When I started this journey, I knew that it would change me. It is impossible for it not to have changed me.
Some of the changes were expected. For example, I am more self-confident than I was before. There are many things I didn`t think I could do because of more poor grasp of the language. But I did them, and the feeling of satisfaction I got from them was wonderful. I feel like if I can navigate the roads and train system in a country where I can barely speak the language, there is not much I can`t do. ^_-
Still have no idea what this says.
But there have been many unexpected changes too. Good changes, but ones that I never saw coming.
One thing I realized while working here is that I had forgotten what it means to be a kid. When I first started, I got so frustrated when my little students wouldn`t listen or do their work. There were some days I dreaded going to work because I knew I would have to face those classes.
I`m not sure when it happened, but one day I realized that they were just being kids. No five year old wants to sit still and do worksheets out of a textbook, and it is ridiculous to expect an eight year old to come to my class after a full day of school and be excited about more work.
So I changed my teaching style. I became more relaxed and flexible, and suddenly things became better. If they were not feeling up to doing worksheets, then we would play a game of Chip O! or Simon Says. There was a huge shift in the students too. They now seemed to want to come to class and didn`t mind doing a worksheet or two if it meant they would get to play a game later.
They're so cute when they are standing still.
I`ve also learned not to take myself so seriously. I`ll be honest, when I first started this job, I would sometimes be too embarrassed to act silly or goofy. But I have noticed that students (even some of the adults) respond better when I am more animated. They relax and laugh more, and it does seem to help them remember what I am teaching them. Plus, what do I have to be embarrassed about; a seven year old doesn`t care if I have no rhythm when we dance to the `Days of the Week` song.
You can have a great time if they are silly too.
And I know that this experience is going to keep on changing me, and I can't wait to see what is in store for me next. ^^
