Yesterday and today I am an ESL teacher. I am happy to be back in the world of people who don't speak languages perfectly. However, I am sorry, but most of these kids speak English just fine...and for those who don't think so, try living and teaching in Japan.
I have been banished to one of the "modulars" (a fancy name for a double-wide trailor where all the walls are made out of that stuff you can stick tacks into...but who am I to complain as I have my own drinking fountain AND bathroom), waiting for my next class of little Spanish kids (because ESL in Wells means that they speak Spanish, not English), studying up for my presentation on Japan today for the 5th grade. I think they do this so I can't have unnecessary contact with the other teachers. Fine by me. The teachers here aren't what you would consider "overly friendly"...or even a little friendly for that matter. This leads me to believe that all teachers are unhappy little creatures wandering in a world of small people, teaching them to be unhappy. Hopefully I can change that image someday.
So, now that I have that off my chest, I wish to share some of the delightful (and not so delightful) experiences I have had in ESL. For the record, I LOVE ESL. It might very well be my favorite class that I have ever subbed for. This might have something to do with the fact that I never have more than 10 kids at one time AND I get to cut, color, and read children's books. Oh, and also, the little kids are teaching me Spanish instead of the other way around...like I said, I'm the one that needs help, not them.
Anyway, yesterday morning one of the little Mexican girls was wearing a shirt that said, "I'm not trying to be FABULOUS, but it just keeps happening!" I'm wondering if they make those in adult sizes. I'm totally going to get myself one.
And in the afternoon, I had two of the cutest little Mexican boys I have ever seen in my entire life. They were both five years old and in kindergarten. The one they call Jesus said (please say with Spanish accent), "Oh, teacher, I like your hair. It's very big." I replied, "Do you know anyone else who has big hair like mine?" The kid thought for a minute and said, "No, no one as big as yours." Fantastic.
At least I know that if I never get back to Japan, there are other cultures that like my hair...
2 comments:
I totally learned more spanish teaching ESL than my Guatemalans learned English. I voluteered through a city literacy program and was sent to this basement apartment to teach 4 sweet little guys who worked their asses off all day/night so they rarely did my homework but they were such good students during class. It was a great experience.
I have just received word that you, speedsquare, are a friend of Cheeky T's! Any friend of her's is a friend of mine. Welcome to the Grasshopper blog!!
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