Learning and Games

Some of the kids during games. 

Another week has passed! It is truly unbelievable how fast the time is flying by. This week went really well though. My lessons were all adequately prepared, and the kids learned much of the content I introduced. The only topic some are really struggling with is using the correct forms of their adjectives. They have no problem identifying them, but when it comes to writing them some are still struggling. I have been informally assessing them during class and with practice problems at the end, so on Monday I will formally assess them with a short test so I can identify the students who need more individual guidance. 

I am excited to move ahead in Math. This past week we focused on place value. Teacher John is reviewing with the Kids today (on Saturdays they have school from 7-12). So, next week I have to do a lesson on expanded form and then I am moving into decimals. They worked with fractions in P3 a bit but have not officially been taught about them. So I cannot wait to see how they respond to my lessons. It will be challenging, but I am excited to teach it.  

I had a great teacher moment yesterday. There is this girl in my class who knows very little English. After every lesson I try to sit with her for a few minutes to visually show her how to do and think about the math we are learning. She was gone for the lesson on value, so I needed to catch her up. She was really struggling at first, but then I showed her how to determine the value of different digits in a number based on the place value in two different ways. She understood the second way I showed her and began writing her own examples to practice. This was exciting! She was doing so well and she was self-motivated to get it. Then I quickly reviewed how to write our numbers that reach into the thousands place. Again, she struggled but then got it. I was so excited I congratulated her and gave her a big hug. She was embarrassed, but she was excited too. I was so happy to see her making such progress when she has been struggling so much to understand.

P4 Soccer!

In case I have not mentioned it yet, football (soccer) is a big sport here. After lunch yesterday all the classes took a break and there was a school wide soccer tournament on the big field. It was fun to see all the kids getting into the games. My P4 kids were paired up with P2.  They play hard even on the playground during games and lunch, so it was no surprise that they took this seriously. It was so fun for me to ref, watch, listen to the drums and cheering, and just relax for the afternoon. I am excited for the staff game that we have been invited to play in. I have a feeling everyone is really good though. I doubt I will be able to keep up!

Dinner at Henricks (about $3)

So today is Saturday. Last night we went out to Henrick’s for Dinner. I am really beginning to look forward to our Friday night dinners. It is super relaxing and the food has not disappointed us so far at either of the places we ate. I tried the pork and chips last night and it was DELICIOUS! Today we are going to pick a student up at the school and go visit her family in Bwera. From what I have heard her father is the head politician of the Kasese district. It should be fun to meet her family and I’m sure it will be a learning experience.