The Preschoolers actually double as my alarm clock. They arrive at school by 6:30am and do their daily stretches & songs right below my window. Our English lessons consist of ABC’s, lots of word repeating, singing, coloring, and BIG hugs. We are in each class for 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to wear you out.
The elementary students are my entertainment for the day. I am greeted at the door with this routine…
1. Everyone stands up and Yells… “Good Morring TeaCHA!”
2. I respond “Goodmorning, how are you?”
3. “FAAAAA TanK Yo, HA Are YOU?”, and then they sit back down… kind of =)
It is the absolute most adorable thing in the world. Just wait until you see it on video.
I teach level 1 elementary, which consists of comprehending, speaking, and writing out ONE new sentence every day… Along with LOTS of high fives. For the most part, the hour goes smooth, I assign them homework to write the sentence 10 times, and it’s always a comedy show.
In the evenings I teach level 5 grammar and conversation to high school and College students that come to New Hope for extra English classes. I really look forward to my time with these older kids. We hang out before and after class and the conversation is on a friendship level. I am not ‘TeaCHA’ to these students, but ‘Beka’.
There is a lot of new vocabulary & explanations that take place in the classroom, but let’s face it; I am not an English scholar (I didn’t know the difference between ‘Present Continuous’ & ‘Participle’ the other day). I do my best, but I also realize it would be impossible for me to impact these kids’ lives through a talent of teaching.
What WILL have an impact is to speak life into these Students and lead by example in the way I interact with them. Whether I am asking a group questions or having a deep 1 on 1 conversation, I want to be someone they can trust and come to for encouragement, in whatever area it might be. It is not hard, in fact conversation comes easy. God has gifted me with an observing heart and a relatable personality. THAT’s how I am teaching, I’m just giving them ALL my full attention and love… and making them laugh of course =)
No matter what the age group, each one of these kids has something HUGE in common. They are SO eager to learn! Whether it’s about colors & Jesus song’s in preschool or Life & the Bible in the upper classes, these kids are Passionate & Filled with God’s love. Christianity was most likely Not ‘taught‘ to them by their parents. It has been shown to them over and over through the called leaders and community of this school. I am more than honored to be a part of planting seeds in these kids’ lives.
If THESE students are really the Future of Cambodia, BIG things are in store!
