I realized that I have yet to say anything about the school I’m working at and my job while I’m here. I’m working at a pre-primary and primary school. This includes kids from 5 yrs old to 12 yrs old. I work 12 hours each week and am lucky to have Friday’s off! There are 2 English teachers that I’m working with, Mario and Jesus, and they are so great! They are my translators when I look confused in the teacher’s lounge, haha! Because the kids are young, they have limited English knowledge, so I’m mainly there so they can hear a native speaker and hear the American accent. I read passages from their lesson books, do activities with them, and will do presentations as appropriate to help them learn more about American culture.
The other teachers are great as well. A couple of them are beginning to practice English with me during the 30 minute break. They’ve all been very welcoming and are always willing to help when I have questions about things to do around town, travelling on the weekends, etc. There are a few teachers closer to my age that I’m very thankful for. We’ve gone out for drinks and shopping around the town, and a couple of them are in my pilates and gym class during the weekday evenings. (I’ll have to explain those during another post) It’s nice to practice Spanish with people closer to my age so that I get more exposure to the usual slang/phrases.
The picture at the top was a surprise from one of my classes. They called me in before our class period to show me their work. It totally made my day! They either call me Christine (which sounds like ‘krEEsteen’ (accent on the first E sound, and a rolled ‘r’) or Chris (which sounds like ‘krees’) both very cute. And I love the little note near the bottom that says ‘besos’ (which means kisses).
All the students were pretty timid when I first got there. I was more of a novelty than a teacher. I still am a mystery to them, but slowly they are getting used to me being there and are beginning to talk to me more. Some of the girls in the younger grades have started giving me hugs regularly. They run up to me in the halls, or gather around me at the end of the class period.
Last week, in the 6th grade classes, I gave them a presentation about me, showing pictures of the Northwest, my family, things I like to do, etc. As I do activities and am more active, they notice my tattoo on my inner right wrist. Many students have asked about it, so in my presentation, I made a slide saying that I play the piano, and showed a picture of the tattoo so they would all know. This week, a few of the 6th grade girls showed me that they drew their own version of my tattoo on their wrists. I don’t promote tattoos to kids, but it was kind of cute that they wanted to copy me.
I really lucked out with my school. This next week, Mario is going to help me make a flyer promoting private English lessons so that I can help out the kids/teachers/people in the town with their English and make a little extra money at the same time. I’m hoping it’ll be a good way to get to know more people in the community as well.
hey cousin christine. me and mom are reading your blog and enjoy hearing about your experience in spain with your class. so, soo cool and cute. anyhoo, just wanted to let you know we’re thinking about ya out herer in arizona and wish you well in your academia endeavors.
Thanks Evan! Tell your parents hi for me!
Amazing! Reading your post gave me the emotions you must be going through. Soak it all up!
Thanks Mai…I’m doing as much soaking as I can, haha! Miss ya.
Such a nice post! That’s pretty sweet that the students made their own versions of your “Christine” tattoo. You’ve inspired me to take some pics of the students in the classrooms sometime soon.
Buena suerte con el folleto de clases de ingles con Mario! My two awesome, private students told me this past week that they weren’t able to do lessons anymore — totally bummed! Oh well, I’m sure something else will work out. :)
Oh bummer about your lessons. I’m sure you’ll find some more. Yeah, I need to take more pictures with the students too. It’s nice to see them around town too and they say hi :-)
The children seem to be very loving, what a wonderful feeling and experience . I enjoyed your all the pictures .Besos christine. tu mama
Thanks mama, love you!
I am a little behind in reading this but am so happy to see pictures and read what your class/kids are like! I love that you are getting to know them and that they are getting to know you better! Sounds amazing Christine… thanks for sharing girl! xoxo
Thanks Nicole! I’m having a great time at the school. Happy Thanksgiving!