A Warm Welcome

...and a warm welcome it was. My first day on school grounds was the last day of winter break for students and teachers. Teachers were rushing around getting last minute preparations done and grade books approved by department coordinators. Meanwhile, I was given the grand tour of the school by Manpreet, my mentor teacher for one of the 6th grade classes I am with. After touring the school, I met with four math teachers who I am working with to discuss curriculum and next steps. Since students will be taking exams throughout these next few months, it's time for teachers to hit the ground running with the last few chapters in order to prepare students well. Of all the math to jump into teaching right off the bat, I jump into the same topic as I did when I began student teaching in the states - geometric constructions. The teachers told me that I will be introducing geometric constructions in sixth standard and rules of exponents in seventh standard. Here, grades are called standards. I have two sixth standard classes (6A & 6B) and two seventh standard classes (7A & 7B).

The teachers decided to wait until I arrived to have their New Years dinner party. We went to a restaurant called C-One and everyone took their seats. Of course, when I heard "dinner party" I assumed a formal event with people speaking and motivating teachers for the upcoming year. Boy, was I wrong. As we were munching on some yummy hors d'oeuvres, music starting blasting (and I mean blasting). Teachers left their seats and began dancing for at least three hours straight. I think I danced more with these teachers than I did at my high school prom. We took pictures, ate some food, danced some more, and ate more food. It was a great first memory to see these teachers, although coworkers, like a family and having fun together.

Today was my first day with the students at the school. As I walked into my first class of the day, 6B, the students stood up next to their desks and collectively welcomed me with a warm, "Good morning, ma'am!" This is how each class throughout the day welcomed me, and everywhere I went in the school I would hear the same. The dynamic between students and teachers is impressively respectful and kind.

I think there may have been a slight misunderstanding of how I was to begin teaching. I had thought that I would observe the first few days and begin teaching next week. However, my mentor teachers encouraged me to jump straight into it. I co-taught with the teacher during the first two classes to get a feel for it, then taught the last two on my own. Teaching constructions to 6th graders with a broken compass and a chalk board is not easy, but they understood quickly. The only resources we have to work with are workbooks that each student has, a chalk board, and one set of geometric tools. But the most important resource is that of the students' engaged and motivated minds. This was abundant in each class, and students were eager to come to the board to show what they know. Even when a student made a mistake, they received help from other students, corrected their mistake, and applauded by their peers.

Classes are only 30 minutes long. They usually are a little longer, but because of the cold temperatures, school has been starting late. There is no heat in the buildings in India, and currently there are highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s (Fahrenheit, that is). Also, they have school on Saturdays as well.


By the end of the day, I was covered in chalk dust and so much joy. Although I wasn't expecting to teach so much on my very first day, I loved getting to interact with the students. The technicalities of preparations and planning are all worth it when I get to pour into students as they grow and become young adults. From 3-4 each day, I am tutoring math to two daughters of one of the coordinators. From 4-5 each day, I am tutoring English to four children of guesthouse cook, the school driver, and the gardener.

I am learning so much, and I have only been here for two days. I am so grateful to be a part of this community and so blessed to get to know the staff and students. Thankfully, I have not had difficultly experiencing jet lag, although I didn't get to sleep for about 50 hours when I was traveling here. I am learning to like spicy food, as that is typically my only option. I am learning about the values and culture of the teachers here as well. I am learning Hindi and Punjabi little by little each day. I have had a great start to a great next two months.

Please feel free to comment on any of my posts on this blog. I would love hear your thoughts and to answer any questions you may have for me and my coworkers, too!