Green School

Hi folks-

So haven't written in a while, been swamped with schoolwork. It's crazy to think there's just two weeks left to get everything underway with the school! Have been crammed, but managed to escape away last weekend to an incredible beach in Balangan (located in Southern Bali). Arrived at the beach after a grueling motorbike ride and stumbled upon a gorgeous white sand beach and bright blue water. The sand itself was different than other beaches I'd been to in Bali, almost looked like couscous! Soaked up the sun, strolled along the beach, and made the best of my first weekend out of school.
Green School has been one transformation after another. Mind you, classrooms are still being built, staff is still being hired, supplies ordered, curriculum being developed...you get the idea. Needless to say, has been a very busy time ever since arriving at the school. I'm absolutely loving my teaching team, Susan and Ingrid. We've been brainstorming like crazy, coming up with creative activities, songs and dances, cooking projects, etc for the little ones...if any one has any good ideas for creative and fun activities to do with 4-6 year olds, please let me know!
So far we know we're going to have a drama center in the classroom, complete with costumes, a weaving/sewing/beading center (kid-friendly sew materials!) where they can make their own pillows to sit on during class (no chairs, just floor pillows!), a play kitchen, shadow puppet center (complete with Susan and her husband Susiawan's home-made shadow puppet screen and puppets), art center with paints, crayons, etc...We're going to utilize our "jungle location" as much as possible by surrounding the classroom with gardens that the kids themselves will help out with.
Hopefully the next time I write I'll be living in my yurt! The new yurts are under construction but they're supposed to be equipped with bamboo floors, mosquito net, and furniture by the time I move in. Will post pictures once they're finished! In the meantime, just staying patient for everything to come together.
Have a three-day weekend coming up due to Indonesian Independence Day this coming Monday. Looking forward to spending the weekend relaxing, reading up on curriculum material, and hopefully getting a massage! Can't go wrong with a $5 hour-long massage.
By the way, if anyone would like a postcard, send me your address!