Second day at Tam Thanh - learning about colours

What a fabulous afternoon! The girls in this class are just great. We focussed on talking about colours today. We spoke about primary, secondary and shades of colours. The girls then got to mix some plasticine together to make different colours. They loved this. The girls also loved getting their photos taken and then looking at them on my screen.

Dressing up at Baby Orphanage

Dressing up day at Baby Orphanage today. The kids really enjoy this and so I am really excited to be getting some new dressing up clothes made. The mats that I want to buy will come in handy when the kids want to do some physical play like handstands etc.

Great day

I had to get up really early this morning as I was observing the vietnamese teacher at the Baby Orphanage. She teaches a variety of subjects to the children of school age. We discussed what resources she could use in the classroom and arranged to meet up next Tuesday afternoon to go shopping for some things.
I have given over some of the fundraised money to pay for fruit at the Baby Orphanage and some other placements. Will let you know in detail next time. A chunk of the money will be going towards paying for the shelter to cover the play area outside.
At the Home of Affection we are looking to buy a computer which will be great for english skills, typing skills and generally knowing how to use a computer.
I am going shopping with Mrs Hanh on Friday afternoon to buy some material that can get made into dressing up clothes. Today the children at the Baby Orphanage were copying the teacher and taking on her role. Will get the teacher's uniform made up for dressing up. I think I will get a doctor's coat made too. There are some hospital toys at the local supermarket - stethoscope, thermometer etc. I would also like to get some fairy/princess dresses and pirates constumes as well.
The children in the photos are all from the Baby Orphanage. When we arrive here the children are given fruit bought by volunteers. The girl with the bag - my bag, was very keen to wear it just like I do. They are all loving the talking postcards that I brought with me. I used these today at one of my new placements. I swapped my class of 15-18 year olds and now I am teaching Wednesday and Thursday afternoons in Tam Thanh - a fishing village. I love it. There are seven girls in my class aged between 9 and 13. They are extremely enthusiastic and very keen to learn. They also loved my talking postcards. Think I will take them with me tomorrow as well.

Great day

First Morning at the Baby Orphanage

I had a great morning at the Baby Orphanage. I had a good look around and I think I'm going to try and organise some of their play area. Areas in each corner of the room will hopefully be a book corner, drawing/writing area, large physical play, dressing up and construction/games. I am going to buy two big soft mats for the babies to crawl on and the other children to do roly poly, handstands, roll etc.
I have given the go ahead for some of the fundraised money to go towards the shelter for the climbing frame/slide - $1100. This will pay for the majority of shelter. Total cost $1500.
The food here is fabulous. Our cook is called Mrs Hahn and her favourite phrase is "eat more, eat more". She organised our trip to Hoi An at the weekend.
Mrs Hahn is also going to help me shop for material for dressing up clothes. We are going to hit the local market at some point and then Mrs Hahn knows someone who will make the clothes.
I am ashamed to say that I have badly burnt my feet - to the point that they are swollen. Was going to take a photo and show you, but I think it would spoil your tea!!
Will maybe have some more photos up tomorrow.

China Beach in Hoi An

Two of the volunteers who are at Tam Ky placement - Cheryl and Freda from Vancouver,Canada.

China Beach in Hoi An

Getting in contact

I'm really enjoying reading everyone's comments. I think some people are finding it difficult to get a message sent to my blog. If people would prefer to email me instead that would be fine too - mhairi.mcalpine@yahoo.com

Trampoline jump picture in Falkirk Herald - school nursery

There is a fabulous picture in the Falkirk Herald which came out on Thursday just there. My mum showed it to me on Skype. The picture was taken at St Margaret's Nursery Class. The article says that we made £200, which we had made when the journalist phoned me. However we did raise well over £400 in the school nursery!

Most people in Vietnam get around on either bicycles or motorbikes. There are cars, but these are still relatively expensive as they were only introduced a short while ago. People load their bikes with various things - as much as they can. The pictures of the boats are taken in Hoi An.
Today I went to collect my dress and my jacket. They needed some small alterations, but apart from that I was really pleased with them. After my measurements were taken yesterday my order was given to someone local who makes the clothes and then when finished got sent back to the shop on the back of a motorbike. I have to pick them up later. I had no intention of buying anything else, but then five minutes later stumbled into another dressmakers shop. This time I am getting a skirt made. Need to stay clear of these places or I will need to get a second suitcase!!