adventures in the classroom...

I survived my first week of class!

I thought it actually went pretty well... well, all things considered anyways. I have 3 classes of about 35 students each. It sounds pretty manageable until you take into consideration the fact that there are no textbooks, many of the children are sitting two to a seat, and I am teaching 8th grade (second year) students who don't remember a word of English. Ok.. that's a little bit of an exaggeration. They remember "hello" and "goodbye" and all the basics, but when it comes to grammar and anything beyond simple introductory vocabulary..... well... let's just say I have my job cut out for me here.

Regardless of the potential for challenges, I think this is going to be good. I know it's early to tell, but the kids are fairly well behaved right now and they like participating. All I need to do is throw some knowledge in the mix and it should be a good time. I have some good ideas for activities and lessons plans that I am hoping to incorporate to make their classes more interactive and engaging. As it is now, due to lack of resources, most of their other classes are taught on the blackboard and are copied into their notebooks. There's lots of instruction and exercises, but there's a need, especially in English class, for more practice and interaction. Here's hoping that I don't run into problems with classroom management. That's my biggest worry right now.

In other news, I have finally been around the island thanks to the hospitality of the safety and security team. We went on a round trip (literally) and visited all the other volunteers together for lunch in the crater of the volcano. It was pretty epic, if you ask me. The island is incredibly diverse in landscape and population. The trip started in the largest city, which is hot and dry and touristy and brown (once you're away from all the buildings). Next stop was my site which is very rural and green and agricultural. Then we hit one of the other bigger towns (maybe second largest?) that is (in my opinion) dark and depressing, but right on the water. Then it was on to another smaller site that reminded me of a small town back at home. It wasn't a large city, but there was much more of a centralized feel to it than my linear zone (it just doesn't feel right calling it a town). Last stop was the volcano and damn, it is absolutely beautiful. I don't even think the words breathtaking do it justice. I can't wait until I can get up there and climb to the top! I have some pictures, but I'm still working on getting them online. It's kind of a pain because of cost and time and lack of regular access to the internet, but when I do, you're all going to scratch your heads in wonder of how I am living in such a beautiful place! (I hope I'm not building it up to much, but I think photos will just reinforce what I have been saying.)

With that, much love. Until next time.