Updates!

October 6, 2013

So here is the update on my life. School is getting easier each day, although with now 40 students and 1 teacher it definitely has its challenges. My main concern is not having a general “carpet” area so the students can get out of their desks to learn. There is not enough space in my classroom to fit 40 desks and have an area or corner for 40 students to sit down to learn, but I really wish it did! Then I could do a lot more teaching outside of standing in the front of the room, and the students would have a chance to get out of their seats to learn. Who knew that a carpet space was so important? Amidst these (and other) challenges, I find so much joy in my kids, and I love seeing their smiling faces. They are so eager to help- they all want to sweep and carry my backpack and clean the board! When they see me walking from my house on top of the hill they will run up to meet me, carry my bag, and hold my hand the rest of the way. It is so precious! I also notice the manners of the students. They stand up to answer a question when they are called, and in the morning the boys salute and the girls courtesy while they all say “Good Morning Madam Liz”. They make it a point to individually greet me each day. At school assembly when Sister Esther will greet them the entire school responds “Good morning Sisters. Good morning teachers. Good morning friends.”

When Sister Esther asks the students how they are they respond “We are fine. Thank you. And what about you?” in a very robotic/ rhythmic way. It makes me laugh every time! They have great manners, don’t get me wrong, but can be just as rowdy as any typical second grader!

The students have loved learning different fun songs, such as the Moosey song, Boom Chicka Boom, and Penguins Attention. They are so cute when they dance around the room.