Tet is FINALLY over...Thank the Good Lord! I was very bored and am thrilled to be back to work. A few of my classes ended and I was sad to see them go. The above picture is from one of my younger classes that just ended. The girls loved playing with my special multicolored markers Mama Spauldin sent from the US. My school only has red, black and blue.
My first few classes have taught me a ton...what works and what doesn't. It's easier to acknowledge my "bigness" right away and it quickly becomes a non-issue. I have found that I really love the younger kids. They really seem to respond to me and most are so sharp. When I give them a challenging task before break, they will work through their break trying to complete it. Very inspiring! However, having a good TA in the class is priceless. They help answer the kids' questions, explain difficult terms or game instructions, and help out in general.
I was assigned a new class recently with the dreaded 5 year olds. They were my first class ever and it was an epic fail. It seriously was. When I asked the TA how it went after my first class 3 months ago, the sweet thing said, "well, you tried really hard." LOL
Luckily, I came armed with a load of youtube kids' songs and a few activities this time. Let's just say it was a HUGE difference. Still room for improvement but way better than the first go.
I am actually considering getting my master's degree in esl education so I can teach if/when I come home. I really couldn't have imagined how much I would love teaching. It really blows my mind. I am absolutely thrilled with my decision and haven't looked back once.
Medical update: I am still being treated for my blood clot. The pain has mostly gone away but the clot is still there along with the bruising and the bumps. I am finishing the blood clot injections next week and starting on the oral blood thinners for 6 weeks. I am receiving good treatment from a Western clinic here.
On a funny note, I started a new class of 7-8 year olds this week. I have one naughty little boy in it. I kept getting on him for hitting and kicking the other kids. I made him sit down and not dance during the last activity. When the students leave, the TA makes them line up and say "Goodbye Teacher!" This little brat said "Goodbye Monster!" I asked him why he called me that and he said I was big. I said "Well, you are naughty!" I was shocked he would say that to a teacher! I definitely should have responded differently but I was so caught off guard. It should be an interesting 11 more weeks with this little chap. LOL
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