Part of me is regretting not writing a "first day of school" post because I feel like so much has happened that I'm not sure how to tackle this. But, with each passing day it seems more and more daunting, so let's just jump in!
My first day was particularly stressful. I tend to overthink/worry about essentially everything, and teaching in a foreign country for the first time without knowing what to expect is certainly included. I woke up early and did everything I could to start the day right: I woke up early, did a quick workout, practiced (emphasis on practice) some yoga moves, and got ready for the day (which took a while--salwar kameez can be difficult to put on!). Still, no matter how productive I was, I couldn't shake my nerves. My mom, dad, sister (Ashley), and two of my closest friends (Effie and Christos) all called me to wish me luck and share in what they thought would be excitement. They could not have been more wrong. Even so, I really appreciated their call--it meant a lot!
I was lucky that my coordinating teacher offered to pick me up and take me to school since I didn't know the way yet. On the way there I was finally able to hear a little information about what to expect/what was expected of me. Previous to this moment, I only knew I was teaching in this school, I would be teaching classes 5 & 6 (5th and 6th grade) predominantly, and that she wanted me to help run the school's Literary Club. Now I knew that for today I was only expected to introduce myself and talk generally about American culture while getting to know the students. It helped calm my nerves a bit, especially since I was anticipating being tossed into a classroom and teach a random lesson cold.
When I arrived on the school's campus, my mind was blown. I had visited the school once before, but
school wasn't in session. Now, the beautiful campus I had previously admired was saturated with students! I walked with my teacher and fiddled with my dupatta, which I could *not* get to stay on my shoulders, as students ran to approach me and sing "good morning miss!" Needless to say, it was absolutely adorable. Now that I experience this every day, it can be a bit overwhelming, especially since the campus is usually swarming with literally thousands of enthusiastic students, but I still enjoy it.
We stepped into the main office to meet another American teacher before going to the principal's office. She was a Fulbrighter on a different grant (one that sends American teachers to another country for a month), and it was her last day. It was strange to experience my first day as she was experiencing her last. My coordinating teacher joked that it was a very philosophical day because I was getting a glimpse into the future. She pointed out that my experience would be even more intense because I'd be there for far longer. I'm happy I have the opportunity to stay for so long, but it was a bit much at times to think about that.
After talking for a little about her future plans, we went into the principal's office. We were greeted with the principal and two students waiting with flower leis and a farewell gift to the other teacher, then posed for a photo. I know this is a tradition here because, as people have explained to me, God resides in your guests, so you offer flowers to them as you would any deity. Still, I couldn't help but be reminded of the somewhat hoaxy vibe I had when I received a flower lei at the Oberoi. I suppose that's just a cultural difference!
As I'm sure any American teacher who has stepped foot into an Indian classroom for the first time will tell you (or, at the very least, any of the Fulbright ETAs here), the students make you feel like a celebrity. Once I stepped foot into the classroom, all of the girls (I teach at an all girls' school) became wide-eyed and practically, if not actually, gasped. They then jumped up and sang "good morning miss!" and waited to be told to sit down. Many students failed to restrain their giggles and giddy smiles, but I can't say I blame them--if I were in that situation at their age, I'm sure I'd do the same. I talked to them for a while about myself and America before asking if they had any questions. I probably could have started off that way because there was no shortage of questions at all! When I left that classroom and said goodbye to them, the girls I made eye contact with squealed with excitement. That caught me off guard!
Probably the biggest contribution to the whole "feeling-like-a-celebrity" thing is the students asking for your autograph. That's how they word it too--autograph. I made the mistake one class of obliging and was quite literally bombarded. As in physically bombarded. They even began pushing each other in an attempt to come closer! I screamed out that everyone needed to go to their seats immediately, and most of them complied, but at least 10 still stood there asking, "now?" I'm lucky that my classes have monitors (students in the class who have extra responsibilities such as discipline, helping the teacher, running errands, etc.) that help me enforce the rules at times.
Now that more time has gone on, I feel more comfortable with teaching in these classrooms. The only issue is that some of the actual classrooms are so difficult to teach in. Today my biggest struggle was teaching the Class 4 students. In this building, all of the classrooms on this floor were separated by half walls, so not only does your voice get lost in the room, but you're competing with the other screaming teachers and chatting students. I had to essentially yell at the students to be heard, and even so I'm not entirely convinced the students in the back of the classroom heard me. This was an extra challenge because the class 4 students have a more difficult time understanding my accent and, despite my best efforts at times, my vocabulary. To make matters more intense, I'm expected to teach these students poetry. That will be a huge challenge for me in this environment.
The Class 5 rooms I've taught in are shaped in ways that don't really make sense. Next to the teacher's desk, there are two pockets with 6 desks each, and the rest of the desks are at least 6 feet away. It's hard to project your voice to everyone in the room. Personally, I don't understand why they don't just push the desks forward, but I'll bring it up next time.
Anyway, as I'm sure you can see, I could talk for so much longer about my first experiences in my school! I'll have to leave some for later.
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| Semi-awkward selfie of my snazzy salwar kameez before I rushed out the door. Apparently I looked like a "girl from Punjab!" |
I was lucky that my coordinating teacher offered to pick me up and take me to school since I didn't know the way yet. On the way there I was finally able to hear a little information about what to expect/what was expected of me. Previous to this moment, I only knew I was teaching in this school, I would be teaching classes 5 & 6 (5th and 6th grade) predominantly, and that she wanted me to help run the school's Literary Club. Now I knew that for today I was only expected to introduce myself and talk generally about American culture while getting to know the students. It helped calm my nerves a bit, especially since I was anticipating being tossed into a classroom and teach a random lesson cold.
When I arrived on the school's campus, my mind was blown. I had visited the school once before, but
 |
| My school's campus. How beautiful is that color? Note: this isn't my picture. I'll get around to it eventually. |
We stepped into the main office to meet another American teacher before going to the principal's office. She was a Fulbrighter on a different grant (one that sends American teachers to another country for a month), and it was her last day. It was strange to experience my first day as she was experiencing her last. My coordinating teacher joked that it was a very philosophical day because I was getting a glimpse into the future. She pointed out that my experience would be even more intense because I'd be there for far longer. I'm happy I have the opportunity to stay for so long, but it was a bit much at times to think about that.
After talking for a little about her future plans, we went into the principal's office. We were greeted with the principal and two students waiting with flower leis and a farewell gift to the other teacher, then posed for a photo. I know this is a tradition here because, as people have explained to me, God resides in your guests, so you offer flowers to them as you would any deity. Still, I couldn't help but be reminded of the somewhat hoaxy vibe I had when I received a flower lei at the Oberoi. I suppose that's just a cultural difference!
As I'm sure any American teacher who has stepped foot into an Indian classroom for the first time will tell you (or, at the very least, any of the Fulbright ETAs here), the students make you feel like a celebrity. Once I stepped foot into the classroom, all of the girls (I teach at an all girls' school) became wide-eyed and practically, if not actually, gasped. They then jumped up and sang "good morning miss!" and waited to be told to sit down. Many students failed to restrain their giggles and giddy smiles, but I can't say I blame them--if I were in that situation at their age, I'm sure I'd do the same. I talked to them for a while about myself and America before asking if they had any questions. I probably could have started off that way because there was no shortage of questions at all! When I left that classroom and said goodbye to them, the girls I made eye contact with squealed with excitement. That caught me off guard!
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| A sample assortment of some gifts from students. This includes some "Friendship Day" bracelets, but students will offer them any day. And, as you can see, they're pretty resourceful when it comes to gift-making/giving. |
Now that more time has gone on, I feel more comfortable with teaching in these classrooms. The only issue is that some of the actual classrooms are so difficult to teach in. Today my biggest struggle was teaching the Class 4 students. In this building, all of the classrooms on this floor were separated by half walls, so not only does your voice get lost in the room, but you're competing with the other screaming teachers and chatting students. I had to essentially yell at the students to be heard, and even so I'm not entirely convinced the students in the back of the classroom heard me. This was an extra challenge because the class 4 students have a more difficult time understanding my accent and, despite my best efforts at times, my vocabulary. To make matters more intense, I'm expected to teach these students poetry. That will be a huge challenge for me in this environment.
The Class 5 rooms I've taught in are shaped in ways that don't really make sense. Next to the teacher's desk, there are two pockets with 6 desks each, and the rest of the desks are at least 6 feet away. It's hard to project your voice to everyone in the room. Personally, I don't understand why they don't just push the desks forward, but I'll bring it up next time.
Anyway, as I'm sure you can see, I could talk for so much longer about my first experiences in my school! I'll have to leave some for later.
Christine let me say that you look so beautiful in your salwar kameez. I adore the color too! The first day teaching in a new school can be daunting. However, you are in an entirely different league. New country, new school, and without the support of your family and friends! Knowing you, you will thrive in that environment and the students will absolutely learn so much from you! How does it feel being regarded as a celebrity and being showered with gifts? I love all the hand-made items. They are all like little treasures.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! The "celebrity status" was overwhelming at first, then amusing, followed by frustrating because it made teaching a bit difficult. Now it's mostly over, but I just had a new class of ten-year-olds. I do love the presents, but I love the cards more than anything!
Delete"I know this is a tradition here because, as people have explained to me, God resides in your guests, so you offer flowers to them as you would any deity."
ReplyDeleteThat's actually really beautiful! I'm so excited to read more about your experiences when everything starts to settle. Sounds like you had an overwhelming day, but in the best way!
It is really beautiful! A big festival is coming up called Durga Puja, which celebrates Mother Goddess coming to Kolkata. She stays for four days, so those days especially will be wild! The city shuts down for the celebration, except for shops I believe, and is covered in lights. It will be in October, so look out for that. I'm so excited!
Delete