Schroeder's second-grade class takes Mexican-themed vacation

While most students at Windsor Elementary School were settling in their classroom, Judy Schroeder's second-grade class took a one-day vacation to Mexico, Dec. 14.

Well, Schroeder's students were still at Windsor Elementary but their teacher's classroom was transformed into a tiny Mexican village where they learned different aspects of the country's culture.

Schroeder explained the Mexican vacation was tied into students learning about Mexico in the world languages curriculum, as well as spending the class dollars they earned from their jobs in class.

"Students apply for jobs three times a year and earn a paycheck every week," Schroeder said, referring to the economic portion of her class. "They also get paid for completing assignments and homework. They use part of their paycheck to buy supplies and pay rent to Mr. (Vince) Songaylo, the principal, for workspace. At the end of each month, students receive a bank statement and have to justify it. Students have used some of that money to save for vacations, like this one."

During their time in "the village" they spent part of class engaged in various activities, including making paper marigolds and poinsettias - a plant species of the diverse spurge family indigenous to Mexico and Central America - as well as fingernail painting, decorating and playing with maracas.

Schroeder said students used some of their money to pay for some of the activities. She noted that this type of learning allows students to engage in "real life experience"

"It's more fun when it's tied into something that's real life," Schroeder said. "I enjoy teaching this way."

During the vacation, students listened to Songaylo read them Pam Munoz Ryan's "Mice and Beans" and performed the "Jarabe Tapatío," also known as the "The Mexican Hat Dance." Students also ate a Mexican-style lunch with tortillas, chips, beans and rice, donated by El Rodeo and Arturo's Mexican Restaurant. To arrive at the village, Schroeder used the library as a mock airport.

Schroeder said she's thankful for El Rodeo and Arturo's donating the food. She also noted that Cheney Federal Credit Union donates checkbooks for students to use.

"I couldn't have done this by myself," Schroeder said. "I'm thankful for the local businesses for their support and the parents who helped today."

Schroeder said she has two more vacations lined up in the school year, one being in the Arctic and another in Hawaii.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].