First Week of School

Wow.....the first week of school is in the books.

I really don't know where to start but what an experience. I have never taught before. This profession is absolutely difficult especially when you're standing in front of a room of 70 students ranging from 14-18. That was our first day. Really eye opening to say the least. My college classes were half this size.

That being said the students seem eager to learn, which is inspiring and helpful. Our schedule is pretty crazy. We picked up one section of 9th grade from every professor. This means we are teaching more sections of English a week than any other professor. I think we can also do the most good. This is the first time that the students have a native English speaker as a teacher and they also understand the uniqueness of the situation.

The biggest problem that the students have with us is our pronunciation and speed. We talk too fast. We also pronounce words differently then their English professors. Everyone will get used to this in time but now there is an even steeper learning curve. I think it will be for the better.

It's tough maintaining the interest of a 15 year old for 40 minutes especially in school. Three to five students a class speak English very well. They help us tremendously. About 3/4 of the students won't speak English out loud or even try. I think this is a combination of them being nervous with us around and their fear of failure. When students make mistakes the rest laugh. We made a point to let the students know that this is unacceptable. Everyone makes mistakes. We expect that. That's how you learn. I reassured them that we will make mistakes also. It doesn't seem too comforting for the time being but I think the students will open up to us in time.

The teachers at Fasiledes also enjoy the help. We have a rigorous schedule that allows us to get to know the teachers on both the morning and afternoon shifts. They want to know just as much as the students. How is school in America? What are the classes like? What are the facilities like? How different is Fasiledes? The truth....it's very different...in fact world's different, but we couldn't be more happy to be here helping everyone that we can. 

We had a lesson plan prepared for last week's classes, but when we got to school on Monday we were informed that the 9th grade students haven't received their textbooks. When will they receive them? We were told next week. It's Monday of next week and the students don't have their books. Something we will have to get used to.

We will focus on speaking and listening for the most part and use exercises that combine the two. Some classes seem like a tough nut to crack but it will happen in time. Both Liz and I are very positive. 

It's my birthday and we're going to grab dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Maybe we'll splurge and get some wine...who knows....

I hope all is well with everyone. Missing everyone a lot and thinking about everyone at home especially today. My birthday is different here, but Liz and I are happy, healthy and having an absolute blast. 

Love to all.