My First Day

I guess kids are kids, as these ones really weren't that much different from what you see in the states. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but the kids were pretty fair-skinned, spoke pretty decent English, and were very excited to be at school. They are very high-energy, which can be a good thing, but I did have to squash it a couple of times.

We started out the morning with procedures and expectations. They took to them pretty well. When I told them of my past reputation at TCK, a couple of them looked horrified. I even showed them what it sounds like when I raise my voice. Even when I was done, and had told them I was just kidding, a few still looked like they were in a mild state of shock.

From there, we played some "getting to know you" games. They were funny. Their English is quirky, and they say things that remind me of what an idiot I must sound like every time I try to initiate a conversation with a taxi driver.

They went to lunch from there, and you wouldn't believe what they eat. The difference between our cafeteria food and theirs is absolutely amazing. For example, they might have chicken and rice soup, a salad, a main plate with carne asada, potatoes, and rice, a dessert, and a glass of some sort of exotic juice. All of this for about 2 bucks. Crazy.

When they got back, they had Spanish class. On a sidenote, I only actually teach them 17 hours a week. They have more pull-outs than you could possibly believe. For example, on Monday morning, I have them from 7:45-7:50, then don't see them again until 10:30. Later that same day, they will have Spanish class for an hour and ten minutes, which brings me to a grand total of something like 2.5 hours for the day. Anyway, back to Spanish class. These kids are notorious for chatting with one another, and when their first-year Spanish teacher came in, it was like blood in the water. I sat there in amazement, and I have to admit, slight anger, for the entire class, all the while waiting for her to leave. When she did, I told them we needed to have a serious chat. I asked them to picture what the last hour looked like, sounded like, and felt like, and then asked them whether it was appropriate or inappropriate behavior. They knew they were wrong. I told them that if they wanted to act like that, then they should be prepared to get consequences. Little do they know that I discipline for sport. I told them I'd sit at my desk and pick them off, one by one. I think they took me seriously, but we'll find out on Thursday.

The rest of the day was pretty smooth sailing. Unfortunatley, I don't think I'll walk away with any shocking or unusual stories, much unlike the past years at TCK. Yelling and intimidation are pretty much out the window, but I can still joke with them. For my big joke of the day, I told them in the morning about a "mystery" homework assignment they had. They waited all day until the last part, when I turned to the board and wrote that they needed to complete a 10 page report detailing Colombia's national history, including all past presidents and their years of service. It was dead silent. They were relieved to hear that it was all just my idea of funny.

Ben

By the way, I have been taking pictures. I'm looking to get an adaptor for my memory card so that I can upload some of them. It shouldn't be too long...