A Ginger Teacher in Abu Dhabi: April 2014

Well returning from spring break was an interesting experience. I will blog about London at a later time, it's just too much to write about and I can't seem to get myself to sit down and do it. Anyway, returning from spring break as I said was interesting. Here's what I mean by that, I was actually really excited to see my kids (as much as I complain about them, they completely have my heart) and the staff I hadn't seen since break, especially my co-teacher. I was became concerned when I didn't see my co-teacher and quickly figured out that she wasn't at school. I was interrupted by the vice principal/substitute teacher during English. She, in the best way possible, tried to tell me that my co-teacher would be out for 3 weeks and that she would come in to teach my kids Arabic and Islamic. I later found out that she had a hysterectomy. From that moment on, I started to change how things were run in my classroom. Being as I look at it like the classrooms in our school are the Arabic teacher's, even though we teach the kids more than they do, I have just kind of gone with how she runs things. Well, since I am on my own with them for 3 weeks, I made some new routines and have STUCK to them unlike how the Arabic staff runs things. I am shocked they don't understand or care that routines for kids are very important and can really help students succeed. I have quite the morning routine down with my kids and they love it and are used to it by now. We finish morning assembly, they grab their money from their backpacks and come sit down on the carpet. I start by taking their orders for breakfast followed by them choosing what job they want for the day. Once someone has picked to help me pass out the breakfast food, they get to put our money container on the shelf for the cleaners to collect later on. The line leader and "teacher" get to wear their badges, my attendance student does their job, seeing who is here and who isn't, and my day's of the week student says the days of the week to which the rest of the class repeats after them (in English first and then Arabic). We also write the date on the board and review our schedule for the day. I can't tell you how smoothly this goes and how much they listen and are engaged in it all. I know my co-teacher will appreciate this, and it gets the students settled before teaching begins instead of running around the classroom while she talks to other teachers.
So, these past two weeks have gone pretty good, I moved my tables around so I have one long group and a smaller group set up which makes it easier for me and the kids benefit by sitting all mixed up. I had one student who has had my heart since day one, work harder than I have ever seen him work, but knew he was capable of doing so. He was sitting next to my busy bee and wanted to do as much work as she was doing, so of course I let him. I was so proud of him, I let him put his paper on the board and he couldn't have had a bigger smile on his face. I even sent a message to his mom telling her he had a great day and worked super hard, she was excited to hear this and thanked me for telling her.
I have been communicating with some of the parents in my class, sending them pictures of what we do throughout the day. The other day I sent pictures of the kids gluing popcorn kernels to for numbers and one of the parents sent a message back saying I was a good teacher for the kids. This simple statement made being here worth it. It is amazing what a thank you or a you're doing a good job can do.
That same student I mentioned before that worked really hard, was the recipient of an award from me for eating healthy for the months of February and March. I contacted his mom to let her know he would be receiving it on Thursday morning and if she could make it that would be great. She unfortunately had to work, but I took pictures and she was overjoyed that I sent them to her. Another student of mine was also the recipient of the same award, and her mom was able to come and watch her receive it.
Tuesday of last week, while I was lining my kids up to go into the play area, the Arabic HoF came into my room and said I needed to go into the meeting room, all the teachers needed to go in there. She told me to take my kids into the play area with the bus moms. I walked into the meeting room to a huge spread of food! We found out that our principal was thanking us for doing what we do. We all received a rose and certificate. The food was great, but it's so heavy I couldn't eat much of it. It was nice to be appreciated for what we do.
Last weekend, Rebecca and I had ourselves a stay-cation in the city. We stayed on Yas Island at a nice hotel, lounged by the pool all day and celebrated my friend Melissa's birthday in the evening. It was really relaxing and a great way to spend the weekend. This weekend, I stayed with Melissa and we went to the Macklemore concert. That's right, that Thirftshop Seattle boy came all the way to the Middle East to preform! It was an amazing concert! I cannot believe how close I was to the stage and what a great show he put on. He was literally dripping sweat during the show, even though it was nighttime, it was still 90 with about 50% humidity! Everyone was sweaty and sticky, but it was worth it! Melissa and I took our friend Marc with us (I am friends with Alecia, she was the second person I met when I arrived :)) and met up with Lindsey, Danny and Gary (he's from Gig Harbor!). It was a great time, I can't wait to see Justin Timberlake in May!
Enjoy the pictures!

This was the picture I sent to the mothers to remind them their child needed to bring sunglasses the next day for a performance in front of the school.