Monday, March 9, 2009

Welcome Horizon Students!

Hello Horizon students! You have been fortunate enough to have had a foreign exchange teacher, Ms. Shalini, in your classroom for a semester. I have enjoyed discussing my experiences with you, and have also enjoyed hearing about your cultural experiences with an Indian teacher. I hope you have fun checking out the blog. Please post a response to any of the questions below. Be sure to include your first and last name, grade level, and class period at the bottom of each post. Please print out your response and bring it to school to share in a class discussion. I would highly encourage you to read other student’s responses and build on their discussions as well. You can also post a second response anywhere on the blog, just be sure to print that out as well. Check out the index to the right and review the blog thoroughly. Thanks for sharing!

1. What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your OWN culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?

2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

6. Would you say that you are a more knowing person after this experience? A more worldly person after this experience? A more cultured person? Please reflect and tell me how you have changed.


DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE BLOG AND LEAVE POSTS UNDER DIFFERENT SECTIONS! I AM PROUD OF ALL YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS EXPERIENCE WITH ME!

129 comments:

  1. Students,

    When you post a comment be sure to include your first and last name, grade level, and class period. DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE THE QUESTION YOU ARE ANSWERING IN YOUR RESPONSE AND PRINT YOUR WORK!!! Thanks!

    Breanna Reynolds
    Grade: 9th grade teacher
    Class Period: 1,2,3,4

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brynn Olson, Freshman, pd. 1
    Question #4

    After watching the presentation I learned that people there do things a lot differently. In India they have a lot of trash on the streets, so they have a lot of cows and pigs walking around. I also learned that the kids in India want to learn a lot more than kids do in the U.S. Something I thought was funny was that Indian people love Chinese food! In India the kids want to carry the teachers bag, but in the U.S. nobody helps the teachers at all. After seeing the presentation I have been really thankful I have such a nice big house with a shower. I am glad we don't have trash on the sides of the roads and wild animals walking around. I'm grateful we don't have slaves and everyone is equal even if they don't have as much money. Learning about India was very interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rachel Harrow, Freshman, Pd. 2
    Question 4

    I learned so much about Indian culture from the presentation. The people in India are very generous and hospitable to their guests. They give them any food they have no matter what their finacial conditions. Also, Indian students are very respectful and kind towords their teachers. Students offer to carry the teacher's bags and help her by writing on the board. They also call the teacher m'am. In addition, I learned about the different religions in India. They worship many gods and goddesses. They have a different god or goddess for everything. Shrines in the homes are common. India is very different than America.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rachel Harrow, Freshman, Pd.2
    Question 1 (Extra Credit)

    After having a foreign teacher in the classroom, my view on American culture has changed. I have learned that American students are not as respectful as Indian students. We speak, text message, sleep, and do other school work while a teacher is teaching a class. Also, our pollution problems in the US do not seem as bad as those in India. We do not have trash cluttering our streets and sidewalks. Nor do we have animals roaming the streets. We take for granted our laws on keeping our cities clean. Americans seem to take for granted for all that we have while others wish they could be in this country.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Question 3
    Logan Anderson
    Freshmen

    If i were to go to India, there are a couple of things i would want to do. A main one is to visit the hill people. I have always wondered what it is like to not have any technology. To have no computers or videogames or anything. it is just crazy. Also, i would like to visit one of the temples where people wait hours just to get blessed by a priest. Its hard for me to think about someone waiting hours just for a human being to put their hand of blessing on them. i have to see it for myself. The last place i would like to visit is where people put human ashes in the river. i want to go here because i would like to meet the person who actually baths in this river

    ReplyDelete
  6. Question 3 Period 3
    Logan Anderson
    Freshmen

    If i were to go to India, there are a couple of things i would want to do. A main one is to visit the hill people. I have always wondered what it is like to not have any technology. To have no computers or videogames or anything. it is just crazy. Also, i would like to visit one of the temples where people wait hours just to get blessed by a priest. Its hard for me to think about someone waiting hours just for a human being to put their hand of blessing on them. i have to see it for myself. The last place i would like to visit is where people put human ashes in the river. i want to go here because i would like to meet the person who actually baths in this river

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Taylor Scannell
    Period 3
    Freshman

    Question 4

    After I watched the presentaion that Ms. Reynolds showed, I thought that alot of people in Amercica take a lot of stuff for granted. I think that one of the biggest we take for granted is the food that we eat. We eat so much and the people in the slums of India have to fight just to get a piece of bread or something. It also showed me that a lot of people around the world are really down in the dumps with nobody to help them. America tries to hepl them by doing the peace core and other programs, but you can't get to them all. I think the streets are more dangerous than the streets in America because there are way more crimes committed there. We have lights that tell us when to stop driving and tell us to go. There, it is way more hectic and stressful. I am very thankful for all the laws that we have in the U.S because there they can throw trash on the street and just walk away and do other stuff with no consequences. All in all, I say that India seems like a great place, it just needs some help in areas of the countries.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Question 4 period 2
    brock labertew
    Freshmen

    Watching Ms.Reynolds presentation on india has helped more so much more about other culters in the world. The presentation helped me look at my views of he world and how it is different now that i saw the video. I now see the the world is made up of so many different levels of rich and poor, but what matters is what they do wiht what they have. I would like to have the same values has most in india have about the olderly being superior to the younge ones. But in america the younger ones try to be better than people who are older than them because they think they know every thing. Seeing all those people in the video that lived in small smelly slummes, but still pretty happy with life. Seeing all those kids studying for there final at lunch time unlike us who seat and chat the whole time.I am so happy that i got to see that video it diffently opened a window for me to see howsome of the world is like us.

    brock labertew pd.2

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mariah Leninger
    period 1 Freshman
    Question 4

    After watching Ms.Reynolds presentation on her experiences in India i realized how lucky i am to live in America. The houses they live in are so small and crowded. They dont take a lot of showers because they dont have a lot of water supply. I think it would be such a great experience to go to India and try to live there and see how long i could last there. Something i liked seeing in the videos was how happy all the kids were and how appreciative they were for learning. Americans take so much for granted we dont really realize how great we have it. We always focus on our wants and not our needs and they just take what they have. Seeing the presentation just made me thankful for what i have.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Carly Verderame
    Grade 9
    Per. 4
    Question #4

    Something I learned from Ms. Reynolds' presentation was that India is one of the oldest places in the world. I also learned that cows very very sacred and are not eaten. I never knew that beds felt stiff and uncomfortable like lawn furniture. I was suprised to find out that stray dogs and monkeys came into the classroom regulary. I learned that people in India are very welcoming and friendly and that there are many Indian gods. Something I gained from the presentation is being more thankful for having electricity and food on the table. I look at the world a lot differently than I did before. Now I know that every country has different lifestyles and cultures that make that country unique. I appreciate having Ms. Shalini as a foreign teacher!

    ReplyDelete
  12. brock labertew
    pd.2 question 2
    extra credit

    I respect that they live there life not just thinking about them selfs but think about others to.I respect that they are not that all rich but still have fun with out the money.They focus all on school that is what they work on there wholelife so that they can have a great job. I respect them as people because they don't put them selfs on a peedle stule but they put those who should like the older people.I learned from Ms. shalian that people kin india want to be jsut like us. She told us how they listen to our music and sing it to. but i wish we had as an amzaing minds like then foucsing on school.I learned from the video that we can that other culters do as good has us without all the thing we got.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kaylie Lam
    Grade 9
    Prd. 3
    Question #3


    If I were to go to India, I would most likely first go to the restaurants to experience the food there. I would also like to go hiking up the mountains like Ms.Reynolds did. Another thing I would like to do while in India is to go through the different and exotic stores there. Having almost everything so cheap there, I would probably end up buying many clothes, shoes, accessories, and so on. I would also get my hair, nails, and toes done.
    In India, I would love to visit Ms.Shalini. To catch up with her and see how she's doing. I would also like to visit the many sight seeing areas in India.
    I would like to experience the life-style of Indians because it would be life changing for me. To see how difficult it is there and how easy we get it here. I would also like to experience Indian food there because I have never tried Indian food and I would very much like to.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Scott Montgomery
    Grade 9
    Period 2
    Question #3

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If i were to go to India, i would travel all over and see all there is to see. I would experience the culture and the exotic foods they have to offer. I would also go to all their little shops along the streets that sell little Indian trinkets. I would go to all the tourist site-seeing places available, and just soak up all the Indian attractions. It seems like a really inexpensive hot spot on the grid. I would visit their zoos, and see all the exotic animals and even stop at Miss Shalini's to catch up. Even though India seems like such a different lifestyle than what we're all used to, it seems like a really fun place to take a vacation at. I would also like to experience the Indian religion, just to see what it's about and how they worship. I think it would be really interesting to learn about their language and ways of life, too.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Scott Montgomery
    Grade 9
    Period 2
    Question #6

    6. Would you say that you are a more knowing person after this experience? A more worldly person after this experience? A more cultured person? Please reflect and tell me how you have changed.

    I would say that I am a lot more of a knowing person now that i have gone through this whole experience of having a foreign teacher. First of all, i used to think of India as just some country. I didn't know about the Holy Lakes, and the Exotic lifestyles of living like Bucket Baths and Hard Beds. Now that i have learned about India from both Miss Shalini & Ms. Reynolds I've learned so much more than i used to know. I've learned that each country has their own culture and differences. India is so much different than the United States, so i feel so much more educated about my own culture also.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Andrew D'Arcangelis
    Grade 9
    Period 4
    3-9-09

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I cannot believe how different India is from America, but yet so much alike. Their lifestyle appears very different from ours. I love how caring the people are and how welcoming they are, too. I learned that India is a place that has populated cities to rural villages in the mountains. Indian food is also different because all foods when ate together are seperated into different bowls or plates. I just used to slopping all of my food onto one plate. I learned their means of transportaion is unlike ours. Most people in India ride on motorcycles with three or more people. The most I've ever seen is two. I learned that their is so much diversity of religion,cultures, and languages in India. With all of this difference between our countries, it seems the kids and students are just like we are. We all want to have fun and hang out with our friends and do things we enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Riley Schwenn 3/9/09
    Grade 9
    Period 2
    Question #4

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I learned that American citizens have it lucky and dont realize whats going on in the world. In America the streets are clean and we dont have building falling apart. If they are we take them down and rebuild them. Also we dont have nice neighborhoods right next to bad neighborhoods. We dont have cows, dogs and elephants, and other animals walking in the street. there are also over populated and it looks crowded. There are alot of different religions there so theres alot of church related places. That is what I learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Zack Netzer 03/09/09
    Grade 9 Period 2
    Question #4

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I learned that in india they don't need luxuries such as television, computer, or even a nice bed to live. Here in America it seems no one could survive if they didnt have these things. It surprized me how a simple camara was so special to them. Here in America we take all the things we have for granted. Im sure that if any of us went to india we would think "how could anyone live like this". Inia is a very poor country, and yet all of the people there are happy and thriving. India is one of the most populated places in the world, and they do not need any of the things that an American could not live with.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kelsey Tardiff 3/9/09
    Grade 9
    Period 3
    Question #4



    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?


    After watching Ms. Reynolds presentation, it shows me how two parts of the world can be so different. Nobody really pays attention on how other people live, they only think about how we live and our country. No normal kid our age could last a week with out what we have. Looking through the pictures Ms. Reynolds took, the kids look so happy and bright all the time. If an American kid didn’t get what they wanted they would be so mad but if an Indian kid didn’t he would mostly be okay with it and understand because they were raised well and cherishes elders. I think this reflects on me because when I compare it’s so different on how I live here in America.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Tanner German
    Per 2
    Freshman

    2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    I respect the fact that students take such pride in their schoolwork. This sets them up to be more succesful in life after school. If grades were as important to U.S. students than we would have a lot less irresponsible people living in the States. I also respect the parents of India. They are very strict on there children which makes them more motivated people I think. I like how generous the Indian people are as well. It is a tradition to give guests sweets and offerings. Even very poor people go out of their way to give. Finally, I enjoy how lively and fun the Indian people are. They are always dancing and singing, even though they could be in a rough life.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tanner German
    Per 2
    Freshman

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I learned a lot of things after watching Mrs. Reynolds presentation. One thing that I did not know was how hygiene was thought of in India. There was trash piled along the end of streets that animals are always eating from. They bathed in the grossest water possible, and thought it would cleanse them. One positive thing that I took from the presentation was that everyone was always so full of life. Kids were always laughing and joking. Teachers were singing. Funniest of all, was old men dancing in the streets before weddings. Everyone was always happy.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kelsey Edwards
    Freshman
    Period 2

    Question 4: What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds' presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I learned many different things about India after viewing Ms. Reynolds' slideshow. I never knew that wild animals such as monkeys, peacocks, and elephants walked around in the Indian streets. I also never realized how generous the Indian people were. No matter how rich or poor the person was, they would always offer what they had to you. However, in America most people probably would not be willing to offer their last meal to someone that they just met. Children in India also have more respect for authority than children in America do. Students in India clean the classroom for the teacher every morning and do not sit until the teachers allow them to. The teachers also act as the student's second parents. They nurish the children as if they were their own. The Principals of the Indian schools have much more control over the students. They are able to physically punish the students without the parents getting upset if the child was misbehaving. In America teachers and principals are highly restricted to the discipline that they can place on a student. It is normally the parents responsiblity to determine the punishment for their children. Learning about India was a great experience!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jacob Gerdes
    per. 2
    Freshman

    1. What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your OWN culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?

    I learned many things about our own culture. Mostly it's flaws. It showed from the first day how the students would take advantage of someone that wasn't accustome to our culture. it showed who were the tricksters and who the students that were yearning for some learning. Many pranks were pulled because Mrs. Shalini didn't believe in punishment. I learned that i am actually looked as a leader in that class. Mrs. Shalini would always ask me to quiet the class. Or just help.

    ReplyDelete
  24. 3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    if i were to go to india i most likely would go study all there cultures, food, and ways the celebrate. to me it seems so fasenating, i am saving up to go there next summer. I am really excited because i want to vist the big indian churh. -kayley mccullough period 2 3-10-09

    ReplyDelete
  25. opps forgot grade 9! kayley mccullough period 2

    ReplyDelete
  26. Quintin Reyes
    P.4
    Freshman

    2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    The thing I respect most about the Indian people is that even if they have nothing they make people in their home feel welcome and they would give things to their guests. That shows that they are very generous and kind. Also, the people there live with very little and don't need things like T.V. every day. They appreciate everything that they have and don't take things for granted. people in India live with so little but they make the best of a bad situation.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Jonathan Dwyer
    Freshman
    Period 2

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I learned that India is different from America in so many ways. I didn't know that most of the houses in India do not have running water all the time. They don't even have a shower. This is something Americans can't live without. Also I learned that there are many more animals roaming through India. Sometimes monkeys would enter an Indian classroom. People would ride elephants on the road and no one would care. This is some thing that would never happen in America.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Noelle Anthony
    Period 3
    Grade 9
    3/10/09
    2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    one of the first things that really stood out to me about India is that they have so much respect for everyone and everything. They take complete strangers and invite them into their homes showing such great hospility. It really shows me what big differences there are between America and India. I respect the way people value education and enjoy working hard. A lot of people I go to school with seem like they are more focused on not doing the work then actually doing it. It makes me wonder, what if the students I had in my classes were Indian and maybe taught me to work harder? Would it have an effect on my learning and grades? It just really stands out to me that they try very hard, and value education very much. It's a big step up from America. Another thing that stood out to me was that they are very loyal and follow their religions so well. The Indian culture deticates so much time and offerings to their religion.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Quintin Reyes
    P.4
    Freshman
    Extra Credit

    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change

    If I could change something about the semester with Ms. Shalini I would change how people behaved in class. Kids were so bad in class that security had to be called several times. We weren't able to learn a lot in class because class would be so disruptive. Kid took advantage of the fact that Ms. Shalini wasn't accustomed to the rules in an American class.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Ian Wilborn p 2 Freshman
    2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    What i respect most about indian people is that they live in a very poor country and they still know how to party. Their culture is very different and the way they treat guests so well is different from here. Also how the bride's parents have to pay for a wedding is crazy. How do they get that much money if they are so poor. Ms. Reynolds said the clothes and things were thousands of dollors.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Quintin Reyes
    P.4
    Freshman
    Extra Credit

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If I were to go to India I would like to visit some of the religious temples and historic monuments. The reason i would want to see the religious temples is because the temples in India are considered to be some of the most spiritual places in the world and I would like to see if i felt anything spiritual in the temples. I would like to experience the way Indian people live because I want to know how long I could last living like they do. I would also like to try the food that they eat in India.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sydney Sunna
    Period one
    freshmen




    What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?
    I admire how the students were so motivated towards their school. Even when they were older, in high school they cared a lot about grades. The popular kids are the ones who get the highest grades; the slackers are not popular. They aren’t lazy people. Teens in America are not nearly as motivated and they tend to be much lazier. I was astounded by the little kids speaking and learning English as a second or third language at such an early age. I feel sympathetic that students must score over ninety percent on the test to get into college. That’s also a good thing though because that means that the successful people are really intelligent and hard working. The best working people get higher paying jobs. I wish our education system were more similar to theirs.

    What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?
    I saw how happy and spiritual the citizens are. They were genuinely happy in the pictures. They live humble lives, and many work on farms and eat the food straight from the ground. They had many celebrations and cared a lot for one another. I saw how busy the traffic is! Elephants on the road? How unusual! (In a good way) it made me realize how different life is in other parts of the world. For example, we would never ride elephants on the road in America, but it’s a common thing in India. The slide show made me curious about the rest of the world. How different are they? Do we have similarities?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Amanda Eisen
    Period 1
    Freshman


    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    After watching Ms. Reynolds presentation on India I learned so much. I never really realized how different India is than America, but after hearing about their views and cultures I thought differently. In India the school system is much different and seems to be taken way more seriously. I thought it was interesting how Indians' treated there guests like they were gods because here we don't think much differently of guests. It made me reflect on my own views and values because after learning about India I'm more open in learning more about foreign cultures and countries.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sami Harfouch
    Reynolds
    English 1-2 Freshman
    Period 4.
    3/10/09

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I have learned too many things to remember from Ms. Reynolds's presentation. Some Indian citizens have shrines to pray to in their rooms. They have very hard beds because they know it's better for your back. Most do not really have a shower or bath area, mostly like corner in the bathroom. Buildings are usually shared meaning if you lived in India you would have an upstairs and downstairs neighbor. A lot of the population are vegetarians and worship cows. Cars are so expensive there that most families can only afford a motorcycle and put about five or more people on one motorcycle. Maids in India are paid about 10 American cents for hours of service. Marriages there are often times arranged by the parents of the bride and the groom, and the couple would have just met. I honestly think India has too many cultures to keep up with.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Amanda Eisen
    Period 1
    Freshman Extra Credit

    6. Would you say that you are a more knowing person after this experience? A more worldly person after this experience? A more cultured person? Please reflect and tell me how you have changed.

    After this expierience I feel like I am a more cultured person. I never really realiezed how different other countries are opposed to the U.S. and it was interesting to see how much they differ from eachother. After seeing Ms. Reynolds experience in India, it truely makes me want to go out there and travel and see other countries cultures.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Janna Gurry
    Period 1
    Freshman
    3/10/09

    What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    The thing I respect the most about the Indian culture would probably be the fact they are so willing to learn about anything and everything. They know that you have to be smart to get anywhere in life. The presentation proved that to especially be true. The kids that scored above a ninety percent on their biggest test were the ones allowed in college. So they spend their whole lives studying and learning. I respect the fact that they are so kind and respctful of people too. I find it interesting that they treat guests as gods over there. The culture is so different. If someone did most of those things in America everyone would probably find it to be really odd. Its just a completely interesting and intelligent culture.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Alia Amoudi
    Period 2
    freshman
    3/10/09

    If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If i visited India, would definetely visit every possible place there was to visit. I would most definetely go to see the Taj Mahal. I think that would be the first place I would go visit. Then I would probably visit Ms. Shalini. I think India would be such a great and memorable experience. Ive already been to other places in the world like France, England, the Middle East, and Italy, that India would be a great place to see. Expecially since i love Indian food, if I ever do go, it will feel like I am in heaven. Just imagining the thought of me being surrounded by spicy Indian Curry and the sweet and quenching taste of tea makes me happy :). Mmmmm, tasty. Well, I feel that in the future, hopefully I will get to experience the chance of visiting India.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Carly Verderame
    Freshman
    Period 4
    Question #3

    If I were to go to India, I would want to travel to different parts of the country. I would want to see the Taj Mahal the most. I think it would be interesting to try Indian food and experience eating at an Indian restaurant. I would want to go to an Indian wedding to see the festivities that occur and the traditions. If I were to go to India, I would take tons of pictures and bring my best friends with me. I would definetley want to ride an elephant! Visting spiritual temples for gods is something I would also like to see. And I couldn't go to India without possibly visiting Ms. Shalini!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Alia Amoudi
    Period 2
    3/10/09
    extra credit

    What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    When I first met Ms. Shalini, I noticed that she was very warm, welcoming, and affable. The thing that I respected the most about Ms. Shalini was the way she treated her students. At first it was kind of awkward, but once I got used to it, I realized that it wasnt as bad as I thought. When it comes to Indian people in general, I noticed that they are all very proud to be who they are. They have no problem dressing the way the wish and talking about their culture and that's something that many other people from other religions would be uncomfortable with. I just love how students over at India take school so seriously. It shows us that there actually are some kids who try hard to be what they want. I respect that as well. Ms. Shalini was a very unque woman and even though some things of her culture are odd, I still appreciate the experience I've had with her. She has tought me to live life to the fullest, be strong, and most important, she touhgt me to be myself. I wish Ms. Shalini and her students the best of wishes for the future.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Ramshad Nikbakht
    Period 2
    Question #3

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    There would be lots of thing i would do if i went to India. First i would go to the golden temple where every one prays too. Also i would want to see the people that live in the mountains and what they do in their spare time and what games they play since they dont have t.v or videogames. Another thing i would do is go to a Indian Wedding, it sounds cool and fun. I also want to experince one.Also i would want to eat at the resturants. Another place i would go is the holy lakes where people throw dead people ashes in. Another thing i want to do is bath in the lakes.
    ƒáŽ©

    ReplyDelete
  41. ramshad nikbakht
    extra credit
    per-2

    2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    I respect Indian people alot. They are hard working and very nice. Their cultuer is pretty cool the things they do and how they do them. They are very smart and they know they have to be smart to go somewhere in life. The Kids who scored 91% and up are very smart and are going to be rich some day. Also the populare kids are the ones that are the smartest.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Joshua Foster
    Period 1
    9th grade
    question 1

    Being an american student is so much diffrent than being an Indian Student. The school enviroments Indian students learn in are kept clean by the students not the teachers or custodians. I noticed americans dont put education as high up on the list as students in india. In the United States you can go to community college or buy yoour way into a private school while in india they all are competing to go to college and get a high paying job.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Clark Peters
    9th grade
    3rd period

    If i could go anywhere in India it would be the tash. Being able to see one of the best sights in all of Asia. Another place that I would go to is the cities. Seeing all the weird things in the world. Biting into a fruit that taste like a pie or riding in a car next to an enormous elephant. I would want to see all of India and expericence it.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Brigitte Anderson
    freshman
    period 2
    3.10.9



    1. What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your OWN culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?

    Being an American student, i noticed that we have it easy compared to the students in India. For example, we have a custodian to clean our classrooms as opposed to us keeping them clean. We also have printers and online grades. Our grades wern't posted often beause Ms. Shalini wasnt familiar with our technology. Then theres the side where India has it easier. For example, they try hard to get where they are, by giving it their all in school and studying the notes they took to get good test scores. They also have so much more respect for eachother in India. I learned that in my own culture, we are so carefree about too many things.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Danny sardina
    period 4
    freshman
    question5

    If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?


    IF i could changenything about my semster with mrs shalini it would be the way the whole class acted twards her and her culturs. the we acted was very poor and i think it left a bad impression in her mind the first 2 weeks of school. After getting to know the school system in america she realzied that we act that way to all of our teachers, but its not true all of the time. Another thing i would changeis the way we treated her and her customs. We took advantage of her not knowing the school and all the rules and giudelines. In addition we didn't respect her customs like use throwing books on the ground and swing our legs if we were sitting on the desk after she asked us not to. Aslo ifi could change anything i would like to start all over again with the knowalge we have now. Finally there are many things that we all want to change about our time with mrs shalini.

    ReplyDelete
  46. flor franco, 9th, 4th period

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    i would definitly go to india. after seeing the presentation it looked like a very awsome place to go. some of the pictures reminded me of mexico we also take showers with 1 bucket, but insted of washing our cloths on the bathroom floor we wash on a giant rock by a very small streem.....really. if i were to go to india i would want to go hiking close to mount everest. that has always been one of my dreams to see a place so magnificent like the himalayas. i would also try there food there im such a fan of spicy food. also i wouldn't miss the opertunity to try out the huka

    ReplyDelete
  47. Michael Joesph
    period 3
    question 2
    9th
    What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    What I respect the most about the indian culture is that they hace many different customs and beliefs but the are a good group of people. One custom i like was that she read my palm and side that I would be secussful in whatever i put my heart into. The one tradition that i thought was a bit wierd was that even though she was away from her home land she still dress the same, with the shall and bindi everyday. I think that the one custom of a good education we never saw because we never got that far into any lesson with apples and bananas hitiing the white borad in front of us. She and india have many beliefs that are way different than here in America, like the books having powerful gods in them. Also the swinging of the feet, adn the touch for a gods foot for good luck on a test or in a other way. One tradition she shared with us very much was the use of the bindi. She would tell us it was the center point and if we could concentrat on that point for 5 minutes that we were a powerful person. Finally i just respect what she came here to do was to teach us a little bit of everything.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Kristin Lydiard
    Period 2
    Freshman

    2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    After learning about the Indian culture, people, and traditions one of the main things I respected was how much the students take pride in there school work and how respectful they are to others and elders especially. If students in the U.S. cared that much about their own school work, i dont think anyone would ever have to drop out of school. The way Ms. Reynolds described it, they are so responsible with there school work, the always want to do well. Also the way children, teens, and even adults respect one another. The level of respect torwards almost everyone is so high, how lower class Indians still offer there guests everything they have just to be respectful. It's so different from America. From the foods they eat, to the way they party, and how they praise the gods. Everything with there culture just appears to be so different, but thats why people travel to test out new cultures and traditions.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Question:What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?
    What i Respect most about indian people is their respect for each other. it surprised me soo much to see how much respect for teachers and elders in their culture.Seeing india from two diffrent views (Miss. Shalini and Mrs. Renoylds)made me realize that america is great but india is amazing
    Emily Lewis
    Per. 4
    Horizon High School freshmann

    ReplyDelete
  50. Kristin Lydiard
    Period 2
    Freshman Extra credit

    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    IF i could change one thing about the semester with Ms. Shalini it would be the way the whole entire class acted torwards her. I think at first we didnt really know what to expect, then after the class got to know her, we acted very poorly torwards her. We could have been so much more respectful torwards her. Then you see how the Indian students were with Ms. Reynolds and i wish the class could have been that respectful and caring to her. We definately left the wrong impression of American students with Ms. Shalini. Even a few weeks before the semester was up, she said that she was gping to give up on teaching and i think everyone felt resonsible. If we could have shown her that the english classes could have work hard i dont think she would have felt that was. If i could change ANYTHING that would by far be it.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Sammy Taubel, Freshman, period 2

    Question #2
    What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    After meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experience in India I respect the people in India a lot more. They have to put up with a lot that we Americans would never imagine or want to go through. In India there are wild animals running around the streets. You could be driving your vehicle down the road and there will be an elephant right beside you. The streets are also filled with trash. The cows that are sacred to the people in India just eat the trash and plants on the roadside. Money in India isn’t worth as much as money is worth in America so people tend to not have too many luxuries if any. Also people in India will invite you into their home, feed you, and even give you a gift without even knowing you well.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Sammy Taubel, Freshman, period 2

    Question #3
    If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If I traveled to India I would go hiking in the mountains. They look beautiful from the pictures that Ms. Reynolds showed us. I enjoy hiking, nature, and taking pictures so it would be a very good experience to have. I would also like to just travel to a couple of the different towns and schools to learn about their culture first hand. I could see how the poorer schools and towns compare to the wealthier schools and towns. It would also be neat to be able to see the monks in training too. See all the little monks in training running around it their little monk robes.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Danny sardina
    period 3
    9th
    question 6
    Would you say that you are a more knowing person after this experience? A more worldly person after this experience? A more cultured person? Please reflect and tell me how you have changed

    I thik iam a bit more knowing of what other cultures and people are out there and americans dont rule the world. Also i am more aware of our own culture and the "wierd"things we do. I have change in away that i dont even understand yet. Iam a bit more understaning of the other people on this planet and now dont think of them as different but think of them as people who have differnet beliefs than myself. I also have change from the time mrs shalini left to the time I meet mrs renyolds because i didnt know what to expect because i have never meet her and dont know if she is different now that she was in India for the whole first semster. The way I have changed is in the best way for me to understand the inner workings of the whole world and all of the different cultures i may face as my years go on. The way the change came about was great it gave me a new outlook on life and if I want to do anything I should go at it with a mrs shalini attude not a just get throgh this one. There are many ways i have change and all of them have been good.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Mackenzie Tardiff
    P2
    3/10

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?



    After watching Ms. Reynold presentation, it shows me how different lives can be. In India, everyone has to earn what they get. What they get doesnt even add up to how much work they do. They are all friendly to each other and get along. On the other hand, some American citizens are the opposite. In schools, as Ms. Reynold said, they look professional and are always prepared, responsible, on time, and ready for class. Their traditions are so cool. The party all the time, which would be awesome if they did that in America. It seems like they dont have laws even though they probably do but they dont have to worry about people breaking them cause they all seem so trustworthy. Watching the video made me respect Mrs. Shalini WAY more and made me think of how much I have compared to them.

    ReplyDelete
  55. 2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    Hala Alhoch
    Period 4
    Grade 09

    Ms.Reynolds’ presentation and having Ms.Shalini as a teacher for a semester were surprisingly both very different. Ms. Shalini would tell us about culture and tradition, but all of the small things that we were interested in were so common to her. She was experiencing America and seeing how different things were, and I don’t think her life here was as spontaneous as Ms.Reynolds life there, so she had less to talk about. Ms.Reynolds showed us a very different side of India that we don’t see here in America. What I respect most about the Indian people, culture, and traditions after this whole encounter is the way they love life, even with what little they have. People in America tend to complain and throw fits when they’re parents to buy them a shirt or phone they want, while families in India are lucky to have hand-me-downs. In almost all of the pictures Ms.Reynolds showed us, people were acting crazy and celebrating just because there is blood running through their veins and air in their lungs.Americans could learn a thing or two from the Indians, like being more considerate and thankful for things we don’t regard like water and electricity.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I mean p4! hah ^^^^

    ReplyDelete
  57. Mackenzie Tardiff
    P4
    3/10


    2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?


    I respect them so much in many ways. One is, how much they work. Its ridiculous! I mean c'mon, they dont get paid quite enough for how much hard work and time they put into everything. They work for EVERYTHING they have and not one penny goes to waste. Its amazing how much love they have for one another. I love their weddings! Its like a week long celebration and I understand why they like it so much! I wish I could go to India and see what their culture is in real life. Even not going to India leaves me with tons of respect towards them.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Ryan Usher
    period 2
    freshman

    Question 4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?


    After watching the presentation on India I learned how disrespectfull we are to teachers. in India they treat their teachers so well, they stand up when she comes in and other things like that. After watching how nice they are to their teachers it makes me want to change the way I act towards my own teachers. Another thing I noticed was that respect didnt stop with teachers. people respected all thier elders family or not. Something else i thought was cool about India was how dedicated they are to their religon. people would wait outside churchesfor hours just to get in. In my family we think its annoying just to wait ten minuets. the fact that people in India are so patient and kind still stuns me.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Abby Jensen
    Period 3
    3/10/09

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I realized that India is nothing like I imagined while watching the videos and looking at the pictures that Ms. Reynolds took. I pictured the Indian kids to be so different, and quiet for some reason. They really are just like kids in America, except with much better manners. The videos showed all of the kids having fun and being loud, and I didn't expect their english to sound so good. I'd love to go to India just to spend time with some of the people I saw in the slideshow, I think it would be fun. I think its great that the students like school. If people here liked school like they do in India, I think we wouldn't have so many problems with education. The videos are my favorite, because you can see how they act as well as how they look.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Michael Joseph
    period 3
    9th
    question 1

    What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your OWN culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?

    I learn that being a American citizen is so great i would never leave. One thing that i learned is that nowhere else in the world has the same great chances we have here in the states. Another thing i learned is that we take way to much stuff for granted, espicallyour right to a schooling, because in ohter parts of the world they dont have the right they have to be thought of as smart enough to seceed in the area that they would be placed in after their schooling. one thing i llearned about my culture is that most of the world thinks we a very different because of some of the things we do, just like we think certin groups of people are weird because of the things they do. Another thing i learned is that the schooling is veryn different than here. In other parts of the world school is not as important as getting a job to help your family. So i think we are very lucky that our goverment care so muchg aboutus and our future. Throughout the semster i learned alot that i didn't know

    ReplyDelete
  61. Kyle Woods
    period 2
    9th
    1. What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your own culture after having a forign teacher in the classroom?

    What i learned about being an American citizen is that we are very different than many other countries. I realized that we are very more open with our fellow citizens. For example, we tell eachother about our personal lives. In India if people did this, they would be judged and talked about in a negative way. People in America usually only believe in one god. But in many other countries they worship hundreds of gods. India students are generally more respectful toward their teachers, and almost treat them as if they were gods. Indians are also more thankful for what they do have and in America people tend to get greedy. Like every country India has its flaws, but America should definately adapt some of there customs.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Ricardo Desentis
    P4
    Grade 9
    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?
    I would change the way i behaved with Ms. Shalini. I felt pretty bad how I behaved compared to how all the Indian students behaved with Ms.Reynolds. Those kids were being extremely nice with Ms. Reynolds while we were giving Ms. Shalini a very bad time. She needed some help too though because she didn.t get all the information she needed about american kids or how they behaved. So i don´t think it was all our fault.

    ReplyDelete
  63. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?


    ana arellano
    9th grade
    period 4

    if i were to go to india i would like to see how people live with elephants on the streets and having trash on the ground. i would like to go to the golden temple where every one prays. go hiking and try different kinds of food. and i would like ot go to an indian wedding and see how it all looks

    ReplyDelete
  64. Mackenzie Tardiff
    P4
    3/10


    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    If I could change anything with Mrs. Shalini when she was here it would probably be everything. I realize now how much she had to go through as she expeirience a new country and coulture. I wish I had respected her more as a teacher and a friend. She didnt know what she was doing. I dont blame her either. In India they didnt use computers and barely did any homework so she didnt expect that much work. I should have helped her as the class was disruptive. Even though I regret all these things Im sure she had a good time expeirencing a new coulture.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Logan Stout-Stanford
    Period 1
    9th grade

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience?Why?

    If I were going to India I would do some site seeing, eat the different kinds of food, and live a good life over there. If I went there I would want to have a good time and buy alot of stuff that's there. I would also want to go to some historical sites to know more about Indians and how they live and there culture. I would love to see different animals walking on the streets. Another thing I would like to do in India is explorer the mountains. I also think going on a safari would be quite fun. I want to experience what it would be like to live as an Indian. India would be a great place to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  66. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    ana arellano
    9th grade
    period 4
    Extra credit


    if were able to change something in the semster that ms. shalini was here i would change the fact that kids didnt behave and never listen to her.they took advantage of her because she didnt no all the classroom rules in america.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Marissa Harms
    Per.3
    Freshman

    Question #4:
    What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds' presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on our own views of the world and our own values?

    After viewing Ms. Reynolds' presentation, my idea of India has really changed. When Ms. Shalini would describe India and the part of town she lived in, I pictured it to be very pretty and rich-looking. Once viewing the photos, India didn't seem like such a pretty place. There was trash cluttered all over the sides of the streets and different types of animals roaming all around. After seeing that, it made me think that the U.S. is pretty clean compared to India. While viewing the pictures, I also learned that India is a pretty poor place. The buildings are pretty small, crammed together and not very well build and they don't have very good electricity and plumbing. Most of the things we have in the U.S. we don't realize we take for granted. After learning about India, it seems like a pretty interesting place and very different.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Kyle Woods
    period 2
    9th

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do , where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If i were lucky enough to be able to travel to India i would want to experience what they do for fun, what sports they enjoy, etc. I would love to visit the little villages, and towns that have no technology. I would like to see what like would be like without phones, electricity, and computers. I would also want to visit the mountains, becasue i love the outdoors, and the pictures seemed amazing that Mrs. Reynolds took. The city would also be amazing to explore. It would be fascinating to be driving down the street and look out your window to find an elephant walking right by you. I would visit the religous temple to find people sing, and praying. It would be a dream come true to be able to tourIndia someday.

    ReplyDelete
  69. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?



    ana arellano
    9th grade
    period 4
    extra credit

    in india the money isnt worth alot as it is here in america. i india there i swild animals running down the street.in indian people will invite you to there homes, give u gifts and feed you even tho u dont know you. The streets are also filled with trash. u have to cover yourself from head to toe in india and in american u can wear what ever you want ot wear.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Katelyn McKinnon
    Question 4
    Peroid 4
    Freshman
    3/10/09

    The things I learned from Ms. Reynolds presentation is that India is an awesome place to visit. The laws are different from America. I also learn that education isn't really valued as much as in the U.S. In India they have maids that clean your laundry and will cook for you. In some schools in India they beat the children if they do something wrong as their punishment. Another thing is they believe in many gods and goddess and they have festivals for them too. In india they usually have arrange marriages. The culture is so diverse there and is really reconizable. Most of the population in India are vegetarians.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Kayla Bouwens
    period 3
    9th grade

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?


    When watching the presentation made by miss Reynolds, i began to get a different feel of India than the one miss Shalini gave me. The thing that surprised me the most was the classroom enviorment. Children there are so respectful of there elders,that i can only imagine what miss Shalini thought of our actions. It made me feel a little ashamed of how our culture acts toward the people in authority positions in our society. the people in india are so caring, and its sad to see how here we dont care as much about the people we call our neighbors and friends.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Riley Large
    Freshman
    Question 3
    period 3

    If I were to go to India, I would want to do a bunch of stuff. I would want to ride an elephant. I'd also visit a family and see the difference of being middle class in a third-world country. I would like to experience what it's like not having a compuiter or t.v. I'd want to see all the cities and ride one of those mopeds. It would be cool to see how Hindu people worship their gods. I'd like to see all of the behavioral differences in people as well. I'd like to go to a hooka lounge and try that. Basically it would be cool to do all the things Mrs. reynolds did.

    ReplyDelete
  73. alexa diab
    period 3
    9th

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?


    If could to India, I would try to see everything I could. It seems so different compared to America. I'd want to see all of the small towns and find out what they do for fun. All Americans ever do is complain, so if I visit, I'll relize I'm lucky for everything I have. People in India seem really happy and religous. I'd want to just let them try to make me religous and pray to their gods. That'd be interesting. If I could go there I'd just be interesting in everything, because it's a whole different country and a lot of very different people and food. I'd definetly try the foods, unless they were like purple.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Adam Geyer
    Period 1
    Freshman
    Question 6

    6. Would you say that you are a more knowing person after this experience? A more worldly person after this experience? A more cultured person? Please reflect and tell me how you have changed.

    I would definately say that I am a more knowing person after having Miss Shalini as my English teacher. Being around Miss Shalini opened my eyes to what other people from other cultures or coutries are like and what they think of Americans. Before being exposed to Miss Shalini, I thought that all people were amlost exactly the same in all countries, but after meeting Miss Shalini, I could tell that our personalities are way different. Everyday in class, Miss Shalini would tell us in class how she thought that we were all more ambiguouse or free than all of the other Indian students.I think that is very true because she is used to the Indian kids acting like adults in the classroom. But not us, we acted like what was normal kids in her class, which is way different from the way the Indian kids act. Experiencing Miss Shalini also gave me a better perspective of hoe the rest of the world lives, which is vastly different from the luxury life style that we live in America. Overall, Miss shalini tought me alot about the rest of our worl outside of the US.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Alec Soultanian
    Freshmen
    P:3
    Question 1

    1.If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If I went to India there would many things I would want to do. I would definitly want to see all the major monuments and valuable structures there. I'd hike in the mountains and see things i'd never seen before which would be pretty cool. Then i would go to different villages and meet the people there to see what life is like in India. I would like to expierence an entire meal in India to see how good their food really is. It would be cool to expierience an Indian wedding and how it works. I learned many things about India and the powerpoint really helped to give me a good image of what India was about. Mrs. Shalini also told us what India was all about and she had so many storys that she told us.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Sara McCaffrey
    Period:2
    9th Grade

    1. Ultimately, what life lessons did you learn after viewing the slide show of Ms. Reynold's India trip?

    One life lesson that I learned was that not all cultures are similar. Many Indian customs and traditions differed from ours, like they dont obviously celebrate our Independance Day or our Thanksgiving. Where as it is the same for us, we don't normally celebrate most of there customs. Another thing that greatly impacted the way I view India was how loyal and giving these people were. Even the people who lived in the slums, if you would come to visit them and you needed a shirt they would literally give it to off their back. This really astonished me because here in America the typical response if a stranger asked for a shirt, they would be like get lost! Or if you needed water, they would give you all the water they had if they needed to, graciously even. Mostly I just saw the difference in the way they treat people, they seem like very nice people.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Riley Large
    Freshman
    Period 2


    1. What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your OWN culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?


    Now that I've experienced the conditions that Indian People have to live every day, I learned a lot about what it truly means to be an american. Being an American citizen is a huge advantage because we dont have to worry about cramming into a 1 room apartment with seven other people. Instead I have my own room, running water, electricity, internet, t.v., and tons of other amenities that Indian kids don't have. I have a clean house, clean clothes and drinkable tap water. I have a car for myself and dont have to worry about catching a taxi to school. I also realized that as kids in school, we are very rude to our teachers compared to Indian kids. Kids in India treat their teachers like gods. I also believe that so many kids in america are ungrateful for what they have. I think this is a real eye opener to help us stop complaining and be happy with how much we have.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Bailey Brady
    Freshman
    Period 2

    What I respected most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini was mostly her ways of teaching and calming the class down. When the class got really crazy, and Mrs. Shalini had already yelled and lectured us to no avail, she resorted to meditation. She would have all the students hold their hands out in, "o" shapes and say, "Uuuummmmm." It might sound a little ridiculous, but it did calm the class somewhat as well as getting us all to shut up. When we were meditating with Mrs. Shalini, that was really the only time I recall the class being completely silent. I've no idea as to whether or not they actually do this in India, but if they don't, they definatley should. I think also that American teachers could learn a lot from Indian culture. Although beating kids up probably isn't a good idea.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Sage Burns
    Period 1
    9th grade

    Ultimately, what life lessons did you learn after viewing the slide show of Ms. Reynolds India trip?

    One life lesson that i learned was that India is much different then here. The kids in India seemed a lot more respectful. They also were happy and always had a smile on their face. The adults were very giving. We don't treat our guests with the respect they do. I've never seen such caring people in my entire life. India also has many different traditions and customs. I think that there celebrations and believes are extremely neat. One day i hope to visit India and learn more about it.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Bailey Brady
    Freshman
    Period 2

    If I could change anything about my semester with Ms. Shalini, I would change change the way we treated her and how we accepted her. At first, I didn't reaaly like Mrs. Shalini. The main reason for this was that I couldn't understand a word she said. But once I warmed up to her, got used to the accent, and started understanding the way she put sentences together, it wasn't so bad. The other thing I would have changed, the way we treated her, is a biggie too. A lot of students took advantage of her and ignored her. I was one of these students a lot of the time, and I now realize that it would have been better for me to have stayed in class than to just roam the halls and do whatever I pleased. I would have told some kids to shut up when they made fun of her, and told them to stop when they were throwing food. Most of all, I would have asked for her advice more often. Mrs. Shalini had no problem giving students advice, and she was good at it too.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Luanne Dunn Period 4 Freshman
    6. Would you say that you are a more knowing person after this experience? A more worldly person after this experience? A more cultured person? Please reflect and tell me how you have changed.

    I would definately say that I am a more knowing, worldly, and cultured person after this experience. Many people do not care or think about other cultures but we should because they are much different than ours and they are all human. We should know what other people do, so we can be sympathetic to their views and religion. I would like to go out more and visit other countries to learn about their culture. It would be very interesting. I think I would benefit a lot from it because I would have a wider view and be more informed of other cultures. I'm sure other people want to know about us too. All we need to make sure to do is respect others and be a more open person. I hope I get another chance to learn about a new culture someday so that I can be a much more interesting person.

    ReplyDelete
  82. William Tyler Prosch
    Period 2
    Freshman

    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    The one thing i would change would be how second period treated her. We made it so hard for her to control us and teach us. She tried so hard to be nice to us and we still treated her like crap. She never did anything to deserve that. She never yelled. She never gave referals. She never did anything that could possibly make us mad at her. But we still took advantage of her. I feel really horrible about the way i treated her.

    ReplyDelete
  83. William Tyler Prosch
    Period 2
    Freshman

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If i went to India I would want to see and do alot of things. First i would go to Ms. Shalini's house and stay with her for a while. I'd see what her life is like on a day to day bases. I would try all of there traditional foods. And see some of there monuments. I would also like to see the schools and see how the kids lives are. Then i would like to travel all around India and see all the great things. I would also learn about there culture. I think it would be an amazing experience going to India and visiting Ms. Shalini, the love of my life.

    ReplyDelete
  84. wes cyment
    period 4
    question #5
    freshman

    If i could change anything about our semester with Ms. Shalini, it would be how the class treated her. She should have enjoyed her time teaching in the U.S. She was never mean to us and never punished us in any way(which she probably should have). We were way out of line. I wish we could give her another chance of how we really are in America, and show her that we always aren't so rude. I also wish we could have learned more from her during her visit. It's just a shame that she was left with the impression that we are rude to our teachers. A lot of kids thought that it would be okay to be mean to here because she was foreign and didn't know how things were ran in the classroom. We should have tought her what American classrooms are like.

    ReplyDelete
  85. EXTRA CREDIT
    Question 5
    Period 3
    Kaylie Lam


    If I could change anything about my semester with Ms.Shalini, I would change to pay more attention to her when she was talking about Indian life. Most students should have respected Ms.Shalini and not take advantage of her while she was here.
    Another thing i would change is to try and talk to her more. I rarely talked to Ms.Shalini, except when I had a question or I had to make-up a test/quiz. It would have been great knowing a little bit more about Ms.Shalini and her life in India. Ms.Shalini did talk about India, I just never really payed attention.
    One last thing i would change about the semester with Ms.Shalini is that I wish she had an easier time controlling the classes because she would always have trouble controlling them.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Samuel H C-lake
    Freshman
    period 1

    Q-

    What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your OWN culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?

    A-

    Mrs Shalini's stay gave me a unique view into another society in the world. As an American citizen it caused me to reflect on my own culture, and contrast the extreme differences between the two countries. One thing I realized about American culture is that we treat foreign guests very casually, so I hope she didn't interpret our behavior as disrespectful. After having a foreign teacher, I also realized that American students expect to be forced to do things such as learn. It seemed at times that because ms Shalini wasn't tough on punishment, the students wouldn't work as hard. In conclusion, learning about India's culture helped me realize some key aspects of my own culture.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Ashley Domigan
    Period 3
    Freshman

    2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    After Mrs. Shalini was here I learned to respect a lot of things about the Indian culture, people, and traditions. The way that Mrs. Shalini taught our class would sometimes get frustrating at the fact we could hardly understand what she was saying, but other than that she taught us a lot. Some of the traditions they have in India were way cool to learn about. The way she got the class to settle down and shut up were hilarious! She would always try to have us focus, meditate, and be calm. I'm not going to lie, but I got to say it kind of worked.

    ReplyDelete
  88. period 3
    question 6
    extra credit
    leif frederikson






    i know so much more about other cultures now that i had this experience with ms.shalini. i learned that there are camels roaming the streets wich shows how mellow it is there and i thought that was dope. i learned that they have way more respect for theyre elders then we do here.they also care alot more about learning then we do here. ms. reynolds told us that stray monkeys and dogs would come in and kickit with the kids during class wich i thought was so cool

    ReplyDelete
  89. Brigitte Anderson
    freshman
    period 2
    3.10.9

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?



    As i was looking at the pictures of your trip, every picture and every story made me want to go to India more and more. I want to experience what you and Ms. Bailin did. I was reading Ms. Bailins story of your guys visited the temples and i was thinking how cool it would be if that was me standing infront of the temples. If i visited India, i would make sure i went to the temples. I would also visit poor neighborhoods and make them happy. I also want to got to the high mountains and look down at the cities. You and Ms. Bailin are so lucky to have gone to India and we are lucky to hear your stories.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Kalyn Pierce
    period 2
    Freshman
    question #1. What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your OWN culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?

    After having a foreign exchange teacher, I've learned a lot about other cultures as well as my own. In America, we take a lot more things for granted. An example of this act is the knowledge we build in school. Many kids, here in America, slack off and get bad grades leaving us with fewer people going to college and less education. In contrast, I've learned that students in India take studying more seriously and are expected to get better grades. Also, Americans don't respect elders and teachers the way Indians do. in India, children and kids all look up to the elders and teachers and respect them in every way possible. I'm so thankful to have had Mrs. Shalini as a foreign exchange teacher and i can't wait till she comes back to visit again. :)

    ReplyDelete
  91. Lauren Bricker
    Period 3
    Freshman

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I learned that every country is completly different. The people of India treat eachother very differently than American citizens treat eachother. Indians are so giving even if they have nothing and as Americans we are selfish. It made me realize how great we have it in America and to be thankful for what we have. This taught me that every country has totally different customs. Indians take their studies so seriously and here many students dont. Being around Miss Shalini also helped me to learn more about Indians and the way they react to things.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Erika Bradley
    Period 4
    Freshman

    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Miss Shalini, what would you change?


    This was a unique start to my high school experience. I was left with many memories that I will cherish and that have effected my perspectives on things. I think that I would have changed the classroom environment and have provided someone that could have help her. It was hard for her to get some of our slangs and communication was sometimes difficult. This helped to create part of the chaos and made it difficult to learn. I wish we could have studied some of the literature from her native land and then we could have made comparisons to our literature. this would have made the class a lot more interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  93. EXTRA CREDIT
    Ashley Domigan
    period 3
    Freshman

    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    If I could change anything about the semester with Mrs. Shalini, would be the way the class treated her. I think because she was foreign and new the kids in our class got a little out of control with disrespecting her and being rude. It was ridiculous to hear all the things the kids said about her. Well anyways, that's what I would have changed during the semester with her.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Lauren Kehoe
    Period 3
    Freshmen

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    Going along with what Kayla said, Children in India are so respectful of their elders and it makes me feel embarassed sometimes about the way society acts here. In Ms. Reynolds presentation, I realized that life in India is way different then the life we live here in Az. For example, we have rules like picking up trash and who can drive when and which way. In India, they dont have those rules so their ctites are a mess and their streets are jam packed with traffic going left and right. It makes me feel grateful that we live in a well structured place. In the presentation, I also learned that families there give anything and everything they have. Here, we are all just so selfish. They try so hard to give and make others happy and all we do is take and make ouselves happy. I think it would be cool to go visit India sometime and see what its like in person.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Riley Oehme
    extra credit
    period 3
    freshman

    1. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    Watching the presentation made me realize how different we are and how different we live from the indian people. I respect the fact that the students are so respectful to their teachers, not that we aren't here, but they are silent the whole class period listening to the teacher. They are really religious in India then weare in the US. They believe in gods and goddesses and bless everything. Im very lucky to be raised in the united states because I promise you i couldn't last a week. because they go through so much that we don't.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Extra Credit
    Lauren Bricker
    Period 3
    Freshman

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If I was to visit India I would want to visit the museums and tour India. If I could, I would want to be a student for a day at one of the schools and find out what its like to be a student there. I would want to help the homeless that live on the streets. I also would want to attend an Indian wedding. From hearing about what Ms. Reynolds has said about the food, I would like to try it. I would take lots of pictures of India so I would have something to remember my experience by. I think that going to India would be a great experience and want to travel there someday.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Extra Credit!
    Samuel H Canelake
    period 1

    Q-

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?


    A-


    If I were ever to go to India it would be the time of my life! Before I went I would learn everything I possibly can about India and its culture. Another thing I'd like to accomplish is to try to make my stay as authentic as possible. I would attempt to live just as the Indians do. I'd eat just like the natives, or at least try every cuisine offered to me. I definitely would visit Ms Shalini and see how she lived and maybe visit her classes to meet other students. Going to India would be a sweeeeet experience that would be not be forgotten.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Kalyn Pierce
    period 2
    Freshman
    *extra credit*
    question #5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    If i could change one thing about my semester with Ms. Shalini, I'd change the class room environment. I feel kind of bad for Ms. Shalini because she had to put up with a lot of nonsense while here in America. Almost on a daily basis, she would have to yell at the class to settle down and to be quiet. On many occasions, she would even call in security before the class started just to reassure that nothing bad would happen. I wish that we would have shown Ms. Shalini the positive side of America and gave her a good time. Instead, we just took advantage of her and did what ever we wanted. I think we also should have thrown a big going away party for her. She really worked hard while she was here and she truly deserved it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  99. What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your own culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?Preston Scott Freshman4 What I learned about being an American and about my own culture is that Americans are very selfish, Ms.Reynols told us that people gave her anything just because she was a foriegner. I also learned that Americans have everything but act like we have nothing and Indians don't have nearly as many things as we have but do not complain. Another thing I learned about American culture is that we are more open about our private lives. Also our society is boring compared to India's. American culture isn't as open about religon either. Being an American citizen I realize I am very privileged to live here. Here people i think are more judgemental. Ms. Shalini told me that students in India are more respectful.    

    ReplyDelete
  100. Tori Thielen
    Period 3
    Junior

    Question 4: What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I agree with what Lauren when she says she is sometimes embarrassed of our society. In Ms. Reynolds presentation there were videos of students who would ask permission to enter the room before they came in. Students here don’t show teachers or other elders respect like that and I’m a little ashamed of that. During the presentation I also noticed how generous the Indian people were. They were extremely hospitable and very giving. People here can seem so selfish compared to that. We seem to take all we have for granted, too. I would love to visit India someday. Ms. Reynolds experience sounds incredible from the stories she’s told and the pictures are crazy!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Dane Redifer
    Freshman
    Period 1

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    Ms. Reynolds' presentation on India definitely got me thinking. While it affirmed some of my previous thoughts about India, it also taught me some new things. I learned that no matter where you go in India, the hospitality there is stupendous. From my understanding, they are very kind and helpful people. India impressed me, because it made me think about my own culture and values. Most of the people there, compared to the "normal" here in the U.S., don't have much, but they do have an incredibly important value lacked by most Americans: they have an uncanny work ethic, whether it be in school or whatever they do. They always do their best, a trait that most people I know don't seem to understand. Here, hard work, amongst teenagers, is a strange phenomenon. In India, it's just customary. That really impressed me, and now if I ever need motivation to do homework, I think of how hard some impoverished children may be studying thousands and thousands of miles away. That is why I am doing this homework assignment.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Erika Bradley
    Period 4
    Freshman

    4. What did you learn about Miss Reynold's presentation on India? How did the presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I learned many things that I would never have known from Miss Reynolds presentation. One of the things that they eat much healthier in India than we do in the United States. I also learned that the classrooms that Miss Reynolds were teaching in were very open. Many days the classrooms would have animals such as dogs or monkeys running through or sleeping in them. In India the classrooms are the children's classroom and not the teacher's. Thus the children were responsible for cleaning and preparing the classroom for the day's lessons. In India there is nothing like our "personal space", they spend time in and out of each others homes and think nothing of walking in and cooking for their friends in their friend's homes. Learning about the repect that they have for family and friends and caring for one another made me think that we should use some of the repect they give as an example of how we treat the people around us.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Erika Bradley
    Period 4
    Freshman

    3. If you were to go to India what would you do, where would you visit and what would you want to experience?


    If I were to go to India, I would want to go to the one big white castle (I can not remember how to spell the name). I would also want to meet someone who could show me the India that my teachers talked about and not the commercialized areas for tourists. I would also love to visit Baliwood. It would be interesting to see the differences between this and our Hollywood. I would love to see some of the movies that were made in Baliwood and the sets if they were still standing. I would like to experience some of the Indian celebrations, especially an Indian wedding. Having heard about these from Miss Reynolds, they are beautiful and very over the top. They all dress in their best traditional clothing, dance and have a lot of fun.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Jasmine Safaie
    grade 9
    period 4

    Q.What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your OWN culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?

    After having Ms Shalini in our class, we started to learn more and more about the Indian culture. It's funny that the more I started to grasp on to their way of living, the more I started to compare it to our everyday life. Seeing how other people live around the world definately puts your own advantages and disadvanteges in life into perspectve. What blew my mind was the bathing situation in India, only using a bucket of lukewarm water for their whole body. I couldn't imagine living without taking a long shower everyday. I leanred that americans have better ways of keeping up with their hygeine but at the same time don't preserve earth's natural resources as well. This experience as a whole has made me realize we need to take more precautions in the way we abuse the use of water.

    ReplyDelete
  105. Tori Thielen
    Peiod 3
    Junior

    -Extra Credit-

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If I were to go to India myself (which I hope to do someday!) I would definitely visit museums and Indian tours. I would love to learn all about Gahndi and see what daily Indian life was like. If I could, I would attend an Indian school for a while to experience what it’s like for students there. I would also want to go to an Indian wedding and taste all the Indian food. Ms. Reynolds made that sound so cool! I would also want to learn about all their gods and get a feel for the religions practiced there.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Chelsea Cregeen
    Period 1
    9th grade

    1. What did you learn about being an American citizen and what did you learn about your OWN culture after having a foreign teacher in the classroom?

    I learned about being an American Citizen that we don't try hard when it comes to learning as others. Like for instance, we are forced to do things we don't normally do and if we weren't forced I bet half of the American students wouldn't try hard at all. I learned about my own culture with having a foreign teacher is that we treat people very casual, like in India the are so respectful to their teachers and to anyone. In America we do the opposite. We act very casual in any enviorment we are put in.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Chelsea Cregeen
    period 1
    Extra Credit
    9th grade

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    What I learned from her persentation was that Americans don't value what they have. Like In India, they value life in general and school. Americans really don't care about what they have and take it for granted.
    My own views of the world is that we take what we have and not really think about the sentimental value in them. Honestly, this taught me to not take anything for granted and cherish what I have because it may not be there anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Chelsea Raine
    Freshman
    Period 4

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I learned an unbelievable amount of things after watching Ms. Reynolds' presentation on India. America and India have many differences but are also alike in multiple ways as well. One of the main things we learned about Indians were how loving and selfless they were. For example, Ms. Reynolds would enter a one room home of 4+ people living in it, but the residents would offer anything and everything to satisfy their visitor. We also learned about how uncleanly Indians were. Their homes didn't have showers or bathtubs and it was common for mold to be growing on a wall. The presentation made me realize how easy and comfortable we, Americans live compared to the helpless and hard-working adults and children in India. It made me also think about how ridiculous-sounding my complaints and challenges in life are compared to the ones that many unfortunate people in India face every day. I also now feel that if America, as a country, put as much effort into making our country a better place as India does, then our country could change in ways we would have never expected.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Nicolle Desmarais
    Freshamn~9th grade
    4th hour~Reynolds

    2. What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?


    Ms. Shalini will always have a special place in my heart. As frustrating as she might be at times, we made a friendship that will always be kept. My favorite part of Shalini was her giving personality. She was always giving even when she didnt have have the resources to. Its hard to believe that there is an entire nation filled with these type of people. I have always wanted to travel to India, but she has made me want to more and more. She has left me with a positive and respectful outlook on other cultures and I'll remember her for that. I believe everyone should compare our lives with theirs and then we would put our lives in perspective, and be shown how lucky we are.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Chelsea Raine
    Freshman
    Period 4
    Extra Credit

    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If I had the opportunity to go to India, there are multiple things I would do. First off, I would visit the Taj Mahal. I would without a doubt visit this world renowned building because it is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and could not miss the chance to see it. Something else I would like to experience is an Indian wedding. They seem to be indescribable with so much positive energy and bright, gorgeous colors. Another place I would like to visit in India would be a typical village. I would like to go to a village to witness first-hand, poverty in India. I feel that if I personally experienced the heartbreaking lives these people live every day, I would have no choice but to help how in every way I could.

    ReplyDelete
  111. Jacob Gerdes
    Per. 2
    Freshman

    Ultimately, what life lessons did you learn after viewing the slide show of Ms. Reynolds India trip?

    I learned many things about myself and my peers. I also learned how i should be more thankful for what i have. The poverty in India was unbelievable. It was so odd to see how simply they lived. They also had so much more respect for their elders. They also put school second to none. It makes me wanna work harder. It also make me wanna treat people that are older with more respect.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Nicolle Desmarais
    fourth hour
    extra credit
    freshman

    If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    If there was one thing I could change about my semester with Shalini, it would be our conflicts. We as a class would always fight with her! We never learned anything, and everyday would be a slack off day. This got so bad security had to come in evryday and watch over us! It was really annoying too, because we were not allowed to say a peep or we were written up! I feel that because of all of the fighting, we did not get to truly get to know Ms. Shalini. We would be able to get through the semester alot easier without all the lies and burnt bridges.

    ReplyDelete
  113. Kathryn Cummiskey
    freshman
    period 2

    4. What did you learn about Miss Reynold's presentation on India? How did the presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    After watching Miss Reynolds presentation, i learned that compared to the way they live we are very fortunate, but we can also learn from them in many ways to improve. I learned from the presentation that India's streets are very unclean and trashed. Personally it would be hard for me to live in that environment because we are all so big on recycling and keeping our streets clean. The presentation showed pictures of kids wandering the streets and trusting everyone to be safe in India, which would never happen here. On the other hand, all of the people are very respectful there and kids think highly of teachers and elders. Here, we all seem to have trouble listening to what were told and we don't respect adults as much as I think we should. I learned many things from the presentation.

    ReplyDelete
  114. Dane Redifer
    Freshman
    Period 1
    Extra Credit

    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    If I could change anything about my semester with Ms. Shalini, it would have been several things. First, I would have worked harder in her class. I may have gotten A's, but I don't think I really learned anything because I did not put forth my best effort. Another thing I would have worked on would be to have the class respect her more. I was ashamed of how most of us behaved on a daily basis. I would have personally given her more of my attention and not have expected to get away with murder in that class. I really enjoyed Ms. Shalini, I just wish she was given the respect she deserved.

    ReplyDelete
  115. Justyn Comstock
    Freshman
    Period:2

    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    If i could change anything with my semester about Ms. Shalini would have changed how I was disrespectful toward her. I am also dissapointed in my self by how i didn't try hard i enough in e class i could have gotten A's, but instead i got B's. Ms. Shalini was a good teacher she just didn't get respect so she couldn't teach us

    ReplyDelete
  116. Justyn Comstock
    Freshman
    Period:2
    Extra Credit
    3. If you were to go to India, what would you do, where would you want to visit, and what would you want to experience? Why?

    If i was going to visit India I would visit some museums. I would visit a museum to see what special artifacts other valuable things. Next, I would go to those shrines that India has, because they are very big and it would an experiance of a lifetime. After the shrines I would like to visit a village and see how they live. I think it would be cool to g to an indian school and see how they learn first-hand. So, if i had the chance to go to India I would take it.

    ReplyDelete
  117. Justyn Comstock
    Freshman
    Period:2
    Extra Credit

    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    After watching Ms. Reynolds presentation on India i learned a bunch of things. A funny thing that I learned was that some Indians pray to a ice penis, I thought that was pretty funny. Another thing that I learned was that students would kiss a statues feet to be blessed for good luck right before a test. Another thing that i learned is that Indians never see cameras so when ever they go their picture taken or are in a video they were freaking out. The last thing that I learned was that at a wedding people would party like crazy. India doesn't seem that bad after all the facts I've learned about it now.

    ReplyDelete
  118. Ethan Brownfield
    Freshman
    Period 2

    The Classroom environment with the foreign teacher, Mrs. Khare, was often very crazy. In the classroom most students would be talking and moving around. Most of the time paper airplanes would be flying through the air. Mrs. Khare would frequently be off talking to one or two students while the other kids slacked off. The co-instructor Mr. Williamson would be yelling at some student or sitting in his chair. The floor would be covered in trash and old papers. Security guards would also be in the room every day disciplining kids.



    The students in the class were not mean to the foreign teacher but they were not truly respectful. The students did not really listen to the teachers instructions. Mrs. Khare would give us heaps of meaningless papers and students would just throw them away without getting in trouble or a bad grade. Some students would use swear words all the time and the teacher wouldn’t do anything about it. They would try to take to take advantage of her by telling her that they had already had done the work and to give them an “A”. The students would sometimes be nice to her by talking to her and inviting her to our football games and other actives. Also some students would ask her about her weekend or her day.

    ReplyDelete
  119. Nick Pane
    Freshman
    Period 4


    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    After watching Ms. Reynolds presentation on India it made me realize how they are more structured and disciplined compared to us. When they say their pledge they stand outside in straight lines and the entire school says it together. In India people always want the best education possible. Whenever they drop their books it is considered disrespectful to the Gods. When Ms. Reynolds walked into the room the kids were already there and they would stand up and say “Good Morning Ma’am”. I was surprised to find out that stray dogs and monkeys came into the classroom regularly. I also learned that they don’t watch television, video games, or play on computers during their free time.

    ReplyDelete
  120. Daniel Velazquez
    freshman
    pd.3


    4. What did you learn about Miss Reynold's presentation on India? How did the presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?

    I can't believe how different India is from America, but yet they are alot alike. The way there lives are appears to be very different from ours. I like in the slide show how caring the people are and how welcoming they are to everyone. I learned that India is a place that has populated cities to rural villages in the mountains. The food they eat is also different because all foods when ate together are placed into separate bowls. I learned their means of transportaion is unlike ours. Most people in India ride on motorcycles with three or more people. The most I've ever seen is two. I learned that their is so much diversity of religion,cultures, and languages in India. With all of this difference between our countries, it seems the kids and students are just like we are. We all want to have fun and hang out with our friends and do things we enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  121. Scott Steinback
    freshmen
    period 4


    4. What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?



    I learn that Americans are much more wasteful. The water we waste Indians can be using on regular basis. The presentation made me want to stop using so much water. I also learn that Indians are super nice and generous. That made me want to be a better person. The thing that struck me the most was how much poverty there was. I felt sad for everyone who has to live in that type of environment. All the families had ride on one little scooter/motorcycle was shocking.

    ReplyDelete
  122. Hayley Gutierrez
    Freshman
    P.4

    4.What did you learn after watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on India? How did this presentation make you reflect on your own views of the world and your own values?



    After watching Mrs. Reynolds presentation, I realized how lucky I am to be living in America. It is a very different scenario. The towns and cities here are so organized, and traffic flows so smoothly. The roads in India were chaos and so unpredictable. I’m glad that I live in a very clean and well taken care of place. In India there’s trash everywhere and animals roaming around. The houses in India were also really small and crammed. They couldn’t take long showers because they didn’t have enough water supply. The kids in India were also very happy to be in school, and learning. It’s such a privilege for them. Here in America, kids would rather be doing anything else but. Americans are so fortunate, and have it so easy. They don’t realize everything they take for granted. Most Americans spend more than they save. We have been living in a lap of luxury and have no idea what difficulty truly is.

    ReplyDelete
  123. freshman
    p.1 Renolds

    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    one I thing i would change is the home work deal we didnt get enoff of it. Another would be if she knew how to teach better. I wish i could of learned more. It was a rude awakeining when mrs.Renolds came back.I would of changed people making fun of her all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  124. Cody Ryan
    freshman
    p.1 Renolds

    5. If you could change anything about your semester with Ms. Shalini, what would you change?

    one I thing i would change is the home work deal we didnt get enoff of it. Another would be if she knew how to teach better. I wish i could of learned more. It was a rude awakeining when mrs.Renolds came back.I would of changed people making fun of her all the time. P.S that one above was me. ha ha sorry

    ReplyDelete
  125. Kristoffer smith, per1, 9 grade
    question 1

    having a foreign teacher was something different that most people will never get to experience. It is really amassing how different the world is in other country and it is nice to learn about. having contrast in culture also give you the ability to see, and learn more about your own. the only problem i see with having a foreign teacher in the class room is that the actual subject that you are supposed to be leering becomes somewhat sketchy. A big factor in how much his effects things actually has to do with the teachers accent, but there are other things such as when a person has to speak a language that is not native to them, the level confidence of the person has drops.

    ReplyDelete
  126. Frank Szalontay, per1, Freshman
    1st Question

    After having a foreign exchange teacher come and teach us, I have learned a little bit about American culture. One thing that I learned was that we take a lot of things for granted. People in India don't have as many nice or expensive things as we do, so we should always be thankful of that. Another difference between our two cultures is that kids in India are way more focused on school than American kids. Here in the USA, school is more of a social gathering, as opposed to a strictly dedicated learning environment. Lastly, the Indian culture places a huge respect on a teacher or guests. From what I picked up, students are supposed to clean the room and respect the teacher at all times; and guests are to be treated as gods. I don't have a problem with this, but most Americans don't respect a teacher the way kids in India do.

    ReplyDelete
  127. Kayla McArdle
    p.3
    Grade 9
    Question 2
    What do you respect most about Indian people, culture, and traditions after meeting Ms. Shalini and watching Ms. Reynolds’ presentation on her experiences in India?

    What I respect most about Indian people is that they are always friendly and honest. It seems like they will never lie to you or put on a fake smile. They are extremely nice and offer you whatever they have, even if its not much. Especially the kids there. They are suppose to help out their elders and respect them. In America, we don't do it as much as they do. Indians treat their guests with so much repect and generosity. They offer all they can, foods, objects, even personall possesions. You don't find that much kindness and honesty around anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  128. Kayla McArdle
    p.3
    Grade 9
    Question 2
    What I respect most about Indian people is that they are always friendly and honest. It seems like they will never lie to you or put on a fake smile. They are extremely nice and offer you whatever they have, even if it’s not much. Especially the kids there. They are supposed to help out their elders and respect them. In America, we don't do it as much as they do. Indians treat their guests with so much respect and generosity. They offer all they can, foods, objects, even personal possessions. You don't find that much kindness and honesty around anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  129. STUDENTS,

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS! I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH YOUR THOUGHTS AND RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS.

    FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DIDN'T PROOF-READ OR EDIT YOUR WORK, BE PREPARED TO RE-SUBMIT YOUR WORK TO ME IN CLASS- PERFECTED FOR POINTS!

    BRING YOUR COMMENTS TO CLASS FOR A DISCUSSION. I AM GLAD YOU ALL HAD THIS EXPERIENCE AND SHARED IT WITH ME. :)

    THANK YOU!

    MS. REYNOLDS

    ReplyDelete