Saturday School

Today was our first day at our host school- Sidi o Sidi High School. Our host teacher Hassan Aitman picked us up and took us to school.  The students in Morocco go to school Monday through Saturday, but they don't go full days every day.  The students have variety to their days- for example they might only have English class two or three days a week..  They don't have a set first period that stays they same all year like we do in middle school.  I think it is a great idea to have a different daily schedule (minus the Saturday thing).  The school daygoes from 8-12, then the students go home.  Most days they come back for several hours from 2-6, but not all days of the week.  Because of this schedule, clubs are on Saturday afternoons when school isn't in session. 

 Host Teach Hassan Aitman and the principal of Sidi O Sidi High

One student looking American with Beyonce on her shirt stands by a friend in more traditional attire.  

 After observing and participating in two classes this morning, we went out to eat and back to the hotel for an hour to hang around the pool.  Then we went back to school and presented to the English Club.  The students shared so many insights and asked us so many questions- they are really quite amazing.  Some students asked why racism is a problem in American and wanted to know about gun violence.  One girl wanted to know if she came to America if we would be hateful to her and make her remove her scarf in public places...
After our presentation, we went out to the courtyard to join a celebration. 

My new Facebook friends (so cute and friendly!)

Boy with awesome hair

 Today at the school they were celebrating Woman's Day!  There was music, sports, and games.  One game some boys set up for the girls to play was an obstacle course.  They laid down a tarp that they covered with water and soap, then had stations.  Only the girls were allowed to participate since it's was Woman's Day celebration.  They had to run around the tarp to a bucket where they bobbed for an apple, then ran to the next station where they picked up candy with their teeth from a bowl filled with powdered sugar, then ran back to the starting point with out falling on the slippery tarp.  It was hilarious and they had so much fun.  I asked about it being a traditional game, but the kids said it wasn't and they just made it up like they do a lot of games.  

Fun times at the celebration

Some questions to answer:  Brianna C.-there are many popular candies here in Morocco.  I have seen all kids of American and European candy, too and yes it is ALL good. Shawn E, my favorite sweet here is cookies and they serve a lot of them.  Amanda, the most popular drink seems to be sweet green tea with mint, and Moroccan's prepare and pour it in a special way...

Tea pouring- it is an art here in Morocco

More questions- Genesis and Chase G, they do have China plates and bowls here, but it is Moroccan tradition to eat with your hands from a large serving bowl placed in the center of the table.  They are kind enough to give us Americans silverware...Adaya and Corey, the kids seem to like all kinds of food.  Noah and Alex J, Morocco does have a lot of technology like Smartphones, but the Wi-fi seems less reliable.  However, the schools have much less technology in the classrooms than we do.  Brooke K, kids also seem to like all different kinds of music. I asked one boy today and his favorite artist was 50 Cent.

Logan W, the King of Morocco is Mohammed VI and his wife is Lalla Salma.  They have two children and their son will be the next king of Morocco.