work schedule

So, i finally have an almost set schedule for work, sorta strange for me since i haven't had a set schedule in over a year. I had my presentation in front of the PC administration the other day and i think it went well. Everyone seemed interested in participating in the projects that were going on at the orphanage and I'm glad that i'll have other people around to help me out with some things.

I've started up English classes again and so far not too much English has been learned. ha! Honestly though, the kids don't get exposed to different teaching styles, so i try and use a lot of team building and communication skills through "dinamicas" a.k.a. dynamic activities that get the kids out of their seats and involved in interacting with each other while learning a few things. It's a fun way to get kids involved. I'm working out the kinks of avoiding cheating and bad beahvior such as not listening to the rules and fighting over little things during the activity. Believe it or not I've started carrying a whistle to class and the kids know that once i blow it silence is required, sorta military like, but it works to bring order when needed.

I've got two groups of kids, the teenage boys and the montessori kids (ranging in age from 5-7yrs. old) The montessori kids are learning super quick and my goal for next month is to have them singing "the wheels on the bus" in English. I think i can get them to do it. For the teenage boys, my goal is to get them to know basic salutations/greetings and have them pass a 10 question exam by the end of two weeks without looking at their notes. Kids here have no idea the idea of taking an exam without looking at notes, that's how most of them take exams. Oh did i mention they talk during exams and ask each other for answers to certain questions, too?! Teachers don't mind and sometimes chime in to help the students b/c they want to be able to say all their kids passed the exam. So, i'm going to break the mold and try something new, taking exams without help, we'll see how it goes!