Back in the Classroom

Hi Everyone! This is Kim. Tamra, Raegan and I are sitting in the house right now listening to the rain outside. It has now been raining for over an hour, and it is absolutely wonderful. There is a lovely breeze, and the weather has cooled significantly. We were entertaining several children that didn't make it home before it started pouring. Tamra was taking pictures and video of them on her I Pad so that they could see themselves. Let me just tell you that it was quiet entertaining!!!

 

I love seeing the huge smiles when children see themselves in a picture!







Earlier in the day I was able to spend time in the P4 classroom I'll be working in these next few weeks. Unlike Tamra, I did not actually begin tutoring any students today, but mainly helped the teachers grade a math test, hang multiplication flashcards on string, and other such tasks. Hopefully tomorrow I will have an opportunity to begin meeting with students. Speaking of grading, let me just tell you about my experience of receiving a red grading pen. One of the teachers, Auntie Maple, asked me if I already had a red pen. Since I'm not in the habit of carrying one around with me, I told her that I did not, so we walked to the office to get one that I could use. As we walked into the office, she explained to the receptionist what I needed, and I was then given a very large book, opened to a page titled "Red Pen". As I was looking at this book I noticed a sticky note for "Blue Pens", "Black Pens", and other office supplies. Apparently each time a teacher needs more supplies, s/he has to sign the book. For just ONE red pen, I had to write the date, my name, my signature, my reason for wanting the pen, how many pens I needed, and what class I was working in. WOW!!! After I used the pen the first time, I set it on the table and was quickly reminded that I needed to hold onto it so that I would always have it to use. I would guess so! There's no way I want to go through that again!
But really, it was a great day, and since I mainly worked with the teachers, it was fun to talk with them about things they do in the classroom, and how things are similar or different from our schools back in the states. I'm looking forward to getting to know them and the children much more in the day and weeks to come!
Well that's all for now. I've got my red pen, and I'm ready for whatever tomorrow brings!