Teacher Abroad: Ms.Towns Goes To Kazakhstan and Beyond: Wow. It is all I can say tonight.

This morning when I left Almaty I got my suitcase wrapped because I was afraid it would split apart. I have a ton o stuff.

Leaving Astana with Kristi who I finally met up with when she flew in this morning from Frankfurt!!! It is awesome to have her here.

Kotsanay International Airport.

There are signs of the President of Kazakhstan everywhere around here.

Kostanay Kazakhstan is a city of about 300,000 people. We were welcomed off the plane at the airport by our new host, Yelena. Yelena is one of the most energetic teachers I have ever met along with the rest of the women she works with. We were treated with utmost respect and given some of the most generous hospitality I have ever had the pleasure of. We visited a few schools today right off the plane. The first we gave a conference to an audience of school of primary, secondary and high school level kids, although the levels do differ somewhat in Kazakhstan. These children had questions ranging from what was our favorite food to asking our viewpoints on situations unfolding in North Korea. It was a delight to hear their interest in American culture. One girl asked me if I had a bank account in Switzerland. Nope. Wish I did kid. The teachers then treated us to a meal of Kazakh food, treats, and tea with milk. Good stuff. We drove to our second destination.

Homes you see here.

They are building mosques around here. This was one of two that I saw. 60% of Kazakhstan's population are practicing Muslims.

Orthodox Christianity is another religion practiced here. Since communism forbade religion during the Soviet period, many people grew up not practicing a religion.

School lunch today at Zatobolsk School Gymnasium - Russian barley, peas (yes Mom you were right here they are), and cabbage and chicken.

Typical cars.

This is the student water fountain at the school. They share the cups.

This is the sign that welcomes people to Kostanay.

Zatobolsk School sweets store.

The transportation here in Kostanay is very very different than that of Almaty or Astana. This is far less developed in terms of transportation or architecture you see in Almaty and Astana. There are paved primary roads, but most secondary and tertiary roads are a winding paths of dirt, ruts, and potholes. It is the end of winter here so we were told it was a bit dirtier than usual as a result. There is a stark contrast to the lifestyles that are enjoyed in the bigger cities. This is a much different place. The people however, rock.

We arrived at the second school and were given an entire school assembly that introduced us to and taught us about every aspect of Kazakh culture imaginable. The students and staff put on a show I shall never forget complete with traditional costume, jewelry, food, song & dance of the nation of Kazakhstan. The motivation and ambition of these people blew me away. It was simply one of the most excellent things I have ever seen.

Zarechny Secondary School tea & sweets.

Students at Zatobolsk School Gymnasium where we had our question and answer sessions with students.

Performances at Zarechny Secondary School. Welcome party: Kazakhstan's Customs & Traditions

This is fermented mare's milk. It apparently tastes like sour milk.

Student dancers, Kazakhstan's Customs & Traditions - What struck me watching some of the musical numbers, especially the last song and dance about the nation of Kazakhstan was the immense patriotism and nationalism being displayed by virtually everyone in the room with the exception of teenage boys who are too cool for school. Seems they are too cool everywhere in the world. I couldn’t help but think of my students who sometimes don’t want to stand for things like our pledge and national anthem. I have been to 5 schools in 2 days. It has been the same in the others too. I don’t know if that rings true for all schools in Kazakhstan, but I bet it may. Kazakh people since independence are in a stage of forging their national identity. Song, dance & tradition are necessary tools to aid in this process.

Street sweeper who keeps Kostanay looking good.

Neighborhood behind the private kindergarten, Ak Yerke.

The school's director has done a lot to renovate and provide good grounds for play areas for her kids.

We lastly went to a privatized kindergarten school where we met Yelena’s good friend, Yelena!!! These two ladies are good good friends. We toured a state of the art school thanks to the principal, Yelena. She is one passionate and motivated lady. Every poster, every creation that was stitched, quilted, painted and hanging is a result of her handiwork. She comes from artists and is a talented artist and uses it to provide her students with numerous ways to learn material that will get them ready for primary school. I saw kids as young as 3 that were counting in English, Russian and Kazakh. Kids who were playing chess at 5 & 6 years old. Kids doing math, geometry and writing. I saw children who were 6 years old rattling off geographic information about China & India along with being able to locate it on a map and state the capitals of countries while they did it. It was amazing. There are no desks in this school. Kids are allowed space and freedom of movement. They use a variety of tools & methods to teach content so when one doesn’t work, others do. A lot of this is skills based however. Practice. It is what they do. They practice over and over and over until they get it right. Students in this school start by 8 am and go all day long until about 7pm. They nap during the day. It is apparent that the methodology is in transition to a more student based one than ever before. I was told that critical thinking skills are what teachers are trying to and want to build upon more here in Kazakhstan. I want to see our students study more world languages. People of Kazakhstan have been learning the English language and studying American history & geography. What do you know about Kazakhstan language or history aside from what I told you? And what did I know before I came here? Nothing. Hmmmmm . . . . . the thing is, aside from Kazakhstan, there are another 194 countries around the world who may be studying up about what you are doing. I wonder if we counted, how many countries do we learn about in our current curriculum. Don’t worry. I will check it out and let you know.