It looks like we have at least 12 students, and possibly more will sign up soon. I think what that comes down to is that people want to know if this is going to be a good school or not. There are some students who would like classes during the week so much that they are going to try to get others to sign up with them. I have no problem with working more than one day per week... :D
It was very exciting to see the students interacting with the material, and seeing that they can speak English. I had three two-hour classes on Saturday, with 4, 1, and 7 students respectively. I was more nervous with the one student, than with the groups–which was odd.
My impression from the students faces was that they had syllabus shock (the feeling one gets when a college professor hands out the class roadmap with all the assignments). But at the same time they seemed to be excited about the class, even though we had a lot of that “administrative” stuff to take care of in the first class.
After the last class, I found out that one of my students teaches teachers how to teach; She said that I was an excellent teacher. I also received other compliments about my teaching style. This was kind of odd to me, as I have no background or training in teaching–aside from a class or two in college that touched on the subject. It also makes me nervous, because now I have expectations to meet.
The weather has changed here in Teresina: It is supposed to be 105º F today. If the past couple of days are any indication, it might even be hotter. If you want to visit us, please do, but I recommend waiting until February or March for a bit cooler weather.
Just for fun, I thought I would show you this image, which demonstrates the sunrise and sunset times through the year in Teresina. If you want to compare it to your city, the website can be found here. [If the image does not show up, try looking up Teresina at the website.]
Nádya is still enjoying her new job, and we are getting into somewhat of a routine with life again.
I guess I better quit writing here and start getting my lesson plan together.
How are you?
It's Columbus Day. Who Knew? I have the day off. Woohoo! Much homework to be done, though. No playtime for me. It's supposed to be 68 degrees today. PERFECT! Stuff is good. Destiny reunion was a couple weeks ago. Mostly it was people from my freshman year. Brian Van Dyke, Jeremy Anderson, Mark Williams, Jami Auker, Heather Wacker, and Sarah Wallace all came....and Rob Maurer, but only because I made him. And he didn't know anybody...so he left. ha.
ReplyDeleteIn other news. Im still in my bed. That's not acceptable. Lots to do today! Glad teaching is going well! (I'm paying 40000 to learn how you know. No fair, you getiing to do it for free!)
Alright...miss ya.
angie
That's really cool about the compliments. Hopefully once people get over the surprise of having an actual American teaching (no hoax - like they thought it was when a group of us went down to have an English camp!) you will do well for yourself there. I wonder if there are any other Americans in the whole city teaching English in such a way. It's quite possible you are the only one, who knows.
ReplyDeleteHi Phil, I am sure there are other American's teaching English here, but probably not striking out on their own like this. I know there are some who are teaching for Wizard or Skill-type schools, though.
ReplyDeleteAngie! Good to hear what you are up to. I was a bit sad that I could not make it to the Density Reunion, but that is the way of things.
I meant Destiny, not Density... sorry.
ReplyDeleteHey, I was at the Destiny reunion concert too!
ReplyDelete