Class Changes and Hangman
Exciting things have happened since the last post!
For the past 3 weeks, I taught Level 2/2nd
Grade. As time went on, it got better as
I became accustomed to the methods of explaining and teaching. There’s a lot of repetition, followed by
writing key words on the board so the students can begin to learn spellings if
they don’t already know them. Perhaps
this is pretty similar to second grade back home, but I don’t remember. Anyways, a new teacher was hired to teach the
second graders, and so I was moved to KG/1st grade on Monday.
Surprisingly, they’re generally less disruptive than the level above them. Or, perhaps it’s more like they still talk,
but are much better at still collectively answering questions. More or less. :)
Today, we finished on time (some write boringly slow and
I’ve been working on timing when to assign the homework they copy before
leaving for the day) and actually a bit early.
After copying their homework, having it checked by me, and then going
back to correct spellings and grammar, they ask to read books. On the list to do next time/Wednesday is
hangman! I started writing it on the board
and Florence asked, “Should I clear it?” When I told her, “No, it’s a game,”
She absolutely lit up and told her classmates that they were going to learn a
game and that it was time to put the books away. Next time, I’ll be armed with something new
for them! :)
Mary Had a Little Lamb
In addition to teaching during school, I’m helping out with
the after school music program. Some
that played last year recognize particular notes or only know the notes to play
a particular song, but can’t recognize those same notes on paper. Half of the group comes on Monday, the other
half on Tuesday, and everyone on Thursday.
Monday we started talking about note lengths and about how
different notes mean you hold a note for different amounts of time. What a difference it made to have two harmonicas
and a trumpet holding notes for the same values! Last year, they played Mary had a Little Lamb
together for the recital. When they
played for us, everyone was everywhere.
But, by the end of the hour, the three of them and the fourth keeping
time were playing a much more pleasant and recognizable version of the song.
The short moment of pride I had for them, oh it was great! Whether they
remember tomorrow, we’ll see, but they’ve at least been introduced to the idea
of different notes now.
Tuesday, I was a bit more organized and had the advantage of
more of the teachers around asking questions. Many of them either sing, play,
or want to play instruments, which is great! They always ask questions, are
always curious, and are just big kids themselves.
Laughter
There is always laughter here. The teachers that are
learning music too always laugh, saying they’re the students, too; that it’s a
learning process for all of us because I haven’t taught music before, they
haven’t learned it, and the kids haven’t learned to read it. MOP has three trumpets, of which only one
works, and is a source of amusement for everyone. Two students are taking turns
playing it. Some blow as hard as they
can, only producing hot air and frustration that they can’t at least make a
sound. This goes for one of the
teachers. He’s just as game as the kids,
but can’t even get a sound out. “They obviously didn’t have me in mind when
they made this, because I can’t do it!” he says, smiling and laughing all the
while.
There is always laughter here. Even when the kids are get in trouble and are
reprimanded, in no time, they’re laughing with their friends or maybe even with
the same teacher. Normally, two subjects
are taught in the afternoons, but on Wednesdays, the last hour is drumming and
dancing. And the kids absolutely love it.
If they aren’t dancing in the front, then they are made to clap and sing
along. If a kid ever cuts up or does something silly, it’s not quietly seen by
a teacher and left alone, but is called out, everyone hears, and everyone
laughs, getting in on the chance to poke fun at someone. Today, one of the younger girls came in front
of me and started dancing so that I could mirror her; it was probably the best 10
seconds of the day. :) Throughout the drumming, those that aren’t dancing are
probably hanging, grabbing, or holding on to one of the younger male teachers.
They aren’t afraid to go among the kids and have fun; it’s just so refreshing to
be around!
The energy, love, spirit, and life in this place is remarkable and
beautiful.
Love…
Comes in many forms. We never know when or how it will show
up. Two times in particular stand out this week:
1) Monday, my coordinator
texted me to say she’d picked up my package and 4 letters. Thanks to Mwamma,
Sheryl, and Eric for the beautiful 15 minutes and the many rereadings to
follow. The letters about home and kindergarteners’ family trees, crosswords,
and Cheeks absolutely made my day! I love
you guys in more ways than you know! :)
2) Every day this week, perhaps
especially today: when I arrive, I say hello to Kwame and walk back to my
class. On the way, I say hello to the kids who are playing after eating lunch
and ask how they are. They smile and laugh in the midst of their game; some grab my hand, simultaneously tugging my heart along, as well. “You are welcome, Madam.”
“Good afternoon. How are you?” “We are fine, thank you. And you? ” “I am also
fine.” “Thank you.”
