No Shoes, No Problems

               A major difference between here and the States is that the students are always barefoot. In my classroom, students are not allowed to enter with their shoes on, but in most classrooms they have an option to wear them or not. (My classroom is being renovated so they are in a common area, which is why I think there is a stricter policy. - but most children chose not to wear them anyway) The students run from classroom to classroom, eat lunch, sit in their desks, etc. all without shoes on. This was originally very strange to me!, as I am used to a "no shoes, no service" policy. (My cooperating teacher said he was surprised I had shoes on – so I am slowly trying to become more comfortable without my “teaching shoes!”)

Overall, I have become accustomed to people being barefoot, whether playing outside or grocery shopping.. I have realized the people are not concerned with getting their feet dirty or even smelly, even though they both occur! 

At The Terrace School, the students wear uniforms every day. The uniforms are similar to what a private school in the States might have, (shorts/skorts, pants, polos, and jerseys),  but they are also accompanied with a sun hat that must be worn outside at all times. This is because the sun is so strong here that it is not uncommon to easily burn! (I even got my own hat to sport during the day J)

P.S. Notice how all of the students aren't wearing shoes? They're playing in mulch too, OUCH!