes.
"May I have a hug before you go?"
Leaps into my arms, and wraps his legs around me, resting his head on my shoulder.
"Thank you."
"I am not ever letting go."
"You're going to be stuck to me forever?"
"For always"
"For always?"
"Yeah. Until tomorrow."

:)

Spring Fever

It finally is starting to feel like Spring in Kotzebue. YAY!

It is usually in the low single digits when we walk to school in the morning, but by the time recess comes at 2:30pm it is usually well into the 20's as far as temperature goes. The wind is dying down significantly, and the sun! OH! THE SUN! It is up pretty much all the time it seems. It is rising somewhere around 6am and going down somewhere are midnight...maybe. I am never up at either time to watch the sun rise or set.

SO, what does the mean for all the residents here? NO SLEEP! Everyone is exhausted, students and teachers alike. Try as we might, it is near impossible to say "I am gonna hit the hay" when it looks and feels like Noon outside. It just does not feel right with my body. The students can be found roaming the streets at 10pm, and can hardly stay awake long enough to write their name on their papers. 

Spring Fever is in full swing here. There are 7 days left of school, and everyone is going bonkers. There is one thing I have noticed here at school that can sometimes become more of a focus and an threat than I desire- discipline. As a whole, I try to focus more on the positive sides of teaching, raising kids, and simply interacting with others. Who doesn't prefer that? Sometimes I have noticed a large number of adults that focus on the negative in the classroom and forget to praise the positive behavior. I'll be the first to admit- I have done it, and regretfully. On those days when the students are running circles around me and I just can't seem to get them to listen to what I am saying, it can be difficult to find those positive actions in the classroom, and it can be so easy to see what is not going right. 

This time of year, especially, negative behavior is seemingly surrounding me and the positive classroom behavior seems so slight and hidden. It sometimes feels like the beginning of the school year again, where getting in a line is a difficult task, following directions, and staying awake are near impossible. I find myself needing to reinforce the tiniest act of good behavior once again, and find myself noticing things students are doing that I thought we had learned how to NOT do months ago. It has been a difficult task to remain ever-positive and not lose my patience. After all, it seems realistic to ask students to not crawl around on the floor between desks in first grade. It seems ideal to be able to conduct a 15 minute reading group that is completely free of tears. But, get 21 weary 1st graders in a room that has been inhabited by the same 22 bodies all year and the tears are flowing, and the waters are being tested. 

Regardless, we are enjoying ourselves. The curriculum is nearly finished and we are having some time to relax and enjoy the end of the year. Not that the year was un-enjoyable while there was work to be finished, but it is far more relaxed and fun to know that if we take 3 days to do a science experiment that was intended to take 30 minutes- so be it! It is neat to take some extra time discussing saving money, illustrating our writing more thoroughly, reading more books for fun and letting them choose their content. All of these tasks get to happen during the school year, but are more tailored to the designed curriculum, and have less choice and less freedom. Now, we are given the chance to choose which math games we might play, "coins? or fractions?" and the opportunity to decide that we want to read about insects, rather than cats, because the curriculum is not guiding our learning for the time being, we are. :)

After school hours are thrilling lately. Spring is wonderful because the city comes alive- as in everywhere in the world. People are outside pretty much at all times- walking their dogs, running, playing in the snow. I have been able to downsize from my down jacket and fur coat to fleece and shell and a thin hat. I don't wear gloves anymore, unless driving the Honda, and my face was sunburned last night! 

Spring here is much like Spring anywhere else in the world, however, it is SO long awaited, I feel like I appreciate it like I never have before. 

20-something days, and I will be enjoying flip flops and skirts. NO jackets. This has been a constant day dream of mine for months, I hope CO doesn't let me down. 

The Language We Speak

Anyone who has ever spent a significant amount of time with children of any age, but especially young children, knows that they often have their own way of communicating with those around them. Sometimes that is because of the challenges that they face trying to pronounce words, and sometimes it is simply from knowing each other and your home communication culture.

For the children, and people, in Kotzebue there is a specific language which carries with it a number of terms and words, or lack of words, that we speak in the classroom, and have learned to use in our everyday language.

Kotzebue, and many of the surrounding areas, are rather nonverbal. When I first moved here there were a number of people who described the children as being English Language Learners. That may very well be the case, I am not certain of the exact criterion to be in the category. And there is certainly no one in the district who is defining that, nor helping students to learn English. There are however a number of accommodations offered to the student body during testing. But they certainly are not ESL (English as  Second Language). Many students do hear and speak bits and pieces of Inupiaq (their Native Language) at home, however, it is not their first language. The reason the children could be considered English Language Learners, as far as I am concerned, is because they are far behind many students across the country of their same age in the mastery of the English language. Being that so much communication occurs nonverbally, students haven't mastered, or developed, many proper speaking or writing skills in English. They leave many words out, put words in the wrong order, and simply communicate using no words at all. It can be utterly amazing to watch them "talk" across the room to one another with nearly no spoken sounds at all. Here are some of the short phrases and gestures I both use, and try to teach the proper meaning of from day to day:

*"Throw it?" (May I throw this in the trash can?)
*"I going to _______ for 5 sleeps." (I am going to visit_________ for 5 days and nights, they say "sleeps" because the sun is up all summer, so it always seems like day, they must use the term "sleeps")
*"I got to Onuck" (I have to poop)
* "He got a bump." (He was in a car accident, or Honda accident, or sno-go accident, or a cut, sore, scrape of any kind accident).
*"Ari" [pronounced Ah-dee] (no english translation, an expression similar to a sigh or "ahhhhhhhhhhh").
*Shorts (boxers)
*Short cuts (shorts)
* "I never" (Let me!)
* "My sister" (any woman in your family that is related to you in any number of ways, that because of many adoptions, give-aways, and moves, have been titled your sister....some students have 4 moms and 6 sisters)
*Aka (Grandpa)
*Tata (Grandpa)
*Ana (Grandma)
*Packsack (backpack)
*Raised of the eyebrows (yes!)
*Scrunched nose (no!)
*Blank stare, with not words at all (I think that means "I don't know," but they pretty much do it at any point if they don't have an answer, the blank stare is very popular among kids here)
 * Tablet (writing notebook)
*"Go pee." (May I use the restroom?)
*"We play out" (We played outside)

While these are both adorable, and funny phrases that the culture has coined, it is clear that many students have a difficult time in a public education system that is teaching the English language and values the use of it to help students to succeed in the world after graduation. I find myself often struggling to uphold their culture, and connect with the students, as well as teach them the correct way to use our language.The students are so smart though, and are beginning to learn the time and place to use proper English (and with whom), and when it is appropriate to use the terms and phrases so common and a part of their home environments. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to maintain and support their culture, and teach the curriculum before us.

All that being said, I LOVE the language we speak. As do most locations on any geographic spot in the world, Kotzebue has their own way of talking and living, and it has certainly been so fun to connect with kids by understanding and using their cultural terminology.

P.S. Yes, the first few times students came to me using these phrases and words I looked and felt like an idiot. And yes, all the boys in class turned red in color when I first mistakenly called shorts "shorts," as opposed to "short cuts." Yep, they thought I was questioning them about their underwear!:)

Meet My Roommates!

For the last eight months I have been living in 3 bedroom apartment with 5 other people. I did however get lucky (newbie luck) and get the master bedroom, and thus have lived with as much space as I could possibly need, despite the large number of inhabitants in a small apartment, for so many people.

I realize you all may have hoped that I would have posted this, oh, 7 months ago. But, better late than never, right?


Roommate 1-

Name: Erica West

Age: 27

Years Lived in Kotzebue: 6

Occupation: 2/3rd grade student teacher

Information: World traveler, loves everything about Europe. Says random things in a Scottish accent (where she lives/ studies for a year). Has been a Special Education aid for a number of years, while going to school to become a teacher. Finishing degree in May. Very patient, unless you're her sister. Should go on the show Top Chef, she is a wonderful chef. Loves trashy television. Reads about a million words a minute. Is 5'2" and makes me feel like a giant when we are both brushing our teeth in the mirror at the same time. Multi-tasking queen/ procrastinating queen. Fills my late night chatting needs, and keeps me posted on the latest and greatest of Kotzebue. Coming to Colorado to visit for a whole week!


Roommate 2-

Name: Jessica West

Age: 26 (27 in a week!)

Years Lives in Kotzeube: 4(or maybe 5?)

Occupation: 3rd grade student teacher/ sarcastic mother.

Information:Has taught her kids the art of sarcasm at the ripe age of 4 and 6. Is extremely proactive in school work. Passionate about finding a job. Tired of living in Kotzebue. Loves the beach and warm places, ha! Loves to talk. Very strong, emotionally and physically. Freakishly flexible. 4'10" and REALLY makes me feel like a giant. She is a thinker, and does lots of theorizing.  Thinks outside is way cooler than inside, and would prefer not wearing clothes, to wearing them. She is a great cook, but only does so because she has to. Buys me pudding. Buys me popcorn. Helps feed my overeating habits. Gives me comic relief while at the same time, making me question some pretty important things.


Roommate 3-

Name: Fiona West

Age: 6 (nearly 7!)

Years in Kotzebue: 4

Occupation: First Grader

Information: Drama Queen. Smallest first grader that ever lived. Loves reading and writing in an almost obsessive manner. Likes playing inside just as much as outside. Does not fight her mother on most things, but LOOK OUT if she is complaining or whining, it is waterworks. Enjoys Barbies and playing cars with her brother. Loves board games. Very kind-hearted. When riding on the back of the Honda, she sings, it nearly never fails.


Roommate4-

Name: Skyler West

Age: 4

Years in Kotzebue: 4

Occupation: Preschool

Information: Wears mostly underwear when inside, and despite negative temperatures, would do so outside, if it were up to him. LOVES anything boy-ish in any way. Does not play board games well in the least. Burst into tears at any given moment, but also will be the happiest, cutest boy in the world at any given moment. Is absolutely fascinated by the idea of a trash man, trash truck, and the dump. Has an adorable lisp in his voice. Prides himself on his break dancing moves. Gives me hugs if I ask REALLY REALLY nice, and only if I ask REALLY REALLY nice, otherwise I can kiss any hugs goodbye.


Roommate 5-

Name: Camon Baker

Age: 30

Years in Kotzebue: 3 years and 2 summers previously, as well as this year (off and on for six years).

Occupation: 1st grade teacher

Information: Hated Yoga when I first introduced her to it, now loves it. Runner, Hiker, Adventurer. Loves to sing anything from Hymns to Eminem (and make fun of my singing). Family is her number 2, second to God. Teaches and reaches kids in a completely different approach than I, but it works great for her, and has opened my eyes to seeing lots of approaches to teaching. Will never ever smile in pictures. Drinks literally like 8 water bottles a day. Also drinks amazing amounts of Diet Dr. Pepper. Not 5' tall, and thus does not make me feel gigantic. Can eat just as much, and often more, than I, which also takes care of my overeating habits. Will not take disrespect from a kid, not matter the time or place. Is moving to Colorado in September!


Each person I have lived with this past year has brought something different to the table, and has added a essential part of what makes up our house. There are a lot of us in there. And there are a lot of emotions. But we have learned to support each other, and not kill one another all at once. We certainly don't all see eye to eye, and we all act and react in a number of ways. I am eternally grateful for their presence this year and know that a big reason why I have thrived here is because of their help.

1st Grade Mumblings (part 4)

As per request, the cute kiddos have recently proclaimed:

Student:"Ms. Ray, All day people tell me what to do...ALL DAY people are always telling me what to do."
Me: "How do you feel about that? You don't like that?"
Student: "They're just always telling me. All day."

While looking at a picture of apple pie in a book we were reading about apples...
Me: So, what kinds of things can we make out of apples after they grow and we pick them?"
Student: "PIZZA!...made of apples...? (very skeptical of their own response)

Student: "Who won the silver war?"
Me: "You mean, The Civil War?"
Student: "Yeah! Who won the silver war?"

In the middle of math...
Me: "Did you have a question?"
Student: "I smell play-doh. It stinks like play-doh in here."
(we don't have play-doh anywhere in the classroom)

Student: "Ms. Ray, yesterday I...wait. Not Yesterday. What was Yesterday?
Me: "Wednesday."
Student: "What come behind Wednesday?"
Me: "Tuesday."
Student: "Yes. On Tuesday, my cat ate a spider."
Me: "Ew. Gross."
Student: "No."
Me: "What is your cat's name?"
Student: "His name is: 'I don't know what to name him.'"

Me: "Today Ms. Ray and Mrs. Douglas are having the grand opening of our store. You can get this sports car for only 98 cents. This snow machine is only 20 cents..."
Student (interrupting): "I want the Wii! How much is the..."
Student 2 (interrupting student): "Ms. Ray, I am going to buy you. How much are you?"

While walking to music.
Student: "Ms. Ray. Do I look pretty?"
Me: "You look beautiful."
Student: "You too. But I just really need to fix this. (tugs on my shirt in lots of angles, then puts it right back how it was) Now you look pretty too."

Turned in Book Report...
Book Title: The Little Book About God
What was the book about?:
FOR GOD IS SO SO SO GOOD.

Me: "When I say the magic word, please find your desk" (the current magic word being Spring).
......"Cring,...Bling,....Bring...." (the class laughing and enjoying the jokes....)
Student: (not enjoying the joke). "Ms. Ray, you keep wasting my time."

"Ms. Ray if it is raining outside that means God is crying. But if it is snowing outside, that means God is barfing."

Writing Homework:

"When I grow up I want to be a Doctor because I want to help people so they could feel good to go to school every day that's why I want to be a nice good Doctor."