Thursday, March 24, 2011

I guess it's true what they say about a brand new day

Yesterday was a decidedly rough day as far as teaching goes. So you can imagine the wave of dread that came over me when the bell rang at 8:00 and Miss Ana still hadn't arrived. No one told me whether she was going to arrive or not, no one seemed to even acknowledge that she wasn't there; so without saying anything I went to the classroom because I figured someone had to show up. I had no plan as what I had planned was designed for half the class and half the time, plus my resources were in another classroom all the way on the other side of the school. But I had my text book and Ana had taught the other sixth grade class the other week so I had an idea of what they were supposed to be doing, so I took a deep breath and jumped in.

It started off a little awkward because I do not know the prayer they say every morning, so I tried to get the kids to say it on their own, which wasn't really working at first. Luckily, a girl came up to the front and led the students in prayer, I was so grateful. After that I began class, and surprisingly, it actually went pretty well. I was definitely a little nervous at first because I was really worried that the 44 sixth graders would not listen to me. But once I got started, it wasn't so bad. Now of course, it wasn't perfect; I didn't have everyone's undivided attention the entire time, but I didn't have to yell or lecture, and the kids completed the activities that I asked them to. At the end of the class we played Simon Says which they enjoyed. So I'd say, considering the circumstances it went really well.

I don't know what the school would have done if I hadn't been there. It wasn't until I had been teaching for at least 20 minutes when someone came in and told me Ana wasn't coming. She didn't ask if I was okay or wanted to teach or anything. I really didn't mind teaching, but technically, according to my volunteer contract, I am not expected to serve as a substitute teacher. There is definitely a lack of communication in this school, but to be honest it doesn't bother me. I prefer to be left to my own devices.

My school has a blog and they posted about my arrival, here is the link. But beware, they pictures they posted of me are not the most flattering, they were taken after the eleven hour. Also, the English is not entirely correct, but that's okay since most people reading it don't have any idea what it says. I'm actually really not sure why they didn't write in spanish so people could actually understand what was written about me.

1 comment:

  1. I finally just caught up with your blog!!! Now I want more!!! "How does it end?!" I'm thinking...Then I have to remind myself that this is your life and not a story... Your new home looks really pretty! Annnd I laughed when you talked about the snoring woman and the fact that you were down in the lobby..Alright, now I am going to click on the link you provided to read what your school said and look at pictures of you! I am sure they are beautiful even though you say otherwise.... I feel like this is a Kim breakfast.. I looked at your facebook for a long time and now I've been sipping my coffee while reading your blog...

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