This week, all the kids are back in school (it is winter here after all) and all us women are working at the elementary school. Most are teaching electives such as art, gym, music, or dance but I get to teach my favorite thing: math! Unfortunately, it’s elementary school math so not quite my favorite, but I’m still happy to do it. I teach 4th/5th grade first thing in the morning, then go to 6th/7th grade and end the day working with a 3rd grade boy who is a bit more advanced than his classmates.
The first day, Suzanne (she’s teaching English and History) and I were expecting to observe the teachers then see what they wanted us to do from there. Little did we know, the teachers were told that during these two weeks they were just going to observe us. After talking to the 3rd and 4th/5th grade teachers, explaining that we had nothing planned nor did we know what we were supposed to teach their classes, we asked to meet the 6th/7th grade teacher. They said she is in America for the next three weeks so logically we asked who is teaching her class. They said we were. Hmmm… I may be able to figure out what math 6th graders learn in the states, but 6th and 7th graders in South Africa? No idea.
After about ten minutes of me being mildly concerned, we found out there is a woman taking over the 6th/7th grade class for these three weeks. So wonderful.
After teaching for a few days, I realize just how wonderful I think teaching math is. It makes me want my own classroom someday. Preferably in America and preferable in a high school, but only God knows.
