Today was my
first day of teaching. Holy smokes
am I overwhelmed! Even though I
barely taught today, I was already able to see how challenging this year will
be. Today, I met with grade 6, 7,
8A (two times) and 8B. We went
over class rules, I introduced myself, and then I had the students answer a
quick writing prompt that they had to present. It required them to share their name, what they hope to
learn in English this year, what they want to get better at, and what they do
for fun. Most of the other
teachers dove right in and started teaching lessons though. That makes me feel like I am behind,
but I have to keep reminding myself that I do not know the students the way
they do and that I am at a disadvantage due to the language. I have no idea what level these
students are actually on. Do they
know what a noun is? Do they know
how to write a paragraph? Are they
able to express their own opinions?
The latter is something I really want to stress in my classroom. I want my students to know that they
have a say in the types of things we read and do. There is no point in them being bored or confused. Therefore, I am using these first three
days of teaching to feel them out, to see what kinds of things they write or
say. It has helped in good and bad
ways.
The great
thing about going to classes today though was finally getting to learn more
about some of the learners that live at the hostel. I see the same kids around everyday, but do not know their
names, or even what grade they are in.
Today helped to clarify some things. It also helped some of the older boys to lose their macho
attitude around me. Now that I
have interacted with them in the classroom they are greeting me more and making
an effort to acknowledge me. That
has been a wonderful improvement.
Speaking of older boys, I found out today from my subject head that one
of my 8th grade boys is probably older than me. He is at least in his 20s, but they are
not sure of his actual age. When I
responded to that comment, the other teachers were amazed that I am so
young. One of the jokesters
informed me that I should be living at the hostel. They’re sweet haha.
Funny thing is though, they are all only 26 and 27. Clearly those five plus years make a
huge difference here in Namibia.
Tomorrow I
teach all of the same classes, but instead of two 8A classes, I have two grade
7 classes. As for Friday, I have
three art classes and only 6th and 7th grade
English. I am already eager for
the weekend. I am eager to plan
with Ashley and Maillin, eager to go to Opuwo and take a hot shower, and eager
to speak an advanced English sentence.
Oh the little things!
Keep praying
my dearest friends. Pray that I
learn to speak slower with my learners.
Pray that I am able to push through all of the hard times this country
brings. Pray I do not lose site of
how beautiful this country is.
Pray for my learners. Pray
that they are eager to learn. Pray
that their little hearts are not hardened by the things they know they do not
have. Pray that they will feel
love in their lives and that they would find their safety in God.
P.S. Today a
girl wrote in her exercise book…
“In English,
I hope to learn to sing songs about God.
For fun, I like to sing songs of God.” Oh bless her soul!
How beautiful are those words!
It is so nice to see God in these schools.
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