Journal entry by Al Negstad — a minute ago
Do they still do show and tell in kindergarten and first grade in America? Well, they do in Thailand and today was the day. There is a half hour between the end of opening exercises and my first class. During this time this morning the principal asked me to accompany her to the kindergarten class which is housed in a different building. When we arrived the students were in a semi circle on the floor facing an empty chair. The chair was for me and I was the object in show and tell.
Each student came to me and said "Good morning. My name is........" Of course next came picture time. There are fifteen students in the class. From there we went to the 1st grade room where the process was repeated.
When I first began teaching in Thailand eleven years ago I even taught kindergarten. It quickly became apparent to me that my gifts lay elsewhere. Today's experience, delightful as it was, reinforced my decision to begin my teaching with 3rd grade.
The third grade class this year is very small, eight students. Their names comes easily to me now. There are no academic stars in the group. This is teaching me how much I, and the classes, rely on exceptional students to lead the others. In the 6th grade it's Marissa and Poree (male). It is possible I rely too much on academic leaders but with the experiential teaching I do student leadership is important. Also, dealing with each student individually helps me see how every student is doing.
It's Friday evening as I write this and I'm back at the Christian Guesthouse in Bangkok. There are two reasons I come here weekends. There is almost no opportunities for me to walk in Ayutthaya so I come here to walk. Also, the small house with four family members and me gets a bit intense so I come for space for myself.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures from Kindergarten and Grade 1.
Each student came to me and said "Good morning. My name is........" Of course next came picture time. There are fifteen students in the class. From there we went to the 1st grade room where the process was repeated.
When I first began teaching in Thailand eleven years ago I even taught kindergarten. It quickly became apparent to me that my gifts lay elsewhere. Today's experience, delightful as it was, reinforced my decision to begin my teaching with 3rd grade.
The third grade class this year is very small, eight students. Their names comes easily to me now. There are no academic stars in the group. This is teaching me how much I, and the classes, rely on exceptional students to lead the others. In the 6th grade it's Marissa and Poree (male). It is possible I rely too much on academic leaders but with the experiential teaching I do student leadership is important. Also, dealing with each student individually helps me see how every student is doing.
It's Friday evening as I write this and I'm back at the Christian Guesthouse in Bangkok. There are two reasons I come here weekends. There is almost no opportunities for me to walk in Ayutthaya so I come here to walk. Also, the small house with four family members and me gets a bit intense so I come for space for myself.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures from Kindergarten and Grade 1.
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