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Published: February 10th 2007
my IPOD
The girls at the hostel LOVE my IPOD. Their favorite is ShakiraHello, hello,
So this week was a really good one...
Our region is having an athletic tournament in a couple of weeks which is a really big deal...so every day this week and next week we have had to go back to school at 3 to practice (school goes from 7am to 1pm each day.) Can I tell you that I thought they were kidding when they told me we were going to be practicing everyday at 3?!? It is easily 100 degrees and I am dripping in sweat! But it is fun and I am looking forward to seeing them compete in a couple of weeks. They always want me to compete in the exercises too...let's just say long jumps and shotput are not my strengths!
I started to try some positive reinforcement in the classroom which seems to be working well. I have a poster that I put up each week for my A+ learners - for those who score a 100% on my quizzes, and they have all told me that they want to be an "A+ learner" next week! It's amazing the academic differences in a class, especially my 5th grade. Some don't speak any
Hostel
This is a picture of the hostel that I am living at from the outside English at all, while others can read and write, so I am finding that to be hard to keep everyone's attention.
Computer classes are going really well...I tought them all how to turn on and off the computer and for most of the kids, this was their first time ever using a mouse...I have to say that I was laughing to myself when they were picking the mouses up in the air and having no clue what to do with them.
On another note, my principal asked me to make a poster with the rules of the computer room, i.e. no food or drinks, etc. and she wanted me to put that the "Learners must speak in English" as one of the rules. I have to say that I did not want to put this as a rule. First of all, many of them can not speak English and I didn't want them to feel that they couldn't ask one of their peers if they didn't understand me, and secondly, I didn't want to be seen as "the American" forcing them to speak English even though it is the National Language. But my principal is really into the
Walking to school
Each morning the girls walk to school in this perfect line... learners speaking English as much as possible. I've talked to many people who have told me that Namibians equate speaking English with being successful. So I talked to her about it, and she agreed to let me put "Try to speak in English."
Throughout my time here, I have had some mixed feelings about my role as an English teacher. It does feel like I am contributing to the loss of their culture and traditions when we are telling them to speak English, but as a whole, Namibia is trying to become a "developed" country and many of the people that I have spoken to, say that they want to learn English and are happy that it is their national language. So...
Right now I am actually back at Swakopmund, the nice tourist town, meeting up with some other World Teach volunteers for our "one month in our towns" celebration as well as my birthday which is nice. I have to say, we made these plans when we were in training and I found myself actually wanting to stay in my town to hang out with my new friends but it is nice to see the other volunteers
Usakos
This is a picture of the main street of my town...obviously sponsored by Coca Cola and share some stories. I guess that means that I am really settling in, right? And I am actually really happy with my placement compared to some of the other volunteer placements. And I can't wait to have a hot shower 😊
It's funny though, we all have had similar experiences being frustrated at the disorganization and their attentiveness to little details. For example, my principal is meticulous about their NOTEBOOKS being covered (not their books, their notebooks) and everyone MUST use rulers when they are writing in their notebooks...it's funny where their priorities are.
ok, I know I said I'd have pics of my school but that will be for next week! Hope everyone is good and has a Happy Valentine's Day!
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Katie
non-member comment
I'm so glad to hear that you are having such a great experience out there! All is the same here. Finally got a school counseling job! E-mail me when you have time and I will tell you all about it. Keep up the great work! Miss you!