Other teachers may have some ideas

I have been working all day on my plans for the upcoming term. I have to teach kids as young as third grade and have been trying like mad to think of something that I can do with them. I would like to do a unit on holidays either religious or secular. I have the idea that I can spend at least part of the term on the "day of the dead" holiday, but would also like to do something about Ramadan--perhaps using the first part of the term for the latter and the last part of the term for the former. Any ideas on how to make this accessible to young children? I'm all ears.

I was asked a question about posting a picture of Indonesian money, I can do that, soon. By the way, the rupiah is now losing value and is back to its pre-july 20th rate. That's good for me, but not so good for the country. I was also asked about geckos. Yes, I see them all the time. They are, after all, "friendly and everywhere." They do not look at all like their avatars in American television commercials.

I did see the tail of a very large lizard in one of the canals that seem to line all Sumatran roads. It scurried fast and so I don't know what it was, but it was definately a lizzard of some sort.

I did not see monkeys on this trip to Toba--a major disappointment. Where they were, I have no idea.

Ramadan began last Saturday, but I will not begin my fast until this Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes.