Journal Entry From 2/1

Today was my first day teaching at the school –“College Damal,” and I just woke up from a very necessary nap. I created a lesson plan for all the levels that I barely began. First of all – I must say the children in the United States have it really good.

My youngest students are 5. Before beginning to teach them anything, it is necessary that they overcome their fear of me. These are the same age children that say “Tubop” = “white” when I am walking down the street. I hear allll the time, “tubop, tubop, tubop.” With that said, these children are not used to seeing a white person let alone being close to one. I have a hard time keeping their attention because they are so busy staring at me. You know how children are….

I was surprised at how little the children know in terms of basic English. So, I am starting from scratch and pounding numbers and “my name is” into their head until they are saying it in their sleep. As an incentive, I have brought stickers to the class.

I find that I am not afraid of this project. Yes it’s frustrating because of the lack of resources but I was glad to find that I am not afraid of standing in front of the children and speaking French and/or disciplining the children.

Something that is also humorous is the amount of invitations I get everyday whether it be students or friends of my friends, it appears that everyone wants to bring me home to their family. I receive so many invitations that I don’t even know how to handle my own schedule.