TGIF

This was definitely one of the longest, most challenging weeks of my life. There were so many times during the week that if someone had given me a chance to go home, I would have taken it in a second. Immersion learning definitely works, though! I have learned so much about myself. I have also discovered I am becoming one of those tough teachers I hated (and respected) so much in school! It is such an interesting transition, to go from student to teacher in such a short time. When I walk onto this campus, I suddenly become an adult. The kids call me Miss, and will actually listen when I tell them to do something! The funny thing is that many of these students are only a year or two younger then me; a few are older then me. Discipline is very important here, because the kids do not get it at home. Most of these kids are being raised by their grandparents or aunts and uncles because their parents are working in the states; they say there are more Belizians in the US then there are in Belize. I have quickly gotten a reputation as being very strict, which is great- I teach 100 students every day, and if I did not keep a tight reign on my kids, it would be a zoo. The secretaries in the office laugh when they see me coming, because I usually have a handful of things I have confiscated. The dress code is very strict, because lot of types of jewelry or colored clothing is associated with gangs. Also, in Belize there are several disrespectful noises, such as sucking your teeth or clucking your tongue--and boys will hiss at girls. I have mastered the glare, which I use a lot when I hear a noise but can't tell who made it. I send boys to the office on a regular basis, and today I assigned lines (writing "I will not be late" 50 times) to some of my homeroom boys who were late to the school Mass. Some days it is very frustrating, but once order is established I will be able to loosen up a little. You really have to be on your toes, because these kids are smart and wily! I am really enjoying watching personalities emerge, though. Already, the precocious kids have made themselves known. They are a lot of fun to teach, because they have so much energy, and so many questions! Some of my kids are super smart, so it will be a challenge to gear material towards everyone. I really appreciate the staff at this school. They are very supportive, and will back up any of your decisions, which is so important. The other teachers are a lot of fun, too. There is so much more I could write, but it looks like it is going to pour any second, so I will have to make a dash for home!