My work placement has sent me through a world wind of emotions. When I arrived at my school in Monjas Alto, I had no idea what to expect. And well I am the sole english teacher, it was intimidating because I had no direction or guidance plus none of the professors spoke any English and 7 weeks ago I couldn´t speak any Spanish. So communicating was a challenge.
The first weeks were hard because it was just me here providing English to an entire school. I had to take it in through baby steps....baby steps...otherwise it was too overwhelming. So that´s what I did, I worked through it day by day. And by the third week, I settled into my position as the English professor and it couldn´t be more phenomenal.
I have taught the grades 1,2,3,4s basic English like introductions, greetings, body parts, colours, the family, fruits, days of the week and numbers. They have learnt these through songs, colouring activites, flashcards and other activities that I have come up with. The grade 5,6,7 class have progressed further than the primary grades. They understand the verb to be and we formulate sentences together with all the vocab they have learnt.
The grades one and twos are by far my hardest class to work with solely because discipline is such a big issue. There are some days where I have felt we haven´t gotten through anything because little Segundo in grade one so mischievous or Ivan in grade two runs around and makes the boys rowdy. Its frustrating some days. But other days are so great like today, we were learning the body parts song and they all loved it and as we sang it faster and faster they were laughing so hard.
My grades fours and threes are probably my favourite class to teach. The grade fours I think are just at such a great age to absorb information and they have learnt so much. We were reviewing yesterday every thing they have learnt and they made me so proud. The grade fours also have just awesome personalities in the class. We talk after my lesson and hang out and we just laugh. They are so great. Bryan has the greatest smile, Claudio is just a clown, and Emerison has an infectious laugh...oh they are just precious. And the grades threes are always so excited to have English class with me...which just warms my heart.
The grades 5,6,7 class is a huge class to teach to. I find this class incredibly choatic but we have gotten through a significant amount of information. Although some students find English extremely challenging, others have grasped it quite quickly which is phenomenal. I´ll put exercise questions on the board and then help students individually, I find this way most successful.
School ends 5 de julio but my principal has extended English classes for the one more month. yay!!
Now for the harsh reality of the students of Monjas Alto.
This past week I have been talking to Professor Jorge about the students and their futures. Here in Monjas Alto, the parents of the children do not value education. The children are needed to assist in working on the farms (farming is the sole livelihood here). Half of the grade seven class with go to high school which is a 30 minute bus ride away and the other half will start working. Some students miss days of school often because their parents do not appreciate or understand the value of an education. This is difficult for me to take because well being from Canada I value education. But its also difficult for Jorge because he lives in Otovalo and he says that education is highly valued, all children go to high school and most attend University.
These children are bright individuals, who have so much potential, I know this because of how much they have progressed in English. The hardest part is imagining thier future. ¨What will Patricio in grade 3 be doing in 15 years?¨Questions like this are tough to take in.
......All my love from Ecuador. Other than my work placement I have been keeping busy on weekends and just hanging out with my host family. Ahh and my birthday is next week!!! :)
Hi Marian!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! It's so great to hear what is going on with you. I'm really interested in this part of your reflection:
You said:
Now for the harsh reality of the students of Monjas Alto.
This past week I have been talking to Professor Jorge about the students and their futures. Here in Monjas Alto, the parents of the children do not value education. The children are needed to assist in working on the farms (farming is the sole livelihood here). Half of the grade seven class with go to high school which is a 30 minute bus ride away and the other half will start working. Some students miss days of school often because their parents do not appreciate or understand the value of an education. This is difficult for me to take because well being from Canada I value education. But its also difficult for Jorge because he lives in Otovalo and he says that education is highly valued, all children go to high school and most attend University.
I love how you're so honest here about what you're feeling and what it means for you to be in this school. I have struggled with similar things working in the mountains. I wonder, though, in this idea of education what is counting as learning and what is not. If living in the community requires farming I wonder if working with their parents couldn't also be considered learning? What sorts of importance could we attach to learning about when and how to plant and what sorts of things grow well?
MARIAN!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome to hear you are doing soooo well. I was talking to Anna the other day - she and Ida send along their best. "Much love from the ladies at Waterloo College Hall."
Have you heard Ale got a job at U of Calgary? She's leaving Monday! I suppose we might have to do an area trip out there next year. Kristen's P-card might take a little bit of a hit.
Wishing you all the best as well. And be sure to show Pullamarin Family how to celebrate Canada day!