Crazies!

Teaching always comes with its surprises and funny moments. So does living in the DR. This week alone I (Katie, again) have had some pretty interesting experiences.

It all started when I was in my classroom and started hearing music. Now, hearing music in the DR is pretty normal. Generally, however, it is Bachata or some other very Latino-sounding music. This time, it sounded like someone some sort of Irish melody being played on a flute or some other woodwind instrument. Strangely enough, I looked out my window and saw a man walking down the street playing a flute-like instrument. I don't think I have ever seen a Dominican playing an instrument on the street, let alone playing an Irish song on a flute. Let's just say it was a pretty good way to start of my week.

Later the same day, I was in the 5th grade English class providing ESL (English as a Second Language) support for students who need it. There I was, going innocently about my day when...BAM! I am asked the one question no teacher (other than maybe a health teacher) wants to be asked:

"Mrs. Katie...what is 'sex'?"
"Umm....Well (awkwardly pauses...trying to think of what to say...) maybe you will learn more about that in 6th grade.."

Don't judge me, Lizzie. Don't you dare judge me! (Ok, sorry, I had to quote Pride & Prejudice for a second while defending myself). Turns out, she found the word 'sex' in their reading today because it was talking about "race, sex, religion." So apparently I was the one with my mind in the gutter, and the students were asking an innocent question about a synonym for the word 'gender.' Sheesh. Dodged a bullet there, though.

Also, I began teaching four Kindergarten students this week. They all speak English as their first language, and they are basically adorable. And so smart! They told me that 'Flamingo' starts with the letter 'f' and that flamingos are pink and tall and can walk on water!! (That last bit was new information for me, too haha!). I realized, however, how easily Kindergarteners get distracted. Oh dear...I tell you something. It is crazy. Show them a video about the alphabet, though, and they will be in a trance. I am looking forward to some fun moments and lots of good quotes from this group though.

To sum it up...I love my job! While things are far from perfect, I still am so glad I get to work at an awesome school like Doulos. I look forward to all I will learn this year as a first year teacher. It promises to be exciting!