Starting to officially teach

Well....It's Tuesday afternoon and getting close to 4pm. Another hour before I take the bus home. I actually started teaching today, but a little to my surprise. I'd asked yesterday when I would start and also confirmed this morning, and they said no plan yet....both today and yesterday. So I get into my class at 8:45am and at 9am here they come trouping in...

Let me back up a step though first...yesterday was the opening day of this semester. The kids have actually been on a mid school year break. School year goes from Mar-Feb. So, start in March...one month break in August and then Jan/Feb is off (kinda flipping summer witn Christmas/march break I guess). So yesterday I came to school with my new slippers and was introduced to a retired teacher that will be working with me for the next 6 months. Really good actually as she is in class with me at all times and takes control for discipline and such. Mrs Ahn. We are both new, so at the gymnasium meeting with 570 students, 15 teachers, 3 admin and VP and principal we were introduced on stage...no biggie...just bowing...no speaking. I get out of the gym and am standing there while the wave of kids go by and get a flurry of Hello, Hi, Hello, Hi, Hi, Hello of which you kinda don't answer really, but in the middle of it some (what looked like a grade 4) boy squeezes in a f*** y** to me on the way by....I was pretty shocked and gave him my meanest "Hey BUDDY"!!! Way to keep your cool Milton. Anyways...

Back to today...although caught off guard, I did have a lesson plan and by the end of day I was able to piece together my schedule. See below for the class lesson and weekly plan which is going to be the story of my life for the next year:



I have to admit though that my first day of teaching today was a very good experience. With Mrs. Ahn having the kids sit up straight and pay attention to me, helping translate some more complicated directions, and also helping organize supplies and conversing with other teachers and the vice principal to ensure I have everything I need, I am really spoiled, and Ellen will let you know that I am I'm sure. There was no fixed textbook lesson today...I put some pictures of snowmobiling, my mom and dad...picture of Brad and Sean in the suits...picture of windsurfing, fishing, car covered in snow...anyways it was explaining what I like. Then each group (6 per) had a laminated sheet and they would write on it: "We like_______" and then have a speaker share with the class...one group had We Like/Love Milton....so it made me feel much better than that little shit yesterday.

As you can see from the schedule, I teach 20 hours a week and always in the morning. My afternoons are free (except Tuesday until 2:20pm), so I plan for the next day then I have some down time. Sitting in my brand new, air conditioned class....no complaints....so far. Anyways....bye for now.