Perks

I don't normally talk about work on here since it's generally very repetitive day in and day out, but this term might be one of my favorites, even though my 4:00 lower level class on Tuesdays and Thursdays causes me unnecessary headaches. It seems to me I always claim _________ term is my favorite, but I'm serious about this one... for now. Ha

This term I've been lucky enough to have more higher level classes, which can make interaction with students far more enjoyable. It's easier to talk with them about a broader range of subjects, and come to better see and understand their likes / dislikes. Of course, personalities also depend on this level of interaction as some of my higher level classes have really quiet kids who seem to rather be anywhere but in the room with the teacher with the lame, cheesy jokes.

Although we do manage to get our work completed, discussions of the sometimes dull topics become way more entertaining when we go slightly off-topic or create off the wall examples. I think it helps both the students and myself to get through the long 3 hours of class.

Some of my classes have very small numbers, such as my Monday night class with 2 kids, so it feels more like we're hanging out and enjoying each other's company, or at least I enjoy their company. Any chance I can learn more about them and discuss movies, their hopes/dreams of the future, their lives outside CDI, etc. makes me enjoy my job more.

This feels like a lot of rambling (sorry) but basically loving the kids, both elementary and middle school (especially middle school since that is my background), and the ways they keep me amused. There are some kids I will really truly miss when I do finally return to the U.S.