Spend time with children, people watch, go for a walk travel and ask "why?"
Since those above mentioned, and a few others on the list, is all I've done in the past three weeks, I think it's safe to say my creativity is accelerating.
I make fun of American celebrities who name their children Apple and North because in American culture, and in my opinion, it's just silly. However, in China, the children at our school have quite a collection of unique names. Each student has their given Chinese name, but also their English name. We have a Zero, a Xerox and a Snowy. We have a few classics such as Henry, Charles and Cathy, too. It's adorable because from what I hear they just choose whatever English name they wish. All this means is sometimes you tell a five-year-old they can choose a name for them self and you end up with a kid named after their favorite thing which could be Bubbles, Candy or Noodles.
The English name is essentially just a nickname and can change periodically for some students. So maybe when Noodles burns out on pasta she'll go by Barbie. Who knows?
My first day observing I instantly fell in love with one of the Small Star students. She walked in school holding a sandwich bag with a giant horsefly residing inside... Still alive. She will forever be, "bug in a bag girl," to me. She twirls around in her dress without a care in the world, picking an occasional wedgie or pulling her dress over her head and resting it there for several minutes as she makes faces no one can see. I laugh regardless because she is five and doesn't care that she's flashing her panties to the world. That, my friends, is the beauty of childhood. I'm very excited to say I'll be taking over as teacher in her class so she is mine forever now. :) Of course, no one has favorites because that's frowned upon, but I'm going to be frank with y'all.
My nose ring and tattoo distract them. Maybe not a distraction, but I'm new to them, therefore so are my accessories. Their little eyes light up at the shine from my nose every time my head turns a different direction and they catch a glimpse of sparkle for the first time. Their little jaws drop as they smile and point to their own noses in curiosity. I just smile and gesture for them to turn around and listen to the teacher.
I did my first co-teaching lesson today. I ran the three activities and actually managed some responses from the students as opposed to the crickets I encountered my first go around. The last time, which was also the first time, I gave instructions to go outside and the students just stared at me. My boss had to step in and repeat everything I'd said. She looked at me and, with a laugh, said, "slow it down because they didn't catch a word you just said." With blushed cheeks, I followed in the back of the line as we headed outside.
I'm not nervous about the children. Children are easy. I am one. I have no sensor and say the first thing that comes to mind, too. And et's be honest, I still pick wedgies and make funny faces at others. Big whoop.
As far as mistakes go, the kids will correct me. I've been warned as much.
Three things worry me:
1. For the next four weeks I am on "probation" as I prove to EF and my school that I am a good teacher and will be a great assets to their company. Therefore, I am under a close watch by my fellow teachers, boss, PAs and any other person in my school above me (which is everyone.)
2. I worry about forgetting something important in their lesson or activity instructions. For once in my life I have a job that takes part in molding young minds. A job that makes a difference. A job that matters to my future, as a person (no offense to my previous employers.) Also, to the future of the children I'll be teaching.
I'm not the first person most would pick to be a mentor or role model for their children, but who I am is not how I
I know when to behave, when to speak and when not to speak. I know what is and is not appropriate. I have common sense. Give me a break!
3. My biggest concern is my fast-paced talking. This kind of ties into the second worry. Eventually I will get the hang of it, slow down and instead of a fast southern drawl I'll speak a slow, southern drawl. (Which sounds worse than my current state of speech.)
You may be thinking, "they're just kids, how badly could you mess up." Or, "How hard could it be?"
Well, with my company there are four levels in the Kids & Teens centers. Each level has sub levels, too. I could teach any age from three up to 18 in the same day.
Here is a breakdown of the age groups:
*Small Stars - ages 3-6
-level A, B and C
*High Flyers - ages 6-10
-levels (I don't even know yet.)
*Trailblazers - ages 10-13
-levels
*Front Runners - ages 13-18
- levels 1-10 (or something similar)
This is where it gets complicated. Each age group is extremely different, Even level to level is specific. This is where my worry comes in. There is a lot of information to retain on each level and sub-level. I have great co-workers and trainers and friends here to support and guide me through when I am freaking out about a 10 minute activity. EF is very structured and the most of it is habitual, but until I get a routine of my own life is going to be a bit nerve racking. I will not fail, though. That isn't what I do.
My aunt commented on my previous blog that I inspire people to chase what they believed impossible. And even if they don't chase a dream, I at least give them proof that chasing dreams can be a reality. Wether or not you succeed is another story.
I promise to do my best to be the best teacher I can be for myself, for my school and for my supporters back in the US of A. :)
I'll leave you with the highlight of my day from a 12-year-oldTrailblazer named Mike.
The teacher was explaining the word, "curse". She said, "A witch turns Mike (student) into a frog. Is that a good or bad thing?" Mike said, "good because someday a princess might kiss him."
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