Oh, the wonders of stickers, storybooks, and worksheets!
The last two days have gone loads better - the rapid familiarity that has sprouted between my class and myself, their "didi", has made me feel as though weeks have gone by. I'm picking up on what works and how each child performs in the classroom, making afternoon preparations for the next day take less and less time. The naughty boys and even my brightest girl have tested me from time to time, daring me to discipline them with rebellious eyes. It's so difficult to limit how often I laugh with them, and physically take their little hands and lead them to a timeout corner, but I think it's paying off.
I pull out new worksheets for them to practice and they all cheer; they love ones with pictures they can color (but only when work is finished, of course!). And stickers motivate them to do almost anything, making simple games last on their little hopes of getting lots of stickers with which to decorate their notebooks.
Every once in a while I get these pure moments - this morning when two boys from my class (one who was a terror the first day) come dashing towards me to grab my hands for our morning song circle, or later on when I can step back for a serene 15 seconds to watch them all excitedly hunched over worksheets - but they're always ephemeral, ruined by childish greed over stickers and colored pencils.
... Meanwhile, in the other universe that is our adolescent apartment, we're definitely falling into routine, right as the monsoon rains began this afternoon. Not a downpour yet, and so I ventured into town with two friends to get my traveller's checks exchanged. The bank was closed, but it was lovely to watch India treat rain just like humans would anywhere else. Children hop over puddles balancing bright umbrellas, women lifting sari skirts off their toes and sheltering their elegant heads, and wrinkled men squatting in shops, probably chatting about sports or politics.
We did some shopping, oggling postcards and haggling for poofy pants. We looked at bangles in every color, with tiny mirrors, sparkles, and charms, but then they wouldn't even fit over our hands - and mine are small to begin with! However, we did end up with eight people in a rickshaw at one point, which is spacious to the Indian standard of about 15 to 20. It was the usual stares, and crossed legs to make extra room, and broken English through crooked teeth.
And we returned just in time for dinner, which I think is getting spicier, and Swiss chocolate, brought from Emma who lives in Geneva, for dessert. And school tomorrow, with more stickers and smiles, I hope.
~christiana
4 comments:
Hi--Glad it is getting more routine! When I imagine how many new teachers these students have every year....well, it might be a huge game to test, test and retest the new one. Seasoned teachers tell newbies not to show their teeth (smile) until December! They don't have to like you but they do need to respect you and learn.
Grandma's church is putting together school bags and wants to know if the schools there need them. Sounds like you have supplies but can you ask your coordinators?
Be careful with the rains and keep clean. So, what is the ratio and mix of people in your whole group? So, now I know that one girl is Swiss and you and Noelle are USA. All girls? Where from? Poofy pants? Love, MOM
Hi again--what are the ages of your students?
Hi mom - Thank you for all your comments! I am teaching 4th grade, but my students are really at a 1st/2nd grade level. I think they're between 8 and 12.
I think we're ok with supplies - we bring them to and from the schools because we aren't allowed to "give" the children anything.
There are about 20 of us in the apartment, with most of us between 18 and 20, and a few in late 20's or early 30's. There are several people from England, 7 from Australia, and individuals from Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark. Besides Noelle and myself, there is another girl from Idaho, and that's it for the U.S. Of the new group, there are 3 guys and the rest girls, but there are two older (late 20's) male volunteers that have been here for a month already.
The "poofy pants" are these Aladdin style pants that we got in the market - elastic bottoms, wide legs, low crotch. They're so comfortable! I also got a few pairs of normal drawstring pants and 2 beautiful tunic tops.
Is there anything you have in mind that I could get you to decorate your classroom?
Hi Honey--you know I love fabric to cover bulletin boards and my desk top or something for my desk--pencil holder or frame. Do you read to them in English? Discussion groups are good.
I can't wait to see your tunics! The pants will be great for lounging in the dorm? Bed and Bath and Target have thier college catalogs out. I found a small storage table with drawer which could work for the kitchen. It should look great. I will get you a new bed top for home like your one for school.
What are you doing this weekend?
Love MOM
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