I know it has been awhile since I have posted any updates so
here is what has been happening. I
also must note that after long days at school the last thing I want to do is
write blog posts so I apologize that my posts have become so sporatic.
Since Thanksgiving, I have been counting down until
Christmas. I am beginning to feel
a bit burnt out and am ready to see all of my loved ones. Teaching 6 different classes has really
taken a toll on me but I know that challenging myself is the best thing I can
do at this point. The kids seem to
also be ready for break because their behavior has been heading down the
slippery slope. Each class seems
more difficult to keep engaged and they seem to be putting less effort into
their studies. I am hoping that
coming back from they will all be renewed and ready to finish the school with a
lot of motivation.
The 9th graders have been the best example of
this. Over the last couple of
weeks they have begun to consistently talk over me and use class time to
discern their social standing with others rather than do their work. Yesterday it all became too much. I heard from Brooke that they had been
the same way in her class and that she snapped with them in the morning. She abruptly ended the lesson only 1/3rd
of the way through and told the students to do their homework. So when they were acting out in my
class I figured I would be consistent in punishment and did the same. I knew this alone wouldn’t fix the
problem though so today after their quiz we built a web where we brainstormed
what it means to be a good student.
Tomorrow they will write me letters about their behaviors and how they
can become a really good student…including what I can do to help them. I will have to let you know how this
turns out and if I see any changes.
On top of everyone being ready for break we have 3 other
headaches that have been plaguing us.
First off, we have not had a copier for over a month now, which isn’t a
big deal because we can have them sent out (you just have to be really on top
of things and a couple days ahead).
But then last week our printer also ran out of ink so now we have no way
to print things to send to the copier.
I have made more worksheets by hand than I ever thought I would have to
since I was teaching in the 21st century. Although this isn’t the ideal situation we have been making
due and have only increased our creativity in our teacher toolbox.
The second disruption has been a lack of internet. For some reason our download allowance
has been severely decreased. We
have been running out of it quite often and rarely have internet at the
school. Luckily we can still visit
the church to borrow those when necessary and to keep in contact with our
friends and families.
The third thing is the Christmas play that the school is
putting together. Unfortunately
they started very late and because of that have been trying to make up
time. So they decided to use the
last two class periods of everyday to work with students. Unfortunately communication hasn’t been
that great and some classes are needed on certain days while others are
not. This has made planning, which
is already a challenge around a break, very difficult.
These things have really taught me flexibility. I thought that student teaching had
taught me that, but that was just a minor step to what I would eventually
learn. I realized this is a great
talking point for future interviews as I know that my experience here will be
brought up. So far my major
learning experiences have been flexibility, creativity, and learning about
myself.
I have spent the last couple weekends just hanging out and
getting a lot of school work done…making worksheets by hand takes extra
time! Girls nights have increased
from once a week to sometimes 3 since our frustrations have also
increased. We have been getting
very intrigued by season 2 of Downton Abby and I would suggest the series to
anyone, I have heard it is available on Netflix. The weather has been beautiful here and while I miss the
snow that I have heard about and seen pictures of, I am happy to be enjoying
sunshine and dryness. I am sure
though that rain is coming this week and we will once again be in a muddy place
where I have to wear my rain boots (which now have holes in them)
constantly. Today our laundry was
done and since it was so beautiful out most of the clothes dried (which hasn’t
happened in a couple months). I am
even more grateful for the fact my sheets got clean, are dry, and smell
nice. I am looking forward to
crawling into bed with clean sheets, my book and my Christmas lights!
I would also like to mention with the holiday season upon
us, if anyone is interested in gifting to the school or students I would be
more than happy to talk with you.
They can always use materials and sponsors are always desired so that
more students can experience the gift of education. There is also another company here who is a microfinance
group that works with coffee farmers.
They do some amazing things here and can always use support, which you
can do by purchasing their coffee.
The follow is a link to their main order page…
They are also working with our Abundant Life Christian
School on a coffee that is grown at a farm owned by some of the teachers and
they are offering to give some of the profits back to the school… here is a
link to that page:
I hope you are all looking forward to a special holiday
season where we can spend time with our families and take part in the
traditions of gift giving. 9 days
until I arrive back in Michigan and yes I will be welcoming the snow!
