A day in the classroom

I realized that I've not really ever gone over what a typical day in class looks like. Now that things have stabilized (ok, not really, but I know our current schedule) I figure I could explain better.

We start out our mornings bright and early, getting picked up at 7:20am and getting to school by 7:40ish. If everyone (bus driver included) is on time. Rarely happens, but that's the plan. We start to gather material and prepare for lessons, eat a fast breakfast, and then we lead openings. Openings go over the days of the week, the date, the weather, songs, and the rules. Then the kids go eat and we finish preparing our lessons.

We start our first 20 minute lesson at 9am, then they have a bathroom and water break. If I can say anything, I can definitely say these children are more hydrated than I ever was as a child. We have our second lesson, and the teachers move around to the different classes so the kids don't get confused on where to go. It was confusing for us teachers at first, but it does make it a lot easier for the kids. After our second lesson we have another bathroom and water break, then the kids get ready for outside time (aka recess). 

Recess is interesting. We don't lead it, thank goodness, but it is always structured with warm up exercises and dancing or games to get the kids moving and expending energy. And with how humid it gets, the kids get really sweaty, so they always change their clothes after outside time. Half the time I wish I could as well, and I'm not running around as much as they are. 

They also have snack time where we introduce the fruit they are eating. I'm lucky some of the kids know a lot of English because apples and pears look exactly they same when they are peeled and just in slices. I love hearing them say pistachio and dragon fruit. They have such cute little kid voices! Along with introducing snack, we have to introduce lunch to them every day. That one is harder because it is more food and more varied. And some of the food doesn't translate over to English well. We have yet to figure out what "asparagus lettuce" is...

When they go into nap time, we get our culture classes. So far we have only had Chinese and Kung fu, which is more like tai chi right now. But I am excited for all the things I am and will be learning. 

That is the basic structure, but every day is unique with its own problems and adorable episodes. I love the kids I teach, even when they are punks or cry. I can feel their love and their enthusiasm for life, and while some days that is overwhelming and exhausting, it alway makes me smile and willing to go back for more.