Subject: Update #48 Teaching Again
I only opened a book and they came...over 100 big & little ones sat in the dirt mesmerized by the words and pictures. I simply love reading aloud to kids--and reading aloud to kids who don't have books or anyone to read to them--it's an absolute thrill!! This time alone makes it all worth it!!
Rog and I have been pulling small groups of kids from the lower classes. Some are just learning to write the letter A...others trying to learn to ID letters and a few ready for letter sounds. Today we even worked a tiny bit on blending sounds in word families. In the afternoon, we've been working with the 4th & 5th graders. Rog is doing math & science. I am reading aloud a story asking comp & inference question...discussing main idea, setting, characters & trying to make personal connections...a few catch on which I know when their eyes sparkle!
Trying to get any kid..young or old...to answer individually is like pulling teeth...like so many other students we have worked with in our travels. But we coax with a smile and slowly some begin to speak.
At recess & lunch, we play games, read aloud and sing songs. Another countries kids have learned to play Doggie, Doggie; Blue Bird, Blue Bird, London Bridges & Follow the Leader! The only games we have seen them play is pick up sticks with pencils, drop kicking a ball and a jumping game called Jingle Jangle.
According to the posted schedule, the youngest kids leave at 10, next group at noonand oldest at 2...though in the week & a half we've been here...it hasn't happened yet. Kids sent home cause boss calls teacher meeting or just cancels, rain is coming so need to leave in case streams flood, no water...or it's too hot. During times when they are in session, kids randomly get up and leave to purchase something from nearby vendor or just go for a walk. Since there are sooooo many in a class, don't think the teachers even notice.
K class is about 60, Prep class( between K & 1) has 76 & 1st grade 88...all sitting in a hot, shipping container!!! Between the inconsistent and the conditions, it's a wonder they learn anything!!
