Chocolate eggs, the Easter Bunny, decorating eggs only to hunt them later—what could be more fun than an American Easter? This year, me, Chels and Rafa with the help of art Professor João and with many thanks to Director of Administrations Alberto Bruno and Pedagog Rosilene Oliveira, put on an American Easter at the IF Sertão, Zona Rural Camps for the 110 students of the accelerated High School (Ensino Medio) program. It was a hit.
It was a great to start to what will hopefully be a year full of culture and language-related activities.
This blog post will be done in three parts—the background and English activities, the decorating of eggs, and then finally the hunt!
Part I- The Class, A Palestra
Before the lecture we filled cups 2/3 of the way with water and 1/3 with vinegar before adding the food coloring to dye the eggs. Then Chelsea and I explained some of the history of Easter and about the American traditions of Egg decorating and the Easter-Egg Hunt. The students completed worksheets and had a review test—the first to correctly finish the test won a pin-drive!
Part II- The Decorating, A Decoração
After the lecture, it was time to decorate. The students split into three classrooms. There, they used wax crayons and rubber bands to form patterns on their eggs before submerging them in dye for 5 minutes. Some added oil for a psycidelic, tye-die effect. They turned in at least two eggs for the hunt and took two home to show to their family and explain the American tradition… and then, of course, to eat!
Part III- The Hunt, A Caça aos Ovos
The next day we hid the eggs in a top secret location as the students anxiously awaited. Once set loose they took 30 mintues to find the carefully hidden silver egg! They received prizes for the most eggs collected (35 eggs was the winner) and the finder of the silver egg. Thanks to all who participated and collaborated for a delicious and hoppy Easter 🙂
Ensina Petrolina 