Former Expat Teacher Acclimating to the American Way!

I was feeling some kind of way today after I found out my teacher wants a transfer. I understand her reasons so there is no argument there. But there are things at play that I don't think she understands and I haven't found a way to explain them to her.Actually,I won't find a way because its like trying to tell someone something negative about their close friend. Yeah,so I'm going to leave that one alone. The reason I was feeling some kind of way is because part of the reason I was leaning toward staying was because of the situation in our room!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't imagine the kids going from their independent activities and the level of freedom  they have to the alternative that Im sure will happen without her as my coteacher. I am extremely disappointed.extremely. wooooosaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh. I came home today to check the school I was eyeing only to find that the posts have been removed.Im sure that means the posts have been filled but I will keep my eyes...

6 months ago I wasn't to happy with my situation. I was feeling stifled in terms of teaching time and a  host of other things and my main focus in life was to get OUT.  I must say that the year has progressed rather nicely and Im not feeling the same way about the year. Thanks to my coteacher, who understands what the kids need and provides those things even when someone says otherwise,we  are having a great year! I can't say that I would feel this way with another teacher. Our classroom runs smoothly and the kids are self sufficient. Today, two kids decided to make a book in the science center. The books were pre made with the title and had two pages for them to draw animals or write. They were provided with real pictures of animals to choose from and had been given instructions previously about their options (to draw animals they saw at the zoo, animals from the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, or to use the pictures if necessary). We also started this week putting ...

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im not one to obsess over capitals and punctuation but this time its not a case of indifference.my keyboard is screwed and i have to order a new one from america or pay 80+ dollars for one here. so simple bullets will have to suffice for now. found my color foundation in revlon color stay.that never happens.wouldve bought them all but they only had two.and let me add i like it better than mac studio fix.*gasps!* went to body pump FINALLY.10 dollars a class.what was i waiting for?!but I'm a light weight and lost my dinner 20 some odd days till he gets back from his china stint :-) our principal is back and making sure we know it,lol. its been two days and I'm trying not to let the fact that there isn't enough teaching time disturb me and we are off again sunday!the perfect opportunity to start my e-portfolio! we have two new malls in the city!idk why but I'm going to at least one this week just to browse i should probably do a review on a product here...

The month is almost over and it seems Ive not written much. Not because I haven't had the chance. Just being lazy about it. Not much is going on. School ended on a high note with a few mishaps-flooding of the school, still working on the science room,fog (no students),practicing for National day,etc. So much and yet so little seemed to happen this term. I didn't even get to pass out my most improved certificates. I do hope that the new term provides more opportunity for teaching. I also hope the principal comes back...now that I think about it, I miss her walking around school looking at us,lol. This is the last week of our three week break. Time to start going to bed at a more reasonable time. I also need to finally finish getting rid of clutter and cleaning up as the Mr. will be making his return soon! We have plans to do more than sit in front of a screen. ooooomg, Im certain this year will be ending before I know it. Im done posting about where Im going or what Im goi...

We tend to hold on to things we don't need. Because, well, "we might need it one day". Especially as teachers. Often we DO use these things. In my case, too many times I don't. I have gotten so much better over the years. Before moving here I went through an extensive purging and it felt good. I think about it often here. I haven't had to do a major cleaning, though, since I don't have that many things. I  do find that I have collected little things from different places. Not from travels, but because there are often free things passed out like candy here. I know I have too many things. As soon as he was gone, I took over his closet space as if I couldn't make it without it. What was I doing before he left?! I figure now is the perfect time to go through our space and ease the burden of having stuff. My thoughts started with the fact that I don't want to be a slave to material things. Of course, we all like stuff but I go back and forth with that an...

Its been a long week.loooooong.I think Ive found everything I can for science at this age/ability group. The room is coming along well. Silly me, I thought Id finish today after school. I worked from noon tip 3-MAYBE took 15 mins to eat-but its still not done. Im pleased with the work thus far though. I kind of want to see how the classes use it. But Im putting the cart before the horse. I have to make sure there are things to do in there. I have to call a meeting but we are all so busy with other committees I almost feel guilty or like I am imposing. We do have a good group so I don't think anyone would chop my head off. Not to mention I also have to work on my own committee to produce the things Ive been assigned. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh But thank God it is Thursday. I can rest for a bit. I could totally go for a nap but that would be counter productive as I would wake up at the crack of dawn tomorrow.No bueno. Oh, and how could I forget? There is a book ...