Eight months ago I had never heard that word, let alone imagined that I would ever be one. Six months ago only a few people knew of my thoughts about teaching overseas. Four months ago I was saying good-bye to friends in NC as I had resigned from Balfour and was headed to MI for the summer before leaving for Abu Dhabi. Two months ago I was on a plane headed towards the UAE. How quickly my life has changed.
So, I am an expat living in the UAE. I have learned a lot about the Middle East and the Islamic culture. Yet, I know there is so much more to learn. I have seen wonderful sites, that I never dreamed I would be able to see. I have met wonderful people and made great friends. I am learning to live in a culture that is so different from the culture that I lived in for 34 years. That is what makes it so hard. It's hard to unlearn what I've experienced about organization, structure, communication, and education. Not sure I should unlearn it though. It's always there and it's effecting how I live here. I have to stop saying "In America...." or "At Balfour....". I am not in America and I am definitely not at Balfour, and I have to adjust to being here.
The food, the people, the sights, the sounds, and the smells are all so different. They are different, but yet they are becoming natural. I am getting used to seeing camels in the back of trucks! Never thought I would see that, or say that I am getting used to seeing that! The call to prayer is becoming so regular that I almost know when to expect it. Even though it changes daily it's always around the same time. I even think something is wrong when I don't hear. It's just that I've gotten so used to it that sometimes I don't hear it. The smell of incense, even though it makes me want to throw up, is becoming expected. I expect it when I walk past the staff room. I expect it so much that I hold my breath when I walk past. I am waiting for the day when that becomes so natural that I don't smell it anymore. Not sure if that will ever happen though! The women in their abayah's and completely covered are no longer a shock. They are so graceful as they walk; it's almost like they are floating. I no longer am shocked when I see a completely covered woman walking near me in the mall. At first it was kind of scary to just see this black thing coming towards you. No face, no feet, just a black robe. Kind of unnerving. Maybe, just maybe, the UAE is becoming like home?
To help myself adjust to being here I have signed up for Arabic classes. Language is such an important part of culture and since I am living here I need to try to learn the language. I know this is going to be quite a challenge, but I believe it is essential for living in a foreign country. I want to be able to communicate better and understand some of what the girls are saying.
I need to make sure that I get out and see this wonderful country that I am living in. I have made it a plan to spend at least one day a week exploring Al Ain and the surrounding emirates. This is a wonderful experience and I want to be able to say that I saw and did everything that there was to do.
Life as an expat is difficult, but it is a great experience.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Moving
No, I am not moving out of my apartment or out of the country. I am moving classrooms again:(
I spent Thursday afternoon getting my 2 new classrooms almost ready for teaching. I had a word wall up in both classrooms and the desks arranged. That's about all I could do because there isn't any furniture in either classroom. I had my supplies neatly organized in a closet in the room for 3/1. I was as ready as I was going to be. Or so I thought.
I was informed this afternoon (after 5th period) that my classrooms were changed again. I went to my 3/2 classroom and found a group of 4th grade girls waiting outside with their books and book bags. I asked them what they were doing and they told me that the classroom was going to be 4/1. What? This was supposed to be my classroom and no one told me that I was moving. How come I have to find out from 4th graders? And why are the girls moving in the middle of the school day? Shouldn't they be learning? So I tell the girls to pack up and they think that they're going upstairs and they can't bring their bags. We had to have a quick discussion about where we were going. They did not take this information very well. Most of them were quite upset that they had to leave their classroom. Not sure why, other than it's been theirs since the beginning of the year. After the chaos of having to move I had about 45 minutes to teach. Needless to say, I didn't get much accomplished this afternoon. Now I have to stay tomorrow and get 2 new rooms ready to teach in. But, I'm afraid that as soon as I get these rooms ready I'll be moved again.
My bag was stolen today. I brought a bag with wheels on it so I could transport materials easier than loading them in my school bag, and it was stolen. I loaded it up after 3/1 and took it to 3/2 and unloaded. I left the bag there and went and had lunch. When I got back, it was gone. First it was my stickers and now it's my bag. I am done buying things. It's sad, but I'm not going to bring things to school for them to get stolen.
I am ready for things to settle down so I can teach. When will that happen?
I spent Thursday afternoon getting my 2 new classrooms almost ready for teaching. I had a word wall up in both classrooms and the desks arranged. That's about all I could do because there isn't any furniture in either classroom. I had my supplies neatly organized in a closet in the room for 3/1. I was as ready as I was going to be. Or so I thought.
I was informed this afternoon (after 5th period) that my classrooms were changed again. I went to my 3/2 classroom and found a group of 4th grade girls waiting outside with their books and book bags. I asked them what they were doing and they told me that the classroom was going to be 4/1. What? This was supposed to be my classroom and no one told me that I was moving. How come I have to find out from 4th graders? And why are the girls moving in the middle of the school day? Shouldn't they be learning? So I tell the girls to pack up and they think that they're going upstairs and they can't bring their bags. We had to have a quick discussion about where we were going. They did not take this information very well. Most of them were quite upset that they had to leave their classroom. Not sure why, other than it's been theirs since the beginning of the year. After the chaos of having to move I had about 45 minutes to teach. Needless to say, I didn't get much accomplished this afternoon. Now I have to stay tomorrow and get 2 new rooms ready to teach in. But, I'm afraid that as soon as I get these rooms ready I'll be moved again.
My bag was stolen today. I brought a bag with wheels on it so I could transport materials easier than loading them in my school bag, and it was stolen. I loaded it up after 3/1 and took it to 3/2 and unloaded. I left the bag there and went and had lunch. When I got back, it was gone. First it was my stickers and now it's my bag. I am done buying things. It's sad, but I'm not going to bring things to school for them to get stolen.
I am ready for things to settle down so I can teach. When will that happen?
Friday, October 15, 2010
Frustrations
Be warned, this is not going to be a very positive post.
I am very frustrated with school and the constant changes. I am a person who thrives on organization and structure and this country and school system are totally lacking both. I believe that is what is frustrating me the most, and making it the most difficult to be here. Culture shock.
Last week ADEC decided that they needed to extend our school day from 1:55 to 2:15. They imposed this change on a Tues (I think). So, we had to deal with this. I think the principal just lengthened the break. Which is a good thing because all the girls had for break, which included eating, playing, and going to the bathroom, was 20 minutes. Now they have 35 minutes. Which is still too short, but better. So anyway on Wed. of this week the school day was changed back to 2:00. So the schedule is totally changed. The morning classes are shorter and the afternoon classes are longer. Does that make any sense??? Not to me. Knowing that the afternoon is more difficult than the morning, why would I make it longer? Knowing that children learn better in the morning, why would I make the morning shorter? I am not in charge so I just have to deal with these ridiculous, or should I say stupid, changes.
I was also informed on Wed. that I would no longer have my own classroom. I would have to go back and forth between 2 Arabic teachers classrooms. We, the LTs, tried to convince the principal that this was not a good decision, but we were unsuccessful. She said that ADEC informed her that the LTs needed to be in an Arabic teacher's room. I don't believe that they meant that we needed to have 2 classrooms. I think they meant that we needed to be co-teachers with an Arabic teacher. I am all for that. We tried to explain that to her, but she had her mind set on us moving instead of the girls. So, I am now back in the yellow room that I was in at the beginning of the year. I also have another room, which isn't as cheerful. I have a little cabinet in the yellow room to store my stuff. I do not have a desk that is really mine as the Arabic teacher uses it as well. I do not know where to put my stuff that I need on a daily basis. I do not know where to put the books that the girls read after they finish an assingment. Books are so important and they need to be in the classroom (both classrooms so that means that I will have to take them with me). Math manipulatives, where do I put those so they can be easily used by both classes? Art supplies? Paper? I am going to have to get a suitcase that I can take back and forth. I know that teachers have dealt with this and have survived, so I know it can be done. But I also know that I need organization and it is going to be so hard to be organized in this situation. I know in some ways this will be better. There will be no more going up and down stairs. No more waiting for the girls to get their books and get in line. No more listening to them telling me that they left something downstairs. So I will just have to try to focus on that and learn to be organized in this chaotic environment.
I miss teaching the way I am used to teaching. I miss involving the students in their learning. I miss planning projects. I miss group work. I am tired of teaching whole group lessons all the time. I am tired of teaching rote learning. I know I am better than this. But I am having a hard time teaching in this environment. The girls aren't ready for group work. I do not have the resources either. I am told to bring Western styles of teaching here by ADEC, but the principal wants me to teach out of the book. What a conflict. She will even check the books to make sure that we are using them. ADEC wants me to teach in a child centered manner; they want me to teach creative thinking, problem solving, and critical thinking. The principal wants worksheets and book learning. One of the reasons I left teaching in NC was that with all the emhasis on testing and test results I wasn't convinced that I was a good teacher. I now KNOW that I am a good teacher and I am a better at teaching than I am doing right now. I KNOW that I am better than this. I will just do the best I can and hope that one day I will be able to teach how I am used to teaching. I hope that one day I will be able to teach problem solving, creative thinking, cooperative group work, and critical thinking skills. That's what ADEC wants, but the principal really isn't there yet.
So, I will close by saying that I hope and pray that I will make it 2 years here. 2 years isn't a long time, but it's a long time when you are completely frustrated with your job. Maybe next year (or sooner) ADEC and the principal will realize the need and importance of having both an LT and an Arabic teacher in all classrooms at all times. That would be fantastic!
My curtains are hung and most of my furniture has arrived, now it's just adding the final touches that will help make this feel like home for the next 2 (hopefully) years. Still no car. I was supposed to go on Thurs, but the furniture that was scheduled to come from 10-5 didn't show up until 8:30. By the time the furniture was put together the rental car shop was closed. They were also closed today (Friday), so hopefully tomorrow will be the day.
Good night all!
I am very frustrated with school and the constant changes. I am a person who thrives on organization and structure and this country and school system are totally lacking both. I believe that is what is frustrating me the most, and making it the most difficult to be here. Culture shock.
Last week ADEC decided that they needed to extend our school day from 1:55 to 2:15. They imposed this change on a Tues (I think). So, we had to deal with this. I think the principal just lengthened the break. Which is a good thing because all the girls had for break, which included eating, playing, and going to the bathroom, was 20 minutes. Now they have 35 minutes. Which is still too short, but better. So anyway on Wed. of this week the school day was changed back to 2:00. So the schedule is totally changed. The morning classes are shorter and the afternoon classes are longer. Does that make any sense??? Not to me. Knowing that the afternoon is more difficult than the morning, why would I make it longer? Knowing that children learn better in the morning, why would I make the morning shorter? I am not in charge so I just have to deal with these ridiculous, or should I say stupid, changes.
I was also informed on Wed. that I would no longer have my own classroom. I would have to go back and forth between 2 Arabic teachers classrooms. We, the LTs, tried to convince the principal that this was not a good decision, but we were unsuccessful. She said that ADEC informed her that the LTs needed to be in an Arabic teacher's room. I don't believe that they meant that we needed to have 2 classrooms. I think they meant that we needed to be co-teachers with an Arabic teacher. I am all for that. We tried to explain that to her, but she had her mind set on us moving instead of the girls. So, I am now back in the yellow room that I was in at the beginning of the year. I also have another room, which isn't as cheerful. I have a little cabinet in the yellow room to store my stuff. I do not have a desk that is really mine as the Arabic teacher uses it as well. I do not know where to put my stuff that I need on a daily basis. I do not know where to put the books that the girls read after they finish an assingment. Books are so important and they need to be in the classroom (both classrooms so that means that I will have to take them with me). Math manipulatives, where do I put those so they can be easily used by both classes? Art supplies? Paper? I am going to have to get a suitcase that I can take back and forth. I know that teachers have dealt with this and have survived, so I know it can be done. But I also know that I need organization and it is going to be so hard to be organized in this situation. I know in some ways this will be better. There will be no more going up and down stairs. No more waiting for the girls to get their books and get in line. No more listening to them telling me that they left something downstairs. So I will just have to try to focus on that and learn to be organized in this chaotic environment.
I miss teaching the way I am used to teaching. I miss involving the students in their learning. I miss planning projects. I miss group work. I am tired of teaching whole group lessons all the time. I am tired of teaching rote learning. I know I am better than this. But I am having a hard time teaching in this environment. The girls aren't ready for group work. I do not have the resources either. I am told to bring Western styles of teaching here by ADEC, but the principal wants me to teach out of the book. What a conflict. She will even check the books to make sure that we are using them. ADEC wants me to teach in a child centered manner; they want me to teach creative thinking, problem solving, and critical thinking. The principal wants worksheets and book learning. One of the reasons I left teaching in NC was that with all the emhasis on testing and test results I wasn't convinced that I was a good teacher. I now KNOW that I am a good teacher and I am a better at teaching than I am doing right now. I KNOW that I am better than this. I will just do the best I can and hope that one day I will be able to teach how I am used to teaching. I hope that one day I will be able to teach problem solving, creative thinking, cooperative group work, and critical thinking skills. That's what ADEC wants, but the principal really isn't there yet.
So, I will close by saying that I hope and pray that I will make it 2 years here. 2 years isn't a long time, but it's a long time when you are completely frustrated with your job. Maybe next year (or sooner) ADEC and the principal will realize the need and importance of having both an LT and an Arabic teacher in all classrooms at all times. That would be fantastic!
My curtains are hung and most of my furniture has arrived, now it's just adding the final touches that will help make this feel like home for the next 2 (hopefully) years. Still no car. I was supposed to go on Thurs, but the furniture that was scheduled to come from 10-5 didn't show up until 8:30. By the time the furniture was put together the rental car shop was closed. They were also closed today (Friday), so hopefully tomorrow will be the day.
Good night all!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Field Trip
Grade 3 went to the zoo today. Not the best time to go to the zoo, but I guess it could have been hotter.
We had our assembly and then I went to grade 3/1. Of course I had to be with my least favorite class. I really wanted to have 3/2 in the morning, but oh well. They were there of course, but I was supervising 3/1. So I go in the room and they're pretty much acting crazy and yelling. I can't stand all the yelling. The field trip wasn't until 9:00 so I had 1/2 an hour to kill. I tried to gain some sort of control by having them sit down, but that doesn't go over well with this group. They will sit for a while but then one will get up and that will start a whole procession of moving around. I guess I should be glad that they got up because that sort of stopped the yelling. Anyway, at about 8:40 an Arabic teacher walked in, and miracle of miracles the girls all sat down and stopped talking! I need an Arabic teacher with me at all times. She told me to collect 5 dhs from each student for admission to the zoo. This was actually handled in some sort of organized fashion as I had the girls remain sitting and went to them to get their money. I had one student who didn't pay. That was ok I was told. That's pretty much the same anywhere, the kids get to go on the field trip even if they don't/can't pay. I don't really think it's a "can't" issue here. After I had gotten the money the Arabic teacher left. I was left wondering what to do with this money. Was I supposed to pay when I got to the zoo? Was I going to give it to another teacher? I was also left with more chaos. Because as soon as she left the kids started yelling again. What's up with all the yelling? Why can't they just talk normally? I decided that I didn't want to fight that battle anymore today so I just sat down and talked to some of the girls. I could survive 1/2 an hour, right? It was quite a challenge, but I survived and we left the classroom at 8:55. I was so glad to see the Arabic teachers because the students actually listen to them.
When we got the zoo it wasn't the chaos that I had imagined and heard from the first and second grade teachers. The girls were lined up with a partner and they walked quietly to the educational center where they sat quietly and listened to someone talk to them. See, they can behave the just choose not to when I'm teaching. I think they were learning about animals' teeth (among other things). After that they boarded the "train" (it's called a train, but it's really a bus like thing with a train shape at the front) and toured the zoo. This was a nice way to see the zoo because it didn't involve walking in the heat. The train stopped at the giraffe exhibit and the girls got out. 1/2 of the girls went to the giraffes and the other 1/2 went to the reptile house. I stayed with the giraffes, there was no way I was going to voluntarily go in the reptile house where I knew that they were going to be doing stuff with snakes. The girls got to feed a giraffe. The giraffe's tongue is super long! I was so surprised. As soon as the girls walked in the area the girafffes immediately came over and put their necks in the little feeding holes. They knew what was going to happen. Most of the girls enjoyed this, although there were a few that didn't want anything to do with feeding the giraffe. They were allowed to watch.
After all the girls that wanted to had fed the giraffe we took them to wash their hands and then it was lunch time. If you can call it lunch. It was only 10:20. You should see their "lunch", it's full of snacks. Bags of chips, cookies, chocolate, candy, and maybe a sandwich. It's terrible what they eat. "Lunch" was followed the bird show. This was an abbreviated form, only 3 birds not 6, and the birds weren't flying.
Chaos happened after the bird show. We took the girls to the refreshment stand. There is no such thing as a line with these girls. They just push and shove until they get what they want. Eventually all the girls got a snack, which they definitely didn't need. Most bought popcorn, chips, a slushy, or an ice cream. They then took this snack on the bus back to school. I was afraid that the girls would leave their trash on the bus, but believe it or not, most of them took it with them. They are learning to clean up after themselves. Then it was back to school for the afternoon. At least I had 3/2 to look forward to and I could leave 3/1 with their Arabic teacher, who I'm sure got them to listen and sit quietly.
All in all it wasn't a terrible field trip. Just hot. Early bedtime for me tonight.
We had our assembly and then I went to grade 3/1. Of course I had to be with my least favorite class. I really wanted to have 3/2 in the morning, but oh well. They were there of course, but I was supervising 3/1. So I go in the room and they're pretty much acting crazy and yelling. I can't stand all the yelling. The field trip wasn't until 9:00 so I had 1/2 an hour to kill. I tried to gain some sort of control by having them sit down, but that doesn't go over well with this group. They will sit for a while but then one will get up and that will start a whole procession of moving around. I guess I should be glad that they got up because that sort of stopped the yelling. Anyway, at about 8:40 an Arabic teacher walked in, and miracle of miracles the girls all sat down and stopped talking! I need an Arabic teacher with me at all times. She told me to collect 5 dhs from each student for admission to the zoo. This was actually handled in some sort of organized fashion as I had the girls remain sitting and went to them to get their money. I had one student who didn't pay. That was ok I was told. That's pretty much the same anywhere, the kids get to go on the field trip even if they don't/can't pay. I don't really think it's a "can't" issue here. After I had gotten the money the Arabic teacher left. I was left wondering what to do with this money. Was I supposed to pay when I got to the zoo? Was I going to give it to another teacher? I was also left with more chaos. Because as soon as she left the kids started yelling again. What's up with all the yelling? Why can't they just talk normally? I decided that I didn't want to fight that battle anymore today so I just sat down and talked to some of the girls. I could survive 1/2 an hour, right? It was quite a challenge, but I survived and we left the classroom at 8:55. I was so glad to see the Arabic teachers because the students actually listen to them.
When we got the zoo it wasn't the chaos that I had imagined and heard from the first and second grade teachers. The girls were lined up with a partner and they walked quietly to the educational center where they sat quietly and listened to someone talk to them. See, they can behave the just choose not to when I'm teaching. I think they were learning about animals' teeth (among other things). After that they boarded the "train" (it's called a train, but it's really a bus like thing with a train shape at the front) and toured the zoo. This was a nice way to see the zoo because it didn't involve walking in the heat. The train stopped at the giraffe exhibit and the girls got out. 1/2 of the girls went to the giraffes and the other 1/2 went to the reptile house. I stayed with the giraffes, there was no way I was going to voluntarily go in the reptile house where I knew that they were going to be doing stuff with snakes. The girls got to feed a giraffe. The giraffe's tongue is super long! I was so surprised. As soon as the girls walked in the area the girafffes immediately came over and put their necks in the little feeding holes. They knew what was going to happen. Most of the girls enjoyed this, although there were a few that didn't want anything to do with feeding the giraffe. They were allowed to watch.
After all the girls that wanted to had fed the giraffe we took them to wash their hands and then it was lunch time. If you can call it lunch. It was only 10:20. You should see their "lunch", it's full of snacks. Bags of chips, cookies, chocolate, candy, and maybe a sandwich. It's terrible what they eat. "Lunch" was followed the bird show. This was an abbreviated form, only 3 birds not 6, and the birds weren't flying.
Chaos happened after the bird show. We took the girls to the refreshment stand. There is no such thing as a line with these girls. They just push and shove until they get what they want. Eventually all the girls got a snack, which they definitely didn't need. Most bought popcorn, chips, a slushy, or an ice cream. They then took this snack on the bus back to school. I was afraid that the girls would leave their trash on the bus, but believe it or not, most of them took it with them. They are learning to clean up after themselves. Then it was back to school for the afternoon. At least I had 3/2 to look forward to and I could leave 3/1 with their Arabic teacher, who I'm sure got them to listen and sit quietly.
All in all it wasn't a terrible field trip. Just hot. Early bedtime for me tonight.
Friday, October 8, 2010
What a Week!
This was probably the busiest week that I have had since I have been here. I was at school, at the apartment, and working on getting my UAE drivers license. There is a lot to tell.
School was very good this week. I think my strategy is working. The girls have gotten so much better and we have even begun to have a routine! They come in the classroom, put their stuff at their table and come and sit on the floor for the lesson. I don't even have to tell them anymore! Their behavior has gotten better as well. Of course not all of them, but I am ignoring many of them when they don't listen. They really don't like it when I ignore them and they continue to try to get my attention. Thursday went really well. I thought that I was going to have chaos and total misbehavior, but I did not. We did some work for the first period and 1/2 of the second. I didn't want to give them the whole day to play. After they finished their assignment I gathered them on the floor and made a big deal about the girls that were going to participate in the fun activities that I had planned. There were only 6 in my 3/1 group and 9 in my 3/2 group. I had bought each of them a pen and a pencil and I had cookies for them as well. There was play dough (the 3/1 group did this) and masks to paint (3/2 enjoyed this activity). The rest of the girls did math worksheets at their desks. I did not have tears at all. I got a lot of angry glares, but no crying. One girl was pretty near to tears when she told me "I listen", but I tried to explain that she doesn't every day. I think I am going to have to go to some visual for the girls so they will know. I am going to create a behavior chart and if they were good on Sunday etc. they will get a sticker. If they have 4 stickers they will know that they will be able to participate on Thursday. The only thing that scares me about this idea is that if they don't get a sticker on Sunday they will know that they won't be able to participate on Thursday so they may not behave the rest of the week. It's worth a shot though. I think some girls really need the visual to help them see that they are behaving or not. So I had a very good week. We are still not where I want to be, but we're getting there. I may even be able to introduce working together in 3/2! That would be a huge step:) Praise God for a great week at work!
My apartment is coming along. I got it cleaned. Wow! That was some hard work! The apartment is huge and it was so dusty. Someone left the windows open so it was full of dust and sand by the windows. I think I got it all cleaned up! I got my appliances on Tuesday and I even did a load of laundry!! No more hand washing for me! I got my living room furniture and my bed on Thursday. It is coming along. It is so big that even with some furniture it looks pretty bare. I really need to get some accessories to make it start looking and feeling like home.
I went grocery shopping on Friday after church. Wow was that an experience! I walked slowly up and down each and every aisle of LuLu Hypermarket (that store is huge) and carefully inspected a lot of items. It was so difficult trying to find things that I was used to like Minute Rice, pancake mix, instant dinners, instant rice and noodle packages, crackers and other items. I was able to find a lot of things that I am used to, but I am also trying a lot of new things. I really wanted Cheez-Its! No such luck:( I spent 2,077dhs ($565) on groceries, but now my fridge, freezer, and shelves are stocked. I can start cooking!!!!!
I am having more furniture delivered today (bookcase, table, desk, entry piece, and chairs) and JT (a teacher's husband) is going to come over to hang curtains and a shower curtain. I have to go to Carrefour and get some more stuff (water cooler, safe, coffe pot, iron/board, bathroom storage, and baking stuff). Then I think I MAY be ready! My plan is to be in my apartment by tonight or tomorrow night at the latest.
JT has been helping me get my drivers license ready. He has been taking me out every night to get the necessary paperwork ready. I got my UAE ID card and my US drivers license translated. Now all I have to do is get my UAE license then I can get a car! The process doesn't sound that difficult, but everything has taken 2 days. I had to drop my passport off to get it inputted into the UAE system (I would have that would have already been done since I have a residence visa but...) before I could get my UAE ID. That took a couple of hours and by the time it was ready the ID office was closed. So that meant another night. That step was actually the quickest since everything was already entered all they needed to do was take my fingerprints and picture and print the paper (the actual card will come later). The next day I dropped off my US license to be translated. For some reason that took a whole day! Oh well, it's finished. Sunday after work I'm going to the drivers license office to get my UAE license. From what I hear that's a pretty easy step if I have all the correct paperwork (UAE ID, translated license, copy of passport and visa and passport pictures). At least I know what I have to bring so I can be prepared. Then I can get a car!
So that has been my very busy week. And now the weekend is almost over and I still have to plan for the week, and try to move out of the hotel. I need some time off. Plus I'm starting to get sick. I have a little sore throat and a runny nose. Nothing too bad right now, but it's coming. I hope it doesn't get any worse.
School was very good this week. I think my strategy is working. The girls have gotten so much better and we have even begun to have a routine! They come in the classroom, put their stuff at their table and come and sit on the floor for the lesson. I don't even have to tell them anymore! Their behavior has gotten better as well. Of course not all of them, but I am ignoring many of them when they don't listen. They really don't like it when I ignore them and they continue to try to get my attention. Thursday went really well. I thought that I was going to have chaos and total misbehavior, but I did not. We did some work for the first period and 1/2 of the second. I didn't want to give them the whole day to play. After they finished their assignment I gathered them on the floor and made a big deal about the girls that were going to participate in the fun activities that I had planned. There were only 6 in my 3/1 group and 9 in my 3/2 group. I had bought each of them a pen and a pencil and I had cookies for them as well. There was play dough (the 3/1 group did this) and masks to paint (3/2 enjoyed this activity). The rest of the girls did math worksheets at their desks. I did not have tears at all. I got a lot of angry glares, but no crying. One girl was pretty near to tears when she told me "I listen", but I tried to explain that she doesn't every day. I think I am going to have to go to some visual for the girls so they will know. I am going to create a behavior chart and if they were good on Sunday etc. they will get a sticker. If they have 4 stickers they will know that they will be able to participate on Thursday. The only thing that scares me about this idea is that if they don't get a sticker on Sunday they will know that they won't be able to participate on Thursday so they may not behave the rest of the week. It's worth a shot though. I think some girls really need the visual to help them see that they are behaving or not. So I had a very good week. We are still not where I want to be, but we're getting there. I may even be able to introduce working together in 3/2! That would be a huge step:) Praise God for a great week at work!
My apartment is coming along. I got it cleaned. Wow! That was some hard work! The apartment is huge and it was so dusty. Someone left the windows open so it was full of dust and sand by the windows. I think I got it all cleaned up! I got my appliances on Tuesday and I even did a load of laundry!! No more hand washing for me! I got my living room furniture and my bed on Thursday. It is coming along. It is so big that even with some furniture it looks pretty bare. I really need to get some accessories to make it start looking and feeling like home.
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| bedroom |
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| kitchen (my very first load of laundry is in the machine) |
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| kitchen |
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| very tiny fridge |
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| living room |
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| living room (all the furniture folds down to make a bed so I have room for visitors:) |
I went grocery shopping on Friday after church. Wow was that an experience! I walked slowly up and down each and every aisle of LuLu Hypermarket (that store is huge) and carefully inspected a lot of items. It was so difficult trying to find things that I was used to like Minute Rice, pancake mix, instant dinners, instant rice and noodle packages, crackers and other items. I was able to find a lot of things that I am used to, but I am also trying a lot of new things. I really wanted Cheez-Its! No such luck:( I spent 2,077dhs ($565) on groceries, but now my fridge, freezer, and shelves are stocked. I can start cooking!!!!!
I am having more furniture delivered today (bookcase, table, desk, entry piece, and chairs) and JT (a teacher's husband) is going to come over to hang curtains and a shower curtain. I have to go to Carrefour and get some more stuff (water cooler, safe, coffe pot, iron/board, bathroom storage, and baking stuff). Then I think I MAY be ready! My plan is to be in my apartment by tonight or tomorrow night at the latest.
JT has been helping me get my drivers license ready. He has been taking me out every night to get the necessary paperwork ready. I got my UAE ID card and my US drivers license translated. Now all I have to do is get my UAE license then I can get a car! The process doesn't sound that difficult, but everything has taken 2 days. I had to drop my passport off to get it inputted into the UAE system (I would have that would have already been done since I have a residence visa but...) before I could get my UAE ID. That took a couple of hours and by the time it was ready the ID office was closed. So that meant another night. That step was actually the quickest since everything was already entered all they needed to do was take my fingerprints and picture and print the paper (the actual card will come later). The next day I dropped off my US license to be translated. For some reason that took a whole day! Oh well, it's finished. Sunday after work I'm going to the drivers license office to get my UAE license. From what I hear that's a pretty easy step if I have all the correct paperwork (UAE ID, translated license, copy of passport and visa and passport pictures). At least I know what I have to bring so I can be prepared. Then I can get a car!
So that has been my very busy week. And now the weekend is almost over and I still have to plan for the week, and try to move out of the hotel. I need some time off. Plus I'm starting to get sick. I have a little sore throat and a runny nose. Nothing too bad right now, but it's coming. I hope it doesn't get any worse.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday
Today was the day. It was like I started all over. I had my plan, and by golly I stuck to it. I told the girls that things were going to be different today. There would be no more yelling. I would teach when they were quiet. I was not going to talk/yell over them. I also told them that I was only going to teach the ones that wanted to learn. If they chose to talk then I would take the few that were quiet and listening to a back table and teach them. That is exactly what I had to do and they did not like it one bit. I told them that if they were good Sunday-Wednesday that we would have fun on Thursday. This will not be for all of the girls, just the ones that listen and work.
In the morning they were actually pretty good until I wanted to teach math. Most of the girls were still talking while a few were seated on the floor waiting for me to start. I took the few back to a table and began to teach them about 10s and 1s. We used base 10 blocks and made different numbers. While I was teaching this group many of the girls wanted to come and join, but I told them they could join next time when they can show me that they are ready to learn when I am ready to teach. They did not like this and continued to try to join the circle. I just ignored them and eventually they went away. There was a group on the floor talking and a few at their desks working on handwriting. When I handed out the sheet for them to work on they all returned to their desks and went to work! Amazing! I didn't have to say anything; I just gave them the sheet and they went. That is how it's supposed to work!!
The afternoon actually went better. I had 3/2 in the afternoon and that's usually a better group anyway. I just had a few girls that didn't want to do anything and I let them. I made sure they knew that they would not be participating on Thursday if they chose not to work and listen.
Teaching just a few goes against everything I have ever been taught, but I am not going to waste my time, or theirs, trying to yell over students to get them to listen. Hopefully they will want to listen later on. They really didn't like it today when I left them out. If they weren't listening to me I would ignore them when they asked to get water, paper, or go to the bathroom.
I had a good start to the new week. I pray that it will continue and it wasn't just because it was Sunday. I know kids are always better on the first day of the school week. They are still a little tired from the weekend. I will continue this tomorrow and hope and pray that I get the same, if not better, results.
I started working on getting my Emirates National ID card today. What a long process. I took my passport to the ID office and they did something that took like 3 hours and gave me a piece of paper that I have to take to another office that just happened to be closed when I got the paper back. What timing:( While I was waiting I went to the apartment and started cleaning. I vacuumed, swept, washed dishes, and mopped the bathrooms and kitchen. Lots of work. I am getting ready to move in. Appliances and living room set come on Tuesday.
It's been a long day and it's finally time for dinner. Room service just arrived!
In the morning they were actually pretty good until I wanted to teach math. Most of the girls were still talking while a few were seated on the floor waiting for me to start. I took the few back to a table and began to teach them about 10s and 1s. We used base 10 blocks and made different numbers. While I was teaching this group many of the girls wanted to come and join, but I told them they could join next time when they can show me that they are ready to learn when I am ready to teach. They did not like this and continued to try to join the circle. I just ignored them and eventually they went away. There was a group on the floor talking and a few at their desks working on handwriting. When I handed out the sheet for them to work on they all returned to their desks and went to work! Amazing! I didn't have to say anything; I just gave them the sheet and they went. That is how it's supposed to work!!
The afternoon actually went better. I had 3/2 in the afternoon and that's usually a better group anyway. I just had a few girls that didn't want to do anything and I let them. I made sure they knew that they would not be participating on Thursday if they chose not to work and listen.
Teaching just a few goes against everything I have ever been taught, but I am not going to waste my time, or theirs, trying to yell over students to get them to listen. Hopefully they will want to listen later on. They really didn't like it today when I left them out. If they weren't listening to me I would ignore them when they asked to get water, paper, or go to the bathroom.
I had a good start to the new week. I pray that it will continue and it wasn't just because it was Sunday. I know kids are always better on the first day of the school week. They are still a little tired from the weekend. I will continue this tomorrow and hope and pray that I get the same, if not better, results.
I started working on getting my Emirates National ID card today. What a long process. I took my passport to the ID office and they did something that took like 3 hours and gave me a piece of paper that I have to take to another office that just happened to be closed when I got the paper back. What timing:( While I was waiting I went to the apartment and started cleaning. I vacuumed, swept, washed dishes, and mopped the bathrooms and kitchen. Lots of work. I am getting ready to move in. Appliances and living room set come on Tuesday.
It's been a long day and it's finally time for dinner. Room service just arrived!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Shopping
Oh my gosh! I just spent 8 1/2 hours shopping. I am exhausted. I bought a lot of my furniture and have arranged delivery for this week and Sat. I got my sheets, towels, desk, chair, mirror thing for the bedroom, entry table, kitchen table and chairs, kitchen accessories and lots of other things. My appliances are coming on Tuesday. My furniture is coming on Saturday. I still have to arrange delivery for my bed and living room set. Hopefully I can get those to come before Saturday. I am so ready to leave the hotel and do some cooking!
Since I have spent a lot of money I will not be leaving. I am here and I will make it through this. I am going to win this battle between 8 year old girls. I am going to go to work on Sunday with a new strategy that I am going to stick to. This strategy is simple; yet it's going to be sooooo hard. I am going to ignore them. Really ignore them. I am going to tell them that I will teach them if they are going to listen and do what I ask. When they start talking and moving around I will stop and wait. I will totally ignore them. If I have some girls that want to learn (which I do), I will take them to a table and work with them. I will not yell at or talk to the other girls, I will wait for them to do what I want them to do. If it takes all day and I get nothing accomplished with a majority of the class then so be it. If it takes a week, a month or more fine. I will work with those that want to learn and eventually the others will come around. I have to hope that. I will have Thursday as a special day for those that worked and listened all week, while the others won't participate. I will be praying for strength and patience. I know God will get me though this.
Stay tuned for the update on Sunday.
Since I have spent a lot of money I will not be leaving. I am here and I will make it through this. I am going to win this battle between 8 year old girls. I am going to go to work on Sunday with a new strategy that I am going to stick to. This strategy is simple; yet it's going to be sooooo hard. I am going to ignore them. Really ignore them. I am going to tell them that I will teach them if they are going to listen and do what I ask. When they start talking and moving around I will stop and wait. I will totally ignore them. If I have some girls that want to learn (which I do), I will take them to a table and work with them. I will not yell at or talk to the other girls, I will wait for them to do what I want them to do. If it takes all day and I get nothing accomplished with a majority of the class then so be it. If it takes a week, a month or more fine. I will work with those that want to learn and eventually the others will come around. I have to hope that. I will have Thursday as a special day for those that worked and listened all week, while the others won't participate. I will be praying for strength and patience. I know God will get me though this.
Stay tuned for the update on Sunday.
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