Starting this week, I am in an internship during the morning and have afternoon class. I am interning at a school in Turi (outlying area of Cuenca, but close to my host home). Today I literally had no idea what to expect. My host dad drove me this morning which was nice, although he didn't know where it was so thankfully I somewhat remembered from when I went a few weeks ago and we found it fine.
I walked in and saw all the kids in the school lined up in sweat uniforms outside, with the director talking to them. It seemed to be a good sign...and many or most of the kids were staring at me. Once they were finished I talked to the director and she took me to my first classroom. She introduced me to the teacher, (they were grade 2) and I asked if I would just observe today. I didn't understand everything but at first I thought I would be more or less just introducing myself and then observing. Well, then the teacher stayed seated at her desk and gave me the nod, so I started teaching. For the most part, these students haven't had any English. I went over my name, where I am from, and taught them those in English and then they learned the alphabet song! And they even repeated the "now I know my ABC's...." The kids were very well behaved and even though I didn't have a plan or anything, it worked out well.
After about 45min, I went to another classroom (1st grade) and kind of taught the same thing, although we also did fruits. This classroom was more of a challenge but it still went well. Then it took awhile for me to leave because they all came crowded around me hugging and squeezing my hands all the way out the door. They are so sweet!
The next classroom was 3rd grade, and they did well with the alphabet and knew their numbers 0-9 in English already. Also, they were excited that I study in Chicago. When I first said that I'm from Seattle and then that I go to school in Chicago, one of the boys shouts out Chicago!!! They were a lot of fun, and again well behaved.
By this time it was just after 10am, and the school has a 40min break for the students and teachers. I sat in the directors office with the teachers (7 teachers, 7 grades) and we had tea and bread. They asked a little about me, and we just all sat there, often times in silence, or side conversations.
Overall, I think everything went smoothly. I definitely was just relying on the Holy Spirit and whatever I saw in the room to teach. I hope to plan stuff for the other grades tomorrow and the rest of the week. They don't have any English books or really any English resources, but it should all work out. I already love the kids and I am excited to get to know them. I'd love your prayers!!
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