TGIT! Well one week at our first school is in the books. It had its ups and downs, but mostly ups. I have to say that I am pretty pleased overall.
The first couple of days were beautiful, maybe the best I have ever had on the first day. The classes were extremely small because most didn't show. The second day many of those that didn't come before came this day, which was still okay. By the end of the week the classes were full (30 students) which would normally be a nightmare for me, but with these kids I don't see it being a huge issue. I did kind of hit a hiccup by midweek, Tuesday for me. I felt I was starting to lose control of the class in one of my classes. I did manage to get it back the next day, mostly through having structured activities involving writing instead of interaction with me at the board, in which the students just have conversations amongst themselves as I am talking. They are getting better at not doing this. I do think I accomplished my mission of making my presence felt in the classroom. I feel the kids respect me and like me. I have managed to get a bit of both. I emphasize my firmness with them while still being respectful. In fact on the way out today one of my students said to me: "Good class. Good class and good teacher." I am sure there will be a confrontation down the line that will show me exactly where I am with the class, but for now I think I am on solid ground.
I have a couple of notes of interest. First is that when school lets out, it lets out. I experienced this all this week but none more prevalent than today. School is over at 2:40pm. The school is deserted by 2:45pm. Deserted. No one, no students, no teachers, no one. The janitor, I think sticks around, and maybe one or two staff that have to stay late for whatever reason. If not for that reason, they would be gone too. We, the other 5 LT's that work with me, have not seen anything like it anywhere. We walk down the hallways of a completely empty school every afternoon on our way out. I don't even know how the buses are able to leave within that time frame, but they are gone. There are 700 students at this school and there is not a single student on campus after 2:45pm (today we actually timed it at 2:44pm), not to talk, not to hang out with friends, not to stay after school, no students. Its almost eerie, as if everyone knows some fatal gas is let loose in the school at that time except us. A couple of days ago, we actually got locked in the school at 2:55! Luckily the janitor was hanging around and let us out. We marvel at it everyday because we think it may be the most efficient and organized thing we have seen done in the entire country since we have been here. That may sound harsh but it is pretty accurate.
Another note, and I suppose we can chalk this one up as a cultural difference, is that sometimes the students snap their fingers at you when they are trying to get your attention or your "service." I actually was ready for this one, as I had spoken with a teacher back in the States who had once been in Saudi Arabia and he mentioned this. The idea being that the students are used to having servants or maids serve them and this is how they get their attention. This is what the kids know, so when they need the teacher to answer a question, this is what they do. Well as you might expect we put an end to this quick, fast, and in a hurry. Again firm but respectful, I didn't go off on the kid. Just let everyone know that we will not snap at Mr. Ray, ever, ever, ever, ever again. (And yes, I am Mr. Ray here, first names are used).
Another note, perhaps related to the previous one, is that the students have no concept of waiting. Its almost unbelievable because certain things are obvious, such as I am speaking with one student and there are other students after him, then I get to you. Or maybe, I am in a conversation, explaining something, please wait. Literally they will shout "Teacher. Teacher. Teacher. Teacher..." until I tell them the same thing over and over, "Wait." So, another student will watch all of this and start up right after him "Teacher, teacher, teacher..." on top of that they are very annoyed that you did not completely abandon your current conversation and rush to their desks so that they can hand you a wordsearch that you could care less about. Are you serious? They are apparently. The spoiled child factor is starting to rear its ugly head in the classroom.
The last and most important note is a more personal one. Yesterday, I found myself really getting into the educator role more than I have ever before. I mean I was actually looking forward doing things in the classroom and still am. For the first time in my life, I don't feel like I should be doing something else. It was the most exuberant feeling I have had in a while, very freeing really. I don't mind going to work, I even like it I think. I am sure the exotic location helps, and also all the new things I have to about where I am, the people, etc. The kids probably play a big role as well because I think overall they are genuinely good-hearted kids, all of them. Mischievous and perhaps a bit spoiled, yes, but good-hearted.
That's all for now. I will be attending my first Football match (soccer) tonight with the guys at work. I will report how it goes. One week down. TGIT! Or, in showing respect to the region, as one of my colleagues put it, TAIT. Some of you will get that, for the rest of you...
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