Day Three, Four and Five

The last few days of working at the school has been wonderful. There is a lot going on and I can only imagine how I will fit in here with all the activities and holidays. I am just offering my help at every opportunity. The teacher that I am working with is a young Belizean named Fransisco. All the students call us 'Miss' and 'Sir', but I have introduced myself as Erin thus far. It is taking them a little while to get used to me. There are 190 students total that I will be working with, the entire Form One grade, or our equivalent to 9th grade. Glad that I am used to the typical behavior of 13, 14 and 15 year old's because they are exactly the same! It is incredible to me how similar teenagers are no matter where in the world they may live. So throughout the day I will teach either 4,5 or 6 classes, depending on the schedule, which I have accepted I will never memorize. Each class has an average of 30+ students. It will be the ultimate challenge to learn their names in 3 weeks.

I taught my first two classes today and just did some activities so that we can get to know one another. It was a wonderful experience with all of them and it gave me the confidence I need to begin to teach them content next week. I had them all fill out a piece of paper explaining different questions and factual tidbits I inquired about that I just read, if I might add beside the pool. I am eager to begin working with them and seeing what sort of learners I have on my hands. Only time will tell.

The content I will be teaching next week is all about Regional Integration in Belize with the surrounding Central American countries, I am having to teach myself about the history of CAMICON and SICA and basically their version of our NAFTA. I will teach a bit about the recent history and mainly about the benefits and consequences of regional integration. Research this a bit if you are curious, I know I have done a lot of reading on the topic in the last few days. Thankfully I have his past lesson plans which have all of the content I need to adapt my own lesson.

Like I said there is a lot going on. The science fair is tomorrow, there is a track and field meet next weekend and they need chaperones. I may do this if it is not too costly, we would be going to the mainland and it would be a great opportunity to see other high schools. Easter Break begins the 12th and there is a teachers' strike on that Wednesday which is an interesting occurrence that happens here more so than in the states. Earth Day and World Water Day are all in the time that we will be in the neighborhood and they celebrate most everything with gumption and often accompanied with a parade. I am looking forward to both of those events. Of course Easter will be the ultimate celebration here and I am looking forward to the feasts, parties, parades and more.

I have gotten close with a few other teachers at the school. I am always very shy when I first meet people, especially in a brand new environment, however I feel more comfortable by the day and everyone is genuine and willing to help. I am looking forward to our relationships developing and creating a symbiotic relationship with many of them. Teachers are lifelong learners and always willing to give and take when it comes to knowledge, strategy and innovation.

All of my days have begun with watching the sunrise and getting a little meditation and reflection time in. I cannot express how peaceful and positive my days begin with this routine. Back at home I ended my day with meditation and while there is benefit to either it really is better to do both! Shout out to my mother Mary Jane for my candle and essential oils that are a wonderful addition to the ritual.

"I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand." - Confucius

If you all who are so graciously reading this have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below!