It is hard to believe that my third term as a teacher in my first year is now complete. Of course teaching is a new experience for me. There were definitely moments when I was not sure if I would survive. What about the 7 weeks of teaching social studies where I dreaded going into class. When maps was the only thing I covered; I knew the kids were tired of it and I was too. Finally I found something that worked, what a break through. I would summarize the material I was to cover and right it on the board. As a class we would sign and resign the text. Two students would then come up to sign up as well. Once I thought the kids had an “idea” of what was written on the board I would give them questions to answers. After nearly 3 months did their cob webs of reading comprehension skills begin to be improve and gradually relevant answers would be given; unfortunately only from 2-3 kids. This was a great feeling. When the culture and the normality of the situation is to copy from the board; to make them think and reason for themselves, even though very minimally, it is gratifying.
Or what about the first time I was asked to give a speech because I was the welcomed visitor at my school in the staff room. Public speaking is not something I relish, but I try to force myself to act strong. As I muddled through a very brief self introduction I was thinking about just getting through. Because it is culturally accepted for visitors to say a few words I knew that I would have to get used to this practice. Since then I have talked at a Boy/Girl Scout meeting outside my school, deputies church, another church I have attended, Peace Corps meetings, closing day ceremonies at school, and the vast number of other occasions. My comfort level has grown. Or what about teaching hiv/aids to class 8. Not only was the material something I was not keen on or the fact that I was teaching class 8. Transitioning from little kids to the big kids on the block. Their signing and comprehension were so advanced than from those I taught befdore.
The second and third term I taught Kenyan Sign Language. I felt somewhat comfortable but not nearly at ease. It is one thing to teach a subject that is new to both the kids and the teacher ie math, social studies, pe etc. It is entirely different if the subject is the mother tongue of the student. Teaching KSL was a definite struggle, but I am glad I endured. I do think I learned more than I taught.
