February 2008 of James, 4 years, Sydney 6 Years
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February 4, 2007
Worked in Sydney's classroom today. One of her girlfriends overhead me speaking Portuguese to Sydney and asked what I what language it was. Sydney said, "Portuguese" in a tone of "I've already told you this, remember." Her friend asked, "But don't you speak English?" I said, "Yes, but to Sydney I speak Portuguese." "Why?" she continued. I said because I just do. She said she wished she spoke Portuguese (only she pronounced it wrong...can't remember exactly how). Sydney corrected her. Sydney shows definite signs of pride that we speak a different language.
February 6, 2008
Today it really hit me how I'd LOVE to take Sydney to another country and really let her get a chance to know the beauty and fascination of another culture. A very tall (over 6 feet) man from Camoroon is staying at our neighbor's across the street. He was walking by our house the other day and we watched his orange rob billowing in the wind and his tight white turban on his head. Sydney said, "He looks like a wise man!" That when your realize how little exposure they've had to other cultures. Later that day, an African American gentleman in a fancy suit crossed the crosswalk in front of our car. Sydney said, "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr!...he looks like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." Again, any black person dressed up was to her an anomaly -- I found it funny when she said it, but when you think about that, you wonder, how are people's perspectives ever going to change when our kids are already thinking this way.
Sydney's had kindergarten level homework every night. She reads a book and then the parent signs off that she read it. Stephen does it with her for obvious reasons. But he was gone suddenly last night (forgot an appointment and ran like crazy) so I was left to help. She winced a bit, sort of faking a fearful look and said that I wasn't going to be happy with one thing about her homework. "E' em ingles!" ("It's in English.") I laughed and said I could still help. I did help but we used Portuguese as our language to talk about things. It worked out ok. I have wondered how I will handle that in the future. I'm the social science, language type person who would love to help her with these areas and want her to have those advantages. I think I could help and still speak Portuguese
February 22, 2008
I'm amazed how James doesn't mix English and Portuguese like Sydney did. Today I even shushed him and he said in Portuguese, "Eu nao vou shhhhh". He even translates lines of songs he has in his head or lines from books: "O que esta acontecendo Senhor?" (What's up, Mister). The kids do sometimes speak Portuguese, mainly just after they've been talking to me. They're sad they're not going with on our trip to Portugal. I would love SYdney to go but she and James are just too young. It'll be good for resources...I"ll come home with a truckload of books and such.
February 25, 2008
Stephen brought up a good point that I've thought about but sort of avoided. By the time he gets home and we have dinner, he has to help her with her homework. She's spent after a long day. So the ideal time if after school and a snack when she's still awake. But, it's hard for me to help her read a book in English speaking only Portuguese to her. Not sure how to solve that one. I was reading last night with her, a book in Portugues. Very simple one that basically she's memorized and doesn't have to read. I find myself very impatient with her. It feels as if she doesn't WANT to read the word. I notice Stephen's impatience with her as well (and he's normally a font of patience). I do know from her teacher that she's doing very well in school so I don't think she's behind, just not crazy-driven. Which is probably good. The perfectionists can make themselves mad with having to have everything their way, by having to succeed at any cost.
February 26, 2008
I made an announcement in church Sunday. The pastor wanted a silly one so I dressed in overalls and such and put on the southern accent. (I should back up and say that my stepmother whom the grandkids call "Queeny" has a very very heavy southern accent). Sydney said that it sounded like I was from another country, like Queeny!
James is still amazing about not mixing thelanguages. He'll point and say "this" and "that thing" or ask me to look at something if he doesn't remember the word in Portuguese.
Portuguese is still a point of pride (and interest for her classmates). Sometimes I put a little note in her lunchbox that says "Mamae adora voce" or something like that that I know she can read. She tells me later that the people around her are always saying 'What's that say' as if it's a secret code.
February 27 2008
Stella, our Brazilian babysitter, has become an integral part of our lives. We talk for at least 30 minutes each time she comes, we've gone to the same Brazilian shows and parties.
Lately she's been really into making the playroom a new environment for the kids. I painted one of the walls as she instructed and yesterday she moved all the furniture. The couch is in front of the fireplace- a bit odd. But she's got the alphabet on the wall, numbers and such. The kids learn alot from her.
February 29, 2008
Plans are getting nailed down for our trip to Portugual. We're going in April for a week. I talked to a small B and B owner today and we're staying in his place near Lisbon. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm talking with Europeans. He was a very helpful gentleman, but wasn't the warm, "Oh you speak Portuguese!!??" of the Brazilians. What is it about Europe?
