“But even an ordinary secretary or a housewife or a TEENAGER can, within their own small ways, turn on a small light in a dark room.” – Miep Gies
The book was bright and colorful and there were pictures to illustrate the points. I thought I can totally do this, picturing sweet elementary aged children sitting at their tables listening intently as I taught English.
Intro day went over about as smoothly as the dirt roads here in Cambodia.
I entered the little grass hut where I teach, to meet my eleven loud, mimic my every sentence, sure to give me attitude, students who quickly disassembled my room set up so they could sit with their friends. Needless to say I was a bit overwhelmed. So I threw all my creative get-to-know you games out the window and blasted Gagnam Style repeatedly from my ipod (I thought PSY was big in America, he’s THE MAN here). They weren’t listening to me anyways so at least when they were dancing they were putting their energy to something creative.
This is when I knew my hands were full.
So much for that deceivingly cutesy book.
Day one of teaching I spent most of my energy speaking very loudly and being the cheating police. As they left I told them I was going to Freedom Writer their behinds. They had no idea what I was talking about…but I was determined to get them to learn.
When class started the next day I was ready to be firm yet loving and I was armed with games, the ones that are fun but you learn at the same time without necessarily being aware, you have to be tricky with this age group, and a big box of candy.
We’ve been teaching for about three weeks now. My class still has their days where I am like did they learn anything? And I felt like I spent most of the day saying “no Khmer (their language)” or “shhh, no talking.” For the most part though they sit quietly at their tables as I teach, they actively participate, and the mimicking and cheating are rare occasions.
After the first few classes my teammates would say; “man, you’re a tough one.” At the time I figured it was the only way to survive with my sanity. Now, my kiddos give me hugs and say; “Teacher (pronounced tea-cha) I love you” when they leave. I’ve won them over even if they pretend like I haven’t and they’ve won their way into my heart.
They may be sassy and a lot to handle when they’re together but I pray they not only learn English when they are with me but that they experience love and begin to see how valuable they are, and that they are capable of anything they set their mind to.
