kindergartners

I met my kindergartners on Monday and I cannot say enough wonderful things about them. They are sweet, well-behaved children who are so bright and talented and come from such colorful backgrounds. I am so excited to get to know them all better and have the pleasure of teaching them. My teacher is also a saint who has been so friendly and helpful in my first few days here. She works so well with the students and they love her very much.

Here are the things that I love so far about Our Lady of Mercy in general.

We were welcomed with open arms.

I don't think there is one teacher that hasn't stopped myself and my two comrades to introduce themselves and welcome us to Our Lady of Mercy. Everyone is so willing to provide advice and guidance on acclimating to the new culture and invite us into their homes. I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for us so far.

Silence isn't always golden.

In the American schools that I have experienced there is an emphasis on silence. Silence in the hallways, silence during transitions in the classroom, silence while the teacher is teaching, etc. When students are expected to be quite 80% of the day, they get restless and I feel unhappy because it seems like I'm constantly yelling at them. At Our Lady of Mercy I have noticed already a higher tolerance for noise. I'm sure many American teachers would not agree, but to me it feels comfortable and inviting.

The students are oh so lovable.

It's day three and I have probably gotten about a dozen I love yous and three times as many hugs. Did I mention that I'm allowed to hug the students? My mentor teacher actually told me to break the habit of not allowing students to hug me or hold my hand. Works for me. Being greeted by twenty little guys and gals asking for hugs beats my second cup of coffee any day.

Speaking of lovable students, I received my first student artwork of the semester today...

:)