This picture here is one of my favorites so far. The whole school was outside on the basketball court for “parade” when I took this. The parade is a sort of assembly outside with all the students, done every other day of the week. The head teacher introduced me to all the students during it and had me say a couple words. I’m glad he did, kids are now coming up to me, introducing themselves, asking me questions, and giving me high fives or hugs (I think they were a bit shy before—I was too—and have now settled in to the idea I might be around for a bit).
Previous days were so busy and new, I wandered through them like a lost puppy in a haze, following whoever grabbed me and wanted to show me something. Yesterday, however, felt real. I started going to classes and observing how the teachers work, the school and schedule are feeling a bit more organized, and the kids seem to know what’s going on now as well. One thing I am struggling with is the room system. The pupils stay in the same room while the teachers are the ones who move around throughout the day; no bell ringing, telling when one lesson ends and another begins. This system causes some sessions to be disrupted by others that run long and teachers who don’t arrive on time. The computer and music building is being remodeled right now and should be prepared for students next week, and I’m thinking with those classrooms opened up, things will flow a bit better. Sitting in the classrooms watching the lessons helped me understand a lot about teaching young kids. The style is similar to the U.S., teachers will explain a topic, work out some example problems, and then roam around checking work while the kids work on some exercises.
I took the bus home from school today with Jovin and Rebecca (two kids I’m staying with) and a bunch of other students. Right when we got home Jovin insisted on playing some soccer. He has so much energy (which I’m glad for). He’s sure going to keep me very active and healthy. After soccer I helped Jovin and Rebecca with some school work, and in doing so I made a mistake. Dinner is served buffet style, it sits in large pots and each person comes to dish up however much they want. I didn’t know this—I guess I hadn’t observed previous nights—but everyone waits for me to serve myself first without saying anything. And I was so busy helping with homework that it wasn’t until 9:00 I noticed nobody was eating and they were all waiting on me. It’s safe to say I will never make that mistake again!