Hello fervent followers!
I have a confession: I think I am addicted to India.Arie. *sigh* She is probably the most soulful artist currently on the market, and I would just about give a kidney to see her live in concert. However, she really doesn't do live shows anymore..or they are just so top secret that little ole' me doesn't know about them. Either way, if you see/hear anything about her in concert anywhere in Southeast Asia - PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!
In other news, I am feeling so much better! God really has made a way for me. Even my co-workers have noticed a change in my disposition :] Love it!
I am sooo ready for my visit home! But I learned yesterday that I should probably focus on my happiness day to day rather than focusing on a future event to make me happy. Wise words from a co-worker. So I plan on taking that approach for the duration of my contract. I cannot wait to see my loved ones, but I vow to life, laugh & love each day as if it's my last.
Until next time, I love you all!
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen lai!
peace&love
A memoir of life before, during, and after my 11 month sabbatical in Bangkok, Thailand...enjoy!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Fear God and your troubles will melt away...
Happy Sunday fervent followers!
As many of you should know, I have been having second thoughts about my decision to come here and about actually staying throughout the full term. I was feeling very alone and depressed. I was missing home, my family, friends and boyfriend, and I felt as if I was missing every BIG event in life (the little sis's Sweet 16, one of the bestie's weddings, new additions to Greek Life, etc). I was about ready to give up and go home when I visit in October. But God has a funny way of placing people in your life.
If you know me well, you know I am not the one to shove Jesus in anyone's face, but I have been a fervent follower of the doctrine of the Church of Christ since before I can remember. Yet, I have never had a true test of faith in my adult life. Yes, I have had trials and tribulations, but I never had to endure them alone, and thus, did not really develop my personal relationship with God. But lately, I have been at my lowest point I have been in a really long time, and the only thing holding me up is Jesus. I have prayed every day, asking for strength. I found a church here in Bangkok and attended today. I had gone before but was extremely shy and did not really talk to anyone in depth. But TODAY was different. I met 3 other Black Christian women who welcomed me and coaxed me to stay at church for Bible Study and lunch, and I am soooooo glad that I did. I had FINALLY found Christian women who could empathize with my struggles about being Black in Bangkok, the food, the lack of friends, and the struggles of every day life. It felt so good to be among the righteous and to be able to be my true self - my true personality has been hidden away because of my sadness.
I say all that to say this: Thank you Jesus. With every bone in my body, I will praise you. I have never weeped tears of joy while in service, nor have I have been moved by the word until I started to know him for myself. If you don't know him, I encourage you to seek his grace. If your relationship is like mine was - distant and aloof - actively seek his blessings and you will receive. I am now a true testament of faith and true believer in sincere & earnest prayer, just like Elias (James 5:17).
So I am off to to the gym after a 3 hour long nap :] Keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mine. Love you all!
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai!
peace&love
As many of you should know, I have been having second thoughts about my decision to come here and about actually staying throughout the full term. I was feeling very alone and depressed. I was missing home, my family, friends and boyfriend, and I felt as if I was missing every BIG event in life (the little sis's Sweet 16, one of the bestie's weddings, new additions to Greek Life, etc). I was about ready to give up and go home when I visit in October. But God has a funny way of placing people in your life.
If you know me well, you know I am not the one to shove Jesus in anyone's face, but I have been a fervent follower of the doctrine of the Church of Christ since before I can remember. Yet, I have never had a true test of faith in my adult life. Yes, I have had trials and tribulations, but I never had to endure them alone, and thus, did not really develop my personal relationship with God. But lately, I have been at my lowest point I have been in a really long time, and the only thing holding me up is Jesus. I have prayed every day, asking for strength. I found a church here in Bangkok and attended today. I had gone before but was extremely shy and did not really talk to anyone in depth. But TODAY was different. I met 3 other Black Christian women who welcomed me and coaxed me to stay at church for Bible Study and lunch, and I am soooooo glad that I did. I had FINALLY found Christian women who could empathize with my struggles about being Black in Bangkok, the food, the lack of friends, and the struggles of every day life. It felt so good to be among the righteous and to be able to be my true self - my true personality has been hidden away because of my sadness.
I say all that to say this: Thank you Jesus. With every bone in my body, I will praise you. I have never weeped tears of joy while in service, nor have I have been moved by the word until I started to know him for myself. If you don't know him, I encourage you to seek his grace. If your relationship is like mine was - distant and aloof - actively seek his blessings and you will receive. I am now a true testament of faith and true believer in sincere & earnest prayer, just like Elias (James 5:17).
So I am off to to the gym after a 3 hour long nap :] Keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mine. Love you all!
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai!
peace&love
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
omg. I can't do this alone!!! ahhhhhh
Alright followers. My team teacher is sick today, which means I have the kids all by myself. This has been the worst day yet. They are loud and boisterous..maybe its because I feel overwhelmed. Idk. But they are seriously working my nerves...ughhhhhhhhhhhhh
They just need to go to sleep already...geeeeeez!!!!
Back to the scheduled program...
They just need to go to sleep already...geeeeeez!!!!
Back to the scheduled program...
Monday, August 23, 2010
More sappy crap
Good afternoon fervent followers!
I had a great convo with my boo last night, and we have decided to take our 3rd anniversary trip during Christmas break to Bali, Indonesia!!! If you don't know where that is..look it up. All I can say is one word: freakin amazing - ok 2 words lol
We found an all inclusive resort for $150 per person per night, which if you've ever been to an all inclusive resort, then you know that's pretty darn good! It includes all food, drinks, entertainment shows, and other extracurriculars like rafting and snorkeling :] I am super excited and its almost 4 months away!!! I cannot wait!
Ok..in other news, today went very well. I only had 2 criers (Zacha - who cries every morning because she doesn't wanna leave her mommy & Tatte - who is always still sleepy after his nap and cries because he doesn't wanna wake up smh) and the rest of the class was pretty good. One of my bad student's mom sent him to school with a LARGE Coke and a chocolate cake at 8am. Now, mind you, my babies are 3-5 years old, so a large coke = EHBS (extraterrestrial hyperactivity and badness syndrome). Of course, as he walked into class, I took it from him and did not give it to him until after school. But just to give my babies some praise - they are only in Pre-K and I taught them patterns today and they TOTALLY GOT IT! I was so proud of them...I totally did not think they were gonna get it..huge underestimation.
But overall, I think I am getting used to this teacher thing now. I can teach lessons and change my lesson plans in an instant if my students are understanding. I can switch from nice lady to mean old hag in 2.08 seconds flat. They already know what my mean face means and they stop dead in their tracks when I give them the eye....
Well, its only 3:34 and I cant leave until 4...guess I will make up some work to do, which will consist of looking for a puppy farm in Bangkok and workout plans...
Life is too short & God is too good. I guess mai pen rai is back lol
peace&love
I had a great convo with my boo last night, and we have decided to take our 3rd anniversary trip during Christmas break to Bali, Indonesia!!! If you don't know where that is..look it up. All I can say is one word: freakin amazing - ok 2 words lol
We found an all inclusive resort for $150 per person per night, which if you've ever been to an all inclusive resort, then you know that's pretty darn good! It includes all food, drinks, entertainment shows, and other extracurriculars like rafting and snorkeling :] I am super excited and its almost 4 months away!!! I cannot wait!
Ok..in other news, today went very well. I only had 2 criers (Zacha - who cries every morning because she doesn't wanna leave her mommy & Tatte - who is always still sleepy after his nap and cries because he doesn't wanna wake up smh) and the rest of the class was pretty good. One of my bad student's mom sent him to school with a LARGE Coke and a chocolate cake at 8am. Now, mind you, my babies are 3-5 years old, so a large coke = EHBS (extraterrestrial hyperactivity and badness syndrome). Of course, as he walked into class, I took it from him and did not give it to him until after school. But just to give my babies some praise - they are only in Pre-K and I taught them patterns today and they TOTALLY GOT IT! I was so proud of them...I totally did not think they were gonna get it..huge underestimation.
But overall, I think I am getting used to this teacher thing now. I can teach lessons and change my lesson plans in an instant if my students are understanding. I can switch from nice lady to mean old hag in 2.08 seconds flat. They already know what my mean face means and they stop dead in their tracks when I give them the eye....
Well, its only 3:34 and I cant leave until 4...guess I will make up some work to do, which will consist of looking for a puppy farm in Bangkok and workout plans...
Life is too short & God is too good. I guess mai pen rai is back lol
peace&love
Friday, August 20, 2010
Glad that's over
Ok fervent followers, I am feeling so much better. Yep, my kiddies have made me feel like I'm SuperWoman. My only kryptonite is late taxi drivers. Hopefully this is a start to a renewed sense of spirit and love for Bangkok.
Soooo, I started a journal yesterday. And I know what you're thinking..."isn't this a journal?" NOPE! This is a public blog. I do not share my deep, innermost thoughts with you guys. Sorry! Love ya but uhhhh iono you like that shawty...but yeah. I started my journal while at school and I immediately felt better about my day. I was putting alot of frustrations on paper..and that made me feel good. I have also started writing poetry again. Not for sale or anything..shoot I might not even let anyone see it. But it helps to put my thoughts down on paper. It soothes my soul.
Yesterday, someone asked me what my hobbies were and I couldnt even tell them. But today, I can say that I journal and I listen to music. Music/poetry/journaling = my catharsis. Big word meaning release for emotions. So if you're like me..and you need some way to get it outta ya..then write it down. Get it out and you will feel 3000% better!
Welp..its about that time that I get to leave school early :] TGIF!!!!
Love you all! & Continue to pray for me!
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen lai!
peace&love
Soooo, I started a journal yesterday. And I know what you're thinking..."isn't this a journal?" NOPE! This is a public blog. I do not share my deep, innermost thoughts with you guys. Sorry! Love ya but uhhhh iono you like that shawty...but yeah. I started my journal while at school and I immediately felt better about my day. I was putting alot of frustrations on paper..and that made me feel good. I have also started writing poetry again. Not for sale or anything..shoot I might not even let anyone see it. But it helps to put my thoughts down on paper. It soothes my soul.
Yesterday, someone asked me what my hobbies were and I couldnt even tell them. But today, I can say that I journal and I listen to music. Music/poetry/journaling = my catharsis. Big word meaning release for emotions. So if you're like me..and you need some way to get it outta ya..then write it down. Get it out and you will feel 3000% better!
Welp..its about that time that I get to leave school early :] TGIF!!!!
Love you all! & Continue to pray for me!
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen lai!
peace&love
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Great way to start off my first month here! [I'm totally being sarcastic]
Good early morning fervent followers!
I have been MIA on my blogs for the past week because I have been super tired everyday after work. These kids literally work me into the ground.
But on to today's news. I am awaken this morning (15 before my alarm clock, which already pisses me off) to my taxi driver speaking jumbled English that I cannot understand. I assume it means he cannot come, but I call the number back to be sure. Another driver answers telling me my driver took another customer for 6:45am (he's supposed to get me at 6:30am everyday) and cannot come and get me. I am pissed because this is the second time this has happened this week!!!!!!!!! I am seriously going to have to get another driver!!!!!!
This is one of the things that is contributing to my dislike of Thailand and Bangkok, specifically. I am always sick. I am always late because Thai taxi drivers don't value my time. I'm always lonely. And I am always tired. I don't really have any friends here and the people I came with already have good relationships, in which I am not included. I don't really share any commonalities amongst the people I came with so it makes it that much harder to build friendships. I am trying to be a good sport and do great things here...but it is really hard. Today, I really just wanna come home. ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Skype/Facebook/Twitter is not gonna help me either - so please don't suggest it. Yes, I can see my family and friends and boyfriend, but I can't hug them, or touch them, or have them here when I am sad. May 31st please get here as quickly as you can. Thanx.
Hopefully my day will not be as bad as it's start.
Until next time,
Life is too short & God is too good. No more mai pen lai (I've had enough)
peace&love = frustration/dislike with and for Bangkok
God, please give me strength.
I have been MIA on my blogs for the past week because I have been super tired everyday after work. These kids literally work me into the ground.
But on to today's news. I am awaken this morning (15 before my alarm clock, which already pisses me off) to my taxi driver speaking jumbled English that I cannot understand. I assume it means he cannot come, but I call the number back to be sure. Another driver answers telling me my driver took another customer for 6:45am (he's supposed to get me at 6:30am everyday) and cannot come and get me. I am pissed because this is the second time this has happened this week!!!!!!!!! I am seriously going to have to get another driver!!!!!!
This is one of the things that is contributing to my dislike of Thailand and Bangkok, specifically. I am always sick. I am always late because Thai taxi drivers don't value my time. I'm always lonely. And I am always tired. I don't really have any friends here and the people I came with already have good relationships, in which I am not included. I don't really share any commonalities amongst the people I came with so it makes it that much harder to build friendships. I am trying to be a good sport and do great things here...but it is really hard. Today, I really just wanna come home. ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Skype/Facebook/Twitter is not gonna help me either - so please don't suggest it. Yes, I can see my family and friends and boyfriend, but I can't hug them, or touch them, or have them here when I am sad. May 31st please get here as quickly as you can. Thanx.
Hopefully my day will not be as bad as it's start.
Until next time,
Life is too short & God is too good. No more mai pen lai (I've had enough)
peace&love = frustration/dislike with and for Bangkok
God, please give me strength.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
looooooooooooooooong wknd!
Hello jolly jumblers!
Today marks the end of my work week and the beginning of a loooooooong wknd! I have today and tmrw off..and guess what? Yep, you guessed it: I am sooooo excited to have some free time to myself *yesssssssssssss*
Don't get me wrong, now. I love my babies :] but they are very tiring and I needed a break.
I plan to use my time wisely and sightsee everyday!
OmG..I almost forgot! So I go to bed super late last night because I was up skyping the boo (circa 5am) and my office calls me at 8:30am!!!!! Of course, my voice was so raspy that it was almost unrecognizable..just ask Ben for a demo. So yeah, they wake me up and to tell me I had to be at training on my days off. Ummmm. That would be a neg maams and sirs. So I tell her to have my boss call me because I dont wanna go in today. My boss calls and says nevermind because its too short notice.
Now there are a few things wrong with this story. First, I was abruptly awaken on my day off. No bueno. Second, I was abruptly awaken on my day off in vain. Double no bueno. And third, I cant go back to sleep :( and thats why I am writing.
Hopefully this cold pizza I am eating for breakfast will bring out the itis...we shall wait and see.
Until next time,
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai!
peace&love
Today marks the end of my work week and the beginning of a loooooooong wknd! I have today and tmrw off..and guess what? Yep, you guessed it: I am sooooo excited to have some free time to myself *yesssssssssssss*
Don't get me wrong, now. I love my babies :] but they are very tiring and I needed a break.
I plan to use my time wisely and sightsee everyday!
OmG..I almost forgot! So I go to bed super late last night because I was up skyping the boo (circa 5am) and my office calls me at 8:30am!!!!! Of course, my voice was so raspy that it was almost unrecognizable..just ask Ben for a demo. So yeah, they wake me up and to tell me I had to be at training on my days off. Ummmm. That would be a neg maams and sirs. So I tell her to have my boss call me because I dont wanna go in today. My boss calls and says nevermind because its too short notice.
Now there are a few things wrong with this story. First, I was abruptly awaken on my day off. No bueno. Second, I was abruptly awaken on my day off in vain. Double no bueno. And third, I cant go back to sleep :( and thats why I am writing.
Hopefully this cold pizza I am eating for breakfast will bring out the itis...we shall wait and see.
Until next time,
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai!
peace&love
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
All I can say is....pooped!
*Whew* I need a breath of air...and they are napping so this is when I get it!
Hello effervescent everyones!
Today is my 2nd day with my babies and I absolutely love them! I am equally tired today but it seems that they notice and start to calm down after lunch time. I have been actually teaching things today (the letter A & its sound, shapes & colors, and how to get to school) and they are super smart! There are a few that are fluent English and Thai speakers! Impressive, right? I know!
Well I am skyping the ONE & ONLY boo so I gotta go ;]
Until next time, which may or may not be tmrw bc like I said, I'm pooped...
Life is too short & God is too good! Mai pen rai!
peace&love
Hello effervescent everyones!
Today is my 2nd day with my babies and I absolutely love them! I am equally tired today but it seems that they notice and start to calm down after lunch time. I have been actually teaching things today (the letter A & its sound, shapes & colors, and how to get to school) and they are super smart! There are a few that are fluent English and Thai speakers! Impressive, right? I know!
Well I am skyping the ONE & ONLY boo so I gotta go ;]
Until next time, which may or may not be tmrw bc like I said, I'm pooped...
Life is too short & God is too good! Mai pen rai!
peace&love
Monday, August 9, 2010
My first day was amazing!
Hello fervent followers!
Today was my first day teaching, and I loved it! Don't get me wrong..it was super tiring running around and playing all day but I love my babies! They are sooooo adorable and well behaved. Most of the parents are very involved and understanding about their children, so I have not had a hard time with them.
Well..more details and pictures later with my babies!
Naptime is on the horizon....
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai & enjoy the ride.
peace&love
Today was my first day teaching, and I loved it! Don't get me wrong..it was super tiring running around and playing all day but I love my babies! They are sooooo adorable and well behaved. Most of the parents are very involved and understanding about their children, so I have not had a hard time with them.
Well..more details and pictures later with my babies!
Naptime is on the horizon....
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai & enjoy the ride.
peace&love
Friday, August 6, 2010
They LOVE ME!!!
The moment you've ALL been waiting for...*drumroll please*
*ta dahhhh* The parents LOVE me. I mean REALLY LOVE ME. One parent talked to me for like 15min straight..telling me about her child and if I ever need anything, to just call/email/write her. She is very involved and I LOVE that. She even asked for my cellphone # and I will gladly give it to her (as soon as I learn it lol). Every other parent was very nice and also talked to me..just about what I had planned and such. Very nice people.
Soooooooooo..CLASSES START ON MONDAY!!!! I am wayyyyy more excited than I was before..and with good reason. I met 2 of my students today and let me just say, they. are. freaking. adorable. I have to be kinda strict with them the first day..just to show them who's BOSS. but after that - LET THE GAMES BEGIN.
Welp..now I gotta finish some things up in my room. Ya know. Putting the days of the week and the months of the year up on the walls. After that, I'm off to the mall and the movies with Team Thailand.
PS I am lovin the fact that I have wireless in my classroom! I can totally skype during my breaks..yesssssssssssssssssssss! So if you're awake from 7pm - until..hit me up on skype: ivyace08!!!
Until next time, muah!
Life is too short & God is TOO good. Mai pen rai.
Peace&Love - and Chips Ahoy (eating them today gave me hope that this 10months wont be too long after all :])
*ta dahhhh* The parents LOVE me. I mean REALLY LOVE ME. One parent talked to me for like 15min straight..telling me about her child and if I ever need anything, to just call/email/write her. She is very involved and I LOVE that. She even asked for my cellphone # and I will gladly give it to her (as soon as I learn it lol). Every other parent was very nice and also talked to me..just about what I had planned and such. Very nice people.
Soooooooooo..CLASSES START ON MONDAY!!!! I am wayyyyy more excited than I was before..and with good reason. I met 2 of my students today and let me just say, they. are. freaking. adorable. I have to be kinda strict with them the first day..just to show them who's BOSS. but after that - LET THE GAMES BEGIN.
Welp..now I gotta finish some things up in my room. Ya know. Putting the days of the week and the months of the year up on the walls. After that, I'm off to the mall and the movies with Team Thailand.
PS I am lovin the fact that I have wireless in my classroom! I can totally skype during my breaks..yesssssssssssssssssssss! So if you're awake from 7pm - until..hit me up on skype: ivyace08!!!
Until next time, muah!
Life is too short & God is TOO good. Mai pen rai.
Peace&Love - and Chips Ahoy (eating them today gave me hope that this 10months wont be too long after all :])
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Tomorrow is the BIG day!!
Welp..tomorrow I meet the parents! *chorus of oooohhhhhhhs & ahhhhhhhhhs*
My room is almost complete and should be done by the time the parents arrive. I am still super nervous but I think I will do ok :]
Wish me major luck!
Peace&Love!
My room is almost complete and should be done by the time the parents arrive. I am still super nervous but I think I will do ok :]
Wish me major luck!
Peace&Love!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Almost done!
Hello fervent followers!
Sooooo I was supposed to write yesterday but I was totally tuckered out. Came home at 4. Slept for 4 hours. Woke up. Ate. Went back to sleep at 10. Good quality rest.
Today was my 3rd day at Keerapat. I spent ALL day decorating my room. I also discovered a wireless connection so I skyped and listened to music while doing so :] multitasking at its finest!
I only have a few more things to finish and my room will be ready for the parents to see on Friday! Btw..I meet my students' parents for 20min on Friday afternoon. HUUUUUUUUUUGEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Let's hope they like my personality...*fingers crossed*
More updates after the BIG MEETING on Friday. Until then..lets hope my tummy endures this Thai food. *SN: I love Nicki Minaj's rap on Trey Songz new song. Totally fye.
Oh yeah! Im going to church today! Will give details later!
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai!
Peace&Love!
Sooooo I was supposed to write yesterday but I was totally tuckered out. Came home at 4. Slept for 4 hours. Woke up. Ate. Went back to sleep at 10. Good quality rest.
Today was my 3rd day at Keerapat. I spent ALL day decorating my room. I also discovered a wireless connection so I skyped and listened to music while doing so :] multitasking at its finest!
I only have a few more things to finish and my room will be ready for the parents to see on Friday! Btw..I meet my students' parents for 20min on Friday afternoon. HUUUUUUUUUUGEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Let's hope they like my personality...*fingers crossed*
More updates after the BIG MEETING on Friday. Until then..lets hope my tummy endures this Thai food. *SN: I love Nicki Minaj's rap on Trey Songz new song. Totally fye.
Oh yeah! Im going to church today! Will give details later!
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai!
Peace&Love!
Monday, August 2, 2010
1st day of New Teacher Orientation!!!
Hello folks!
Today was my first day of New Teacher Orientation & training at KeeraPat International School (KPIS), and I have to say that this school is beyond lavish! I mean..omg..they have a freakin planetarium IN THE SCHOOL!!!! Like seriously..they are posh (for my UK followers hehe)!
So I get there..they give me a fact sheet to fill out about my educational background and teaching experience to give to the parents. They also ask me about my teaching philosophy. This is what I said: I plan to incorporate edu-tainment to keep the students informed, engaged, and involved. My goal is to promote the importance of a love for learning. This year will be fun! - Cara
Came up with that on the spot! Pretty good, eh?
Well, next we took a tour of the school, and I learned that we have a movie viewing room, a place where you can record students' voices and put it on CD's, a pool, snack shop, and all rooms have sliding glass doors :] To say the least, these kids are paying a pretty penny!
After the tour, we got to visit our classrooms and do some decorating. Well, my room has been gutted from top to bottom so I have to start from scratch :( This is going to be hard work! But..I do have a TT (team teacher) who will help me with decorations and anything I need, especially if I get overwhelmed. So basically I havent decorated anything in my room yet..that part will start tmrw.
Thank GOD all of my lessons have been pre-made for me..so really all I have to do is write out a daily lesson plan as to how I want to implement the objectives listed for each week. I am teaching Pre-K/2, which are the 4-5 year olds. We teach them English, Phonics, Science, Social Studies, and Math in the homerooms.
I also got my class roster and found out that I have a special needs child in my class. A really nice Pre-K/1 teacher named Emma gave me some really good pointers and advice on classroom management and how to deal with him. I hope I do well. Emma said that the parents are really nice and are very helpful and understanding.
To say the least, today has been eventful. I have learned soooo much but still need to learn and do more. Tomorrow, I tackle the task of decorating the room. Guess I need some comfy shoes...
Until next time (which will probably be tmrw haha)...
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai!
Peace&Love!
Today was my first day of New Teacher Orientation & training at KeeraPat International School (KPIS), and I have to say that this school is beyond lavish! I mean..omg..they have a freakin planetarium IN THE SCHOOL!!!! Like seriously..they are posh (for my UK followers hehe)!
So I get there..they give me a fact sheet to fill out about my educational background and teaching experience to give to the parents. They also ask me about my teaching philosophy. This is what I said: I plan to incorporate edu-tainment to keep the students informed, engaged, and involved. My goal is to promote the importance of a love for learning. This year will be fun! - Cara
Came up with that on the spot! Pretty good, eh?
Well, next we took a tour of the school, and I learned that we have a movie viewing room, a place where you can record students' voices and put it on CD's, a pool, snack shop, and all rooms have sliding glass doors :] To say the least, these kids are paying a pretty penny!
After the tour, we got to visit our classrooms and do some decorating. Well, my room has been gutted from top to bottom so I have to start from scratch :( This is going to be hard work! But..I do have a TT (team teacher) who will help me with decorations and anything I need, especially if I get overwhelmed. So basically I havent decorated anything in my room yet..that part will start tmrw.
Thank GOD all of my lessons have been pre-made for me..so really all I have to do is write out a daily lesson plan as to how I want to implement the objectives listed for each week. I am teaching Pre-K/2, which are the 4-5 year olds. We teach them English, Phonics, Science, Social Studies, and Math in the homerooms.
I also got my class roster and found out that I have a special needs child in my class. A really nice Pre-K/1 teacher named Emma gave me some really good pointers and advice on classroom management and how to deal with him. I hope I do well. Emma said that the parents are really nice and are very helpful and understanding.
To say the least, today has been eventful. I have learned soooo much but still need to learn and do more. Tomorrow, I tackle the task of decorating the room. Guess I need some comfy shoes...
Until next time (which will probably be tmrw haha)...
Life is too short & God is too good. Mai pen rai!
Peace&Love!
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