School Visit - SMPN 49

Day two in Jakarta was full.  We visited a local public school.  This is the school at which our Indonesian facilitator, Lilia, teaches.  It was quite an honor that staff and students came to school to meet with us.  It wasn't a regularly scheduled school day.  Ramadan is beginning and many Muslims are beginning their fasting.  More about Ramadan later. 

American and Indonesian Teachers' Group Photo

Public School SMPN 49

These middle school students warmed up to the group of four American social science teachers with a bit of prodding.  They were very kind, and would find that they have a great deal in common with some American middle school students.  They like music (One Direction), basketball, soccer, volleyball, spending time with friends, believe they have too much homework, and care about pleasing their parents.  :)  What's that you say?  Of course American students like to please their parents.

This student reads results from a brainstorming session.  The task:  "Write down everything you already know about the United States in three minutes."  A future blog post will deal with the results.  This is part of my focus while here.

Converse for both boys and girls are part of the required uniform here.