School has started!! After two weeks of teachers planning at school, the students have arrived. Here is a little picture into what the first day looked like:
The Lauder-Reut complex is surrounded by very tall fences, which have large tarps w/pictures hanging from them, so there is not much view from the streets. There is a locked gate at the entrance, with security posted at all times. Today, there were also additional security guards, in full uniform, on the sidewalks leading to the school. I don't know if this was because it was the first day, or if this is a normal occurrence. To my knowledge there have never been any security issues at this school, but it's obvious that they take it seriously...which is nice!
So, after entering through the gate, there were tables set up with apples, honey and programs for the parents. The director was there to greet people as they entered. The kindergartners headed to the left, where their playground and building is, the all the other students headed right towards their building.
Around 9:00am the Kindergarten program started. There were LOTS of moms and dads with their little kiddies, and even some grandparents. The kids were running up to their teachers giving them flowers - LOTS of flowers!!! Numerous television stations were there getting footage which, I suppose, will be on TV tonight. The kids were then separated by their three groups with big signs held by the teachers; small, medium and big. (I'll be working with the big group, which is the oldest group: 4 & 5 year olds). A small choir sang a few songs to start the program. The Director of the school then gave a short speech and introduced a representative from the Lauder Foundation in from the USA. Then the Asst. Director of the primary school introduced the returning teachers and me as the new english teacher. Afterwards a Rabbi gave a blessing and it was time for the parade of students to go into the school. It was quite sweet...while the choir sang, the oldest kindergartners held yellow flowers up in the air and the little ones marched through them into the building!
A little after 10:00am it was time for the next program, 0 (Preparatory)-12 graders! There was a band playing, with students playing drums and guitar, and again, the choir singing. After the Romanian and Israeli national anthems, it was time again for speeches, blessings, and once again, the older kids held flowers for the younger ones to walk through...plus a big, blue and white, balloon arch to walk through! Quite the entrance!!
Today is not really a day with actual lessons, more a get to know you/get reacquainted day. Therefore, I didn't need to have lessons planned. I did, however, go to each of my classes to meet them. First stop was to the Kindergarten 'big group! When I got there they were sitting in a circle, I sat down with them and was introduced as their new english teacher. At once they all started saying, "hello, my name is..., etc." Pretty impressive for 4 and 5 year olds!! We went around the circle and they each introduced themselves to me. Very cute! I helped out with their snack time and then it was on to the Preparatory class. This was a quieter group, they were taking their bathroom and snack break as well. One little boy was in the midst of a total break down...so sad! Both his Mom and Dad were in the hall and each time they tried to leave he would seriously go insane! I imagine those parents will be staying the whole day at school!!
I then visited the 1st grade and the two 2nd grade classes I'll be working with. In both these classes I was able to talk at a normal pace and with very normal vocabulary...even joked with them! I'm amazed at their english skills! While in the 2nd grade I asked, "So, I will be teaching English Speaking...what do you think we'll be doing in class?" At first they all just looked at me, then one boy said, rather hesitantly, "speaking?" Bravo! I then said, "This year we are going to talk, and talk, and talk, and talk...and, then what do you think we'll do when we finish talking?" "What???" they asked, excitedly. "We'll talk some more!" There were a lot of smiling faces and it was confirmed that they do, in fact, like to talk, so I think we'll do okay!!
We only have two more days this week as Thurs. and Fri. are holidays...so it will be a nice short week to start out with! Tomorrow I have preparatory and second graders, so I'll have to make sure I'm on my game. :)
This school has such a great feeling to it, very warm, friendly, and very serious about education! I think it will be a good year!
Of course, I forgot my camera, so I'll have to bring it sometime soon and get some pictures of my classes and the school to post! I hope everyone had a great summer and will have an even better autumn!!!
Barbara :)
