The Books Close on the 1st Quarter at Narva Keeltelütseum

Where has the time gone? Lillian and Owen complete the first quarter at Narva Keeltelütseum

First day of school 

It seems that both Owen and Lillian have settled into the school routine nicely - and what a routine it is! They start their day with one-on-one Russian language lessons and then go through a typical Narva Keeltelutseum school day consisting of a combination of classes including handicrafts, technical drawing, art, music, PE, math, social studies, science, Russian language, Estonian language, and Russian literature. In addition to these classes, they both have an English language class - their favorite class because they are the star pupils!!  

Rhonda's colleagues directed us to this school because of its strong reputation for delivering high-quality English language instruction. We thought this would be an advantage as our kids rely on English-speakers (both other students and the adults) as they work to decipher content, instructions, and homework, in addition to learning the Russian-language. It is pretty incredible when they accomplish tasks such as reciting a Pushkin poem or singing a song in Russian. 

To accommodate Lillian and Owen, the school has made a number of adjustments to the schedule. In addition to one-on-one Russian language instruction each day, Owen now has a Russian-through-art class twice a week. To the school’s credit, they have capitalized on Owen’s interest in art to offer high-interest Russian language instruction - and it should come as no surprise that his Russian language skills are improving! The teachers are also modifying assignments and adding Russian-language support to their content-teaching to assist the kids. 

First day of school

 

Just as this is Owen and Lillian's first time in a non-English instruction school, this is the first time this school has had non-native Russian speakers as well. We are hopeful that everyone will benefit from the experience. 

Day one

In addition to the language of instruction, there are a few other interesting school differences: Lillian and Owen follow what is more like a collegiate-schedule rather than a traditional primary or secondary school schedule like we are used to in the States. For instance, in a week Lillian has the following lessons: Russian and Estonian language; one history, two PE, one music, two natural science twice and three math. Owen's schedule includes four lessons of math, two of PE, science twice per week and social studies once. He also has crafts and art lessons once a week. While Owen is scheduled for Estonian language four times per week, this quarter he has his Russian-through-art lessons.  Here, like in the States, there is an emphasis on math and science. Our new school takes pride in their high-achieving math and science students and their high national exam scores.  

Another interesting tidbit is the school coat check. When students arrive in the morning, they check their coats and outside shoes - students bring indoor shoes to wear throughout the day. This is a wider accepted cultural norm we have found - people remove outdoor shoes upon entering homes. Both Lillian and Owen carry a bag with shoes to and from school daily.

Losing a tooth on the first day of school!

Lunch. All students are provided a lunch. Students have assigned seats and when they arrive in the cafeteria, the tables are set and the food is out. Students sit and eat - 20 minutes later they are back in class. I like the efficiency! The kids tell us that it is common to have tea, bread, and soup. Both kids like the school lunch - and we are glad we don't have pack lunches!

Handicrafts homework

Students are graded on a 1-5 scale (5=90%, 4=75% 3=50% 2=20% 1=1%) on each of their assignments and for classroom performance. While there is very little technology use at the school (no interactive whiteboards, Chromebooks, tablets, or computer labs - but plenty of slate and chalk), there is an electronic planner, used nation-wide, that we check daily. It contains announcements, tasks to be performed, and grades. It also has "disadvantages" for each student for behaviors and attendance. I discovered the necessity of checking the planner daily one day after Owen arrived home early. To my surprise, I found a note in the electronic planner under the heading: "Replacements for lessons" - "4C 6 class- home." Yep, for some reason, the forth graders in class 4C went home early that day. While it is very infrequent for Owen, Lillian has been dismissed early a number of times or she has had a class that simply didn't meet on a given day. She reports that it is usually due to the teacher being out ill - this is one way to save on substitute teacher costs! I couldn't imagine how sending a 9-year-old home early with only a day's notice could work in the States - but it seems routine here.

Study time

Once home, both Owen and Lillian have been troopers when it comes to homework!  Lillian, to her credit, has a translation routine. Lillian takes notes in class then during our study time at home she will Google translate the notes and rewrite them. While she is stumped at times, her studies are going well. Owen also attacks his work. He checks his planner and then works to complete the next day's assignments - and then packs the appropriate books, notebooks and "tools" (paint brushes, rulers scissors) necessary for the next day's lessons.

Runnin' the halls

We also have a tutor come to our apartment twice per week. Liuda is a native Russian-speaker and the spouse of one of Rhonda's colleagues. She has impeccable English-language skills and has been a great help with Russian literature and social studies and for providing general academic support - and it is nice for the kids to get a break from Mom and Dad two days a week for homework support!

Fortunately for both Owen and Lillian, the curriculum is somewhat aligned to Wisconsin's. Both kids are concerned, but hopeful, that they won’t be too far behind once they return to Hudson.  They both really miss their home school teachers and friends!!

Our tutor Liuda

Lillian working hard!!

A final note about school. We received a two-page contract that we signed stating that each student would refrain from inappropriate behaviors and come prepared for school daily. This is not unlike the behavioral contracts we "sign" with our students in the States - just much more formalized. Along with the contract, we paid 150 Euros per child for materials used in their education. In addition,  there is an expectation that we provide materials for art and handicrafts and we pay additional fees for field trips. Again, like a number of things, this is not too different than the price of a quality education in the States!

We are certain that while there may be ups and downs as we travel along this school year, both Lillian and Owen will learn much and come out the better for it!