A Journey Of Observations and Teaching

Day 5 and 6

The sun beats down as we enter the cab heading off to observe and co-teach. 

50 students in a 300 sq foot room are silent when the teacher enters.  Respect is seen throughout the day with students standing to greet teachers, regardless of the cramped conditions, the lack of AC, some don’t have pencils and notebooks, yet they follow every word of the teacher.  We are taught about cultures and being cognizant of one another’s views.  I see students raising their hand and snapping at the teacher to gain their attention. This is an action that is not done in our culture.

Monsour teaches a 2 hour lesson starting with a kinesthetic activity followed by a lesson on what is friendship?  “A friend in need is a friend indeed," he tells his students. Repetition, music, group work, movement, all follow- ending class with students working in group. The few that have a cell phone play us in a game of Kahoot.  Of course they win!  What I've already noticed is if you strip away the technology, the fundamentals of teaching and learning are synonymous with the U.S. 

Julie’s teaches games and how games can teach us about culture as well connect us. We teach them Duck, Duck, Goose and they teach us a game to take back to the U.S. - again we notice the similarities in the game, just the verbiage is different.  Red Light, Green Light, Who took the cookie from the cookie jar, and dance moves, a way to communicate when we lack the words to.

Next up is the American Corner where free English classes are given to beginners. The little ones are craving to show me how they can read in English. I don’t speak French, yet we find a way to learn from one another. The love and joy in their eyes reminds me of why I became a teacher. The hugs are infectious.

Simply put, my heart is overjoyed! The Senegalese have shown a kindness and they have humbled me.