In true Colombian fashion, plans change at a moments notice. During the past two weeks, I transitioned from teaching at Hogar Mariano to another school: Instituto Distrital para el Desarrollo del Talento Humano (IDETH). This change provided the safest, most beneficial experience for both me and students. This co-ed school is less than 8 minutes on a bus from my house.
My first day at IDETH happened to be the day of the school's Carnaval celebration. While I assumed that I would be observing the festivities, the other teachers had different plans. Upon arriving to school, they declared me the Carnaval queen. While one teacher covered my eyelids in vivid eyeshadow, another rushed to a closet where she emerged with a bright pink and turquoise dress in a traditional "cumbia" style. Once the party began, the director of the school introduced me to the parents and students as I made an attempt to dance onstage.
This unexpected welcoming foreshadowed the inclusion and support that I have received. Parents are always greeting me and offering me advice on living on the coast. Telling them that I enjoy living in Barranquilla always brings a smile to their faces.
I have finally begun teaching, after a week of meetings, class observations, and several days of no school due to the Carnaval celebration. My students are in kindergarten, first, and second grades and especially enjoy singing songs in English.
While I create lesson plans and teach independently in kindergarten and second grade classes, I co-teach the first grade classes with Amparo.
During snack break, the children love sharing their chips and cookies. While accepting the food from their sticky hands is not always the most appetizing, I am warmed by their desire to share. Not every moment is easy, but their smiling faces make every moment worthwhile!
I have finally begun teaching, after a week of meetings, class observations, and several days of no school due to the Carnaval celebration. My students are in kindergarten, first, and second grades and especially enjoy singing songs in English.
While I create lesson plans and teach independently in kindergarten and second grade classes, I co-teach the first grade classes with Amparo.
Amparo has been a teacher for many years and speaks English well. With energy and enthusiasm, she does an amazing job teaching. After talking with some of her students from last year, I am impressed by the knowledge that they recall and their excitement for learning English.
These children are eager to share their affection. Upon entering the classroom, I am greeted with countless hugs. Walking around the school, I often hear little voices exclaiming, "Teacher," accompanied by a smile and brisk wave.
These children are eager to share their affection. Upon entering the classroom, I am greeted with countless hugs. Walking around the school, I often hear little voices exclaiming, "Teacher," accompanied by a smile and brisk wave.
During snack break, the children love sharing their chips and cookies. While accepting the food from their sticky hands is not always the most appetizing, I am warmed by their desire to share. Not every moment is easy, but their smiling faces make every moment worthwhile!
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