Part 1 - A visit to children in Mexico in pictures -- Mrs Part 1 - A visit to children in Mexico in pictures -- Mrs. Naft, Reading Specialist, anaft@bcps.org

North America: Canada, U.S.A. and Mexico Where exactly is Mexico?

The countries to the south of Mexico are Belize and Guatemala United States Mexico A closer view. The borders are Belize, Guatemala, and the USA. Do any students have families that have come from Central American countries? Belize Guatemala

Objective Students will use photographs to identify similarities and differences between school children in Mexico and themselves in order to discuss and describe them in a written response.

The Benito Juarez public school in Cuernavaca, Mexico The Benito Juarez public school in Cuernavaca, Mexico. It is free, but parents must pay for some of the books and their students uniforms.

The Benito Juarez school was named after a Mexican hero who led a revolt against their French rulers in the 1860’s. He was a Native Mexican Indian who became President of his country. This school was one of the first public schools in Cuernavaca and it was built on the grounds of the town’s central cathedral.

There are many schools in the USA that are named after Benito Juarez There are many schools in the USA that are named after Benito Juarez. You can look them up on the internet to find their locations. Are there schools in the USA named after American heroes and presidents?

Mural of Benito Juarez and symbols of Mexico in the courtyard of the school. Benito Juarez is in the center. On the left is an eagle sitting on a cactus eating a snake. This is from an Aztec legend and is on the Mexican flag today. There are pictures showing the changes in laws made by Juarez and his plan to give the land to the people who work and farm it.

Legend tells how the ancient Aztec people wandered their country until they saw an eagle on a cactus devouring a serpent. They made this place their new home, Tenochtitlan. Today it is called Mexico City. The Mexican Flag

The inner courtyard is also the school playground. Playgrounds are not outside the school walls like in the USA, but in the inner courtyard which is open to the sky and fresh air.

Water fountains are outside in the courtyard. In the schools in this city the inside is not as separated from the outside as in the schools in our city.

Benito Juarez is on Mexican money Benito Juarez is on Mexican money. What important American leaders and presidents are on the money of the USA? What important American leaders and presidents are on the money of the USA?

This bilingual private school teaches children in English and Spanish from pre-school through eighth grade. Parents pay tuition so their children can attend. This is the hallway at the entrance of the school. It is open to the outside. The weather in this town is always mild: no snow or very hot weather, no heaters or air conditioners. There is a fence to the left, but no windows.

from the inner courtyard

happy second grade students

happy kindergarten students Kindergarten students singing.

The playground is in the uncovered center courtyard within the walls of the school.

The school’s three student computers are all in one classroom, along with the only smart board.

Garbage bins for organic and inorganic garbage Garbage bins for organic and inorganic garbage. This recycling project was started by the students.

Poster on Display To live? Care for the atmosphere!!! trees, water, energy, and recycle.

Poster: Recycle glass, plastic, aluminum, paper and organic material

Cigarettes KILL This shirt hangs in the school office. Why? Do you have a similar message at your school?

Vamos! Years ago two tourists, Bill and Patty Coleman, noticed that many Mexican families came to town to sell their crafts. The families were poor and slept in the open town square until their products were all sold. Children worked with their parents. These families did not have cooked food to eat, bathrooms to use, medical care, or schools to attend.

The Colemans started a foundation called Vamos The Colemans started a foundation called Vamos! to provide schools and community centers so the children and mothers would have a safe and nourishing place to eat, study and learn. People from all over the world give money to support these schools and centers. Vamos means, “Let’s go!”

Patty and Bill Coleman. Patty has run the organization which since Bill’s death. The Colemans

In the town center square, families sell handmade baskets, Examples of crafts these families sell when they come to town to sell their products.

handmade jewelry,

handmade pottery,

and clothes they weave and sew.

The Vamos! schools and centers give the children an opportunity to wash, have a vitamin, a hot meal, and most of all, learn. These photos are from a Vamos summer school in the center of the city and a Vamos community center in on the edge of town.

How are these children and classroom similar to yours?

We are happy!

See my picture and captions?

We take a vitamin and brush our teeth after every meal!

The outside of a Vamos! community center/ school. Do you see graffiti on schools in your town?

Fulbright volunteers paint over the graffiti.

Our chicken soup and jello was good! This is my watermelon juice!

Almost done!

Time for games!

This is my house and family.

Guess what my name is?