Busy… Busy… Busy….
I have not died though I have gotten that response from a few friends on facebook. Nope, just been busy with the holidays traveling the country, then a week long workshop in windhoek, then school starting the day I come back. School has actually been in session for a week and a half now. I am at school currently putting the final touches on the class schedule. I think this is the 5th time I have made changes. Sill waiting on a finalization of who is going to be in what classes. That hopefully will be set tomorrow. They weren’t kidding about the differences in the school system. With no class register, no year planner (despite having circuit tests) and changing the schedule constantly you really need to be flexible. Trying to impose an American time schedule has only blown up in my face. Sounds good in theory but “African Time” is something special.
Now that I have my own classes I feel like I am accomplishing something. It is a experience to have a lesson well thought out and see it executed beautifully then check the homework and see that maybe one got it. But that one that gets it makes you feel amazing. Part of the trouble is pushing critical thinking skills. In science that is key. You can memorize the facts but the content needs to make sense. Trying different things all the time to see what works but leaving yet again for another conference this week. But I wanted to keep this message short til I get the pics off my camera. Then I will talk about the holidays and teaching methodology.
Just to give you guys a daily schedule:
5:30 am - Rise and Shine
6:00 am Eat delicious oatmeal, take a hot shower (luxury here)
7:00 School suppose to start, if Monday there is assembly and songs and a devotion, daily staff meetings other days
7:20 School actually starts
Then til 1pm I am teaching several classes of Life Science in each grade 8, 9, 10 and grade 8 Math. There is tea time at 10:30! That is when I get the necessary raisen bun from the local ok mart.
2:00 pm - pb and j lunch and half hour nap
3:00 pm -back to Study to answer questions
4:00 pm -head to the athletic field to have the learners run around the track a few laps
6:00pm- head back to school to finish some assignments
7:00pm - Get home, prepare lessons for the next day, eat dinner with the family
11:00pm - “Sleep” - thanks to the lovely malaria medicine we are on
The next 2 years are going to go quick with also being subject head/librarian/science fair director/2 peace corps committees and whatever else they throw at me. So let’s just say my posting is going to decrease a little bit unfortunately. But I will do my best to try and post the big events. As always email me questions or comment questions and I will answer. Geniet jou dag!
2 years ago - read more...
