Starting to find the surface

Off and running. That's how it feels, just two and a half weeks after arriving and discovering that my teaching responsibilities had been entirely changed I now have year plans for all 10 courses that I am teaching right now. Whew. That was a lot of work. And it didn't help that I have been plagued with some kind of fever for the past two weeks, it was starting to feel like Dengue, but the blood test came back negative, although apparently that can happen even if you do have it. But it doesn't really matter what the label is, either way I have to rest and drink fluids. It doesn't seem possible to drink enough fluids here. I am so thirsty, all the time. I have never drank so much water in my entire life and my throat is in a constant state of being parched to the point that it's now swollen. It's as if you arrive in Dhaka only to have all the energy and moisture sucked right out of your body.

My Grade 7's are a fun group. They were so quiet on the first day that my goal was to create a classroom community that would allow them to feel comfortable to be themselves and make some noise...I think I have done that already and may need to back up and start laying down the law during work time. haha But I am really happy to see relationships forming and students starting to speak up during discussions. The Grade 7 Social Studies Curriculum covers the topic of empowerment which opens so many doors to really cool conversations. I've already seen some of their views start to change and some awesome questions are being asked.

Teaching music is crazy. First of all, I am required to teach pre-k to Grade 9 music classes equipped only with a keyboard, 20 recorders, and a bag of tambourines and rhythm sticks. So it shall be a very creative music class and I have taken advice from many great peers and mentors who have been very kind in sharing resources. The internet has been one of my greatest resources, without which I don't think I could manage this year.

I also couldn't manage without all the love that is being sent to me from home. The items in my care package and letters are able to lift my spirits every time I start to feel overwhelmed. My room mate has also been great along with the rest of the teaching crew. The other day we went to an ice cream parlour, which I have to blog about because, I love ice cream, and it was probably the highlight of my week.