Term Two and Chickens

School has started. I am excited to be back at school with my students pushing them to think beyond what they are used to. This term two teachers and the head teacher (principal) are teaching at the secondary school next door. This only means one thing, the other teachers get a heavier load. I maintained my same classes from last term: match (class 4), social studies and p.e. (class 5), life skills (class 4 and 5). In addition to those I added one more, Kenyan Sign Language (class 6). I really wanted to teach KSL for several reasons. Mainly it would help my personal signing and thus improve communicating in my other classes more effectively. So far I am enjoyed KSL, but it is similar to teaching english. One small problem, I am not good at English. The syllabus for KSL is basically the same thing for English wit a few minor changes. Teaching the material for two weeks has gone ok; I have a long way to go.

This term I wanted my P.E. Class to take part in a physical fitness test. I remember in middle school taking part in this. My memories were mixed. I liked competition, but I rarely performed very well. I am pushing my kids to perform in: push ups, sit ups, sit and reach and running sprints/shuttle runs (there is another name that could be used).

My goal for math class is by the end of the term I want them to know the multiplication tables 2 - 9. I mulling over ideas of how to best to after this. Initial thoughts were to make a multiplication chart for the wall, and flash cards. If you have other ideas please share.

Recently I hit a wall about my life here in Kenya. It finally felt like the “honeymoon” period is over. The question for me is how I will push forward and be involved and connected with the community here in Mumias. A good portion of the struggle stems from the abundance of down time. I am used to being continually entertained either by t.v., playing sports, spending time with friends or various other things while in the U.S. The kenyan mindset is so different I am reminded time and time again. There is no such thing as “time.” Sitting with friends and sharing life and stories is common and part of the fabric of life here in Kenya. Still this is so hard to get used to, but hopefully as time passes it will become more ingrained in me and not the occasional nuisance.

Well I decided to find out if raising chickens is hereditary. My grandfather and grandmother raised chickens when my mother and uncle were children. This past weekend I went to market and bought myself a hen. I found the one I wanted, I payed and went on my walk toward the house. While I was carrying the hen I realized something was wrong. I was carrying it wrong. Apparently, carrying it like a baby is not right, but rather a football is the proper way. I really don’t know what to expect or do with the hen. (oh I have named her, Midnight). It is a good thing that the kids know and are eager to teach me. For the first three days Midnight should be tied on a tether just outside my house so she knows where to go in the evenings, yep, inside my house. After the three days, I can let her run free throughout the compound. There is a one Rooster that roams around impregnating the females at a rampant pace. I hope he finds Midnight, I want some eggs and baby chickens.