School’s out! (Pez Maya takes over)

School’s out! (Pez Maya takes over)

GVI Pez Maya were invited to participate in a summer school programme in Tulum, which consisted of 4 sessions, three in Tulum and one at the base. Between 20 and 30 young children were present at each activity which were focused on identification and recognition of fish and where they live, the difference between fish and cetaceans (dolphins, whales etc.) turtles and threats to the reef, and finally rubbish management and recycling.

Each session began with a talk and interactive presentation on the topic, followed by songs, games and activities related to the topic. The trips to Tulum were restricted by transport, therefore 5 Expedition Members (EM’s) and one staff member took part. The session held at base, however, involved everyone. The topic was turtles and threats to the reef, so some games were prepared to follow the song and the talk. Some of the EM’s were brave enough to be involved in the talk, and each had their own part to say, even the non Spanish speakers! Then the song was led by one of the NSP’s (National Scholarship Programme), which can be viewed in the next post.

The games were related to the topic, and involved the steps of a turtles’ life and the threats they face. Also a reef scene with creatures for the children to colour and place on the picture, and a jigsaw puzzle of that when finished, offered facts and information about turtles. Finally, a chance for the children to sort good and bad between certain phrases and facts by placing them in the correct place on the board.

The time was short, so some activities didn’t happen, but the children left happy and asking for more, and there were smiles left on the faces of the volunteers after two renditions of ‘Baila tortuga baila, baila, baila, baila’. (Dance turtle dance, dance, dance, dance).

A very successful day that we hope to repeat soon.

School’s out! (Pez Maya takes over)