First day at the school and first day of rain! Not what I expected at all. I first met with the principal and Tia Lucy, who I would be assisting. They were so nice and welcoming. Tia Lucy teaches English, but is still learning English herself so it was a challenge to communicate. We walked into her first class and saw students on the floor fighting and kicking each other, screaming students, things being thrown across the room, girls pulling each other’s hair; it was a mess. I couldn’t believe students were allowed to act this way. Though, Tia Lucy came in calmly and tried to get everyone settled down. It took a long time, but once books were passed out some order was made in the classroom. I pronounced their English vocabulary to the students and helped them with their worksheets for a while. Soon came break/play time and Tia Lucy and I were off to her next English class. This time they were older students and pretty well behaved. I did the same pronouncing their vocabulary and helping with worksheets and the students helped me with the vocabulary in Spanish! The time at the school went by quick, but I observed and learned a lot. Seeing how the children acted, I know in my classroom respect and discipline needs to be taught. This picture is of inside the school; the open outside area is the play area and the classrooms are all around in the shape of a square. The classrooms have very minimum in them and are dirty, cold, and are not inviting learning environments.

My Spanish is getting better and I am finding it is a lot easier to communicate with younger children than older. I had to use “sentarse” a lot today which means “sit down!” I will be working at the school Monday-Friday from 10:00-1:00 for the next two months! I am excited, but at the same time overwhelmed by the difference in education here compared to the United States. Please be in prayer for Tia Lucy and I; that we would get better at understanding and communicating with each other. Also, please pray God would give me patience when working with the children and their behavior. Miss everyone so much!!!