Wednesday, May 20, 2009

A busy day ahead

I'm on the run today. Kindergarten in the morning with class observation day so the mothers will be coming in to watch. The school year only started in April so I haven't taught some of these kids very long. The three year olds can barely sit for 10 minutes straight and most of them seem somewhat bewildered about their new life. Today we'll do things like sing 10 Little Indians and There were Ten in the Bed. I mean that I will sing, and try to get the kids to imitate gestures. Sometimes I feel like a performer, not an English teacher. I hope no one starts crying today. (That usually happens at the beginning of every year. The big, scary foreigner!)

In the afternoon I'm teaching a lovely young woman who just graduated from college. I've taught her off and on since she was in kindergarten! We do a lot of just chatting for the first half of the hour.

Next I go to a friend's house and three ladies come for a couple hours. More chatting over coffee and I usually bring a print-out of some sorts so that I can justify being paid for this lovely time of friendship.

And then it is off to the next city over to teach a group of 2nd graders. All boys and they keep me hopping! They do not much like sitting down and doing things with a pencil so we play tag outside (ask the monster, ME, how she is. "How are you?" There are a variety of answers but when I say "I'm HUNGRY!" I chase them) or do a simple type of square dance. "What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? (clap, clap) "My name is Tanya. My name is Tanya. NICE TO MEET YOU!" Change partners!)

What I'd like to do is quilt. Not today. I'm probably going to be ready for an early bedtime tonight!



5 comments:

The Calico Quilter said...

You must have tapped into an unknown patience source in order to cope with all that in one day.

Is that Toi's stuffed animal, or just a good pillow for the moment? I love the picture. Cats can seem to get comfortable anywhere.

Shasta said...

It sounds tiring but fun. I'm sure it will be a long day indeed.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Take time to smell the roses, your kitty has Hannes' favorite toy! ;)

Allie said...

And you still found time to post? I'm impressed!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

It would seem that 3 year olds in the early days of school are similar regardless if you are in Japan or the UK. Our school year starts in September and that first month is so hard when they are trying to learn the routine and not cry for their mothers!