Most of you know that teaching in a foreign country is not new to me. I taught in Cairo, Egypt for four months in 2004. Teaching Spanish speaking students is also not new to me. My second year in Kannapolis I had 6 Spanish speakers in one class. Knowing what I know now, those poor children suffered. Even though my Spanish may be getting better, it's not even close to good.
Team Sweet Aroma and Alatheia have been spending an hour and a half each day teaching English to the kids at a school near the clinic we are painting. The minute we arrive, by truck, the kids come running after us. Yesterday I had five little girls drag me to their classroom. We've been teaching basic words and phrases. Some of the teachers have gotten a head start on us actually. Since I'm the resident experienced teacher the teams asked me to give them some ideas. At first I thought, "that's easy I can do that." Then I really started to think about it and it became a little overwhelming. Thankfully we have good leaders who released me of thinking up some perfect plan that will teach these kids to be fluent English speakers. Funny how they knew exactly the kind of preassure I put on myself. It's humbling to be in your element, yet completely out of it at the same time.
These kids are so happy to see us each day and so willing to learn anything we can give to them. It's a breath of fresh air! They only go to school from about 8:00 am to 12:30pm, because there is work to be done at home. There are no sports teams. There are no clubs to join. Most do get fed before going home for the day, and those who can afford it wear uniforms.
Of course kids are still kids. The girls are interested in my jewelry and run to be the first to hold my hands. The boys play rough and want to be swung around by the guys. The boys are very vocal in class and dominate most of my time. Nothing new there. The older girls show interest to the "bad" boys and every class has a clown. Kids will be kids no matter which country they grow up in.
Some of the 9 and 10 year olds. I guess not smiling is a cultural thing. They are all very playful and love to teach me as much as I teach them.
They taught us how to play Spanish duck, duck, goose. Pato, pato, gonzo and you both run in opposite directions to the open spot.
They love to play basketball. They play with these plastic balls that don't bounce very well.
Always wanting attention and photos taken! Fell in love with these kids!!!!
