Visit to Gaudem Institute

We had a fantastic visit to Gaudem Institute today.  The private school is PreK - 12 but is subsidized by the government as its unique curriculum supports deaf and some special needs students.  The school has 1200 students of which approx 10% are deaf.  It is an amazing place.  In the primary grades, there are two teachers in the classroom that has deaf students.  One is the main teacher and the other is the sign language teacher.  I got to observe a 2nd grade class for over an hour.  It was fascinating to watch the teacher sign ( Spainish sign language, not American or International ) the lesson.  This not only benefits the deaf students but also teaches the other students sign language.  When students graduate from Gaudem, they know Spainish, English and Sign Language.

Once again I found students to be friendly, independent and excited to converse with us one on one in English.  The staff was generous with their time not only in the classrooms but afterwards as we had a terrific discussion about the similarities and differences between education in Spain and the US.  One amusing similarity is the use of tennis balls on the bottom of the legs of chairs.  It is a low cost but effective way of muffling sound.  Didn't realize its use may be global!

From there we went to downtown Madrid for walking around, free time and shopping.  Nine of us went to 1902 restaurant to treat ourselves to Churros con Chocolate.  It is the Spainish equivalent of tea time.  Churros are a donut like pastry hoop that you dip in rich, thick, hot chocolate.  They are delicious.  Worth every calorie.

We knew we could indulge in the Churros as we went Salsa dancing from 5-6:30.  It was non stop instruction and quite the work out.  I can honestly say that I have never taken dancing lessons in any prior travel.  However, it is a good idea.  It was another great exposure to the culture of Spain.

From there we walked to the restaurant for dinner then back to the hotel.  Walking is a very popular mode of transportation here.  Called it an early night as tomorrow we have an early departure to Barcelona on the high speed train.