English Classes Started

We started with a bang. Well sort of a bang. It was quite the stir. A gringo (white guy) walking into this poor poor school with all eyes on him. They're used to seeing white guys, but not walking into their school to teach.

But, the reception was warm. I was wondering if the teachers minded giving up their time to me to teach English. It seems they welcomed it, not because they got the break (that may have been a part of it), but I think they really believe in the need to teach English (or any second language). I continue to be impressed with the willing hearts of this school, Acapulco. Good hearts; no resources.

Class size was a pleasant surprise. Only about 10-12 students per class. Makes it so much more manageable. And thanks to Adam Copeland, I'm using a techique of just trying to teach them (4th graders and 7th grades) to speak English. No reading or writing to speak of. So far we've use a lot of pictures from the internet and projecting via LCD projector, for them to practice viewing and repeating the English version. Basic vocabulary stuff. But that of course required us to bring our own equipment, including the generator to generate electricity to run the computer and projector. Despite being here now a year and a half, I sometimes just shake my head; it's so unbelievable.

William and Osvaldo are also helping. I'm responsible for preparing the "lesson plan", and they assist with finding pictures and other resources on the internet to use. Then they watch me teach the first class, and they in turn teach the second class. It will be about as good for their English as anyone else. It's amazing how difficult it is for them to pronounce the word "street", and many other words we roll off our tongues.

The kids have surprised me. Even though they have very poor education skills, they seem to pick up on the language minimicing very quickly. Next week will be the real test when I see how much they remember from this week. But, all in all, a very good first experience. Some kids are just really neat to see the gleam in their eyes when they remember a word in English we've taught. Like little triumphs. Those are not so common here.

And with fancy things like a computer and projector, we get kids standing at the windows and doors trying to peer in to our class to see what we're doing. The new will wear off soon enough, but it's fun for now.

And lastly their a captive audience so really the endurance test is mine and my crew. The kids be in school (most of the time) rather we're there or not. Keep us in your prayers that we can impact and love.