Monday morning was raining which made waking up at 6am a lot harder. I thought about skipping breakfast since I wasn't hungry but I'm so glad I didn't! By 7am we were at the school and the kids were already running around. The professors gather in a classroom for worship assembly and then the kids start their assembly at 7:15. They're all lined up by grade wearing their uniform as the "inspectora" checks their uniforms, posture and behavior. The teachers aren't afraid to discipline and call out kids by name.
After worship Jessica had told me to practice violin since I won't be teaching anyone except for her this week. But the inspectora came and told me to introduce myself to the group. When I told them I came from Loma Linda California they were like "en serio??". The teacher explained that Loma Linda California was the namesake for their school because the university used to have a biology station here.
After I thought the nerve wrecking part of the morning was done I went to practice when Marco asked me if I'd be willing to teach English. Profe Mari taught the class for preschool until she got sick two weeks ago.
I had initially offered to teach English in the mornings but Jessica had said the parents might complain that there were too many changes in teachers. But Marco said since they were so little it should be fine.
So Giuliana gave me a crash course of what songs they usually sing and the curriculum they use and then I went to help her with the 4th graders.
The kids love to sing songs and it really helps them learn quickly. It helped me a lot to observe and work with her class, but if I thought the 4th graders were restless and full of energy I wasn't prepared for my first class. Mid morning I went to pick up the pre-preschoolers with Giuliana. They're 2-3 years old! I had a room full of 24 of them so I was grateful to have their teacher and Giuliana helping me today (which won't usually be the case). Because of the tin roof and cement walls and floor, the noise levels get incredibly high. I practically screamed and did summersaults to keep the kids engaged and it still didn't work out so well. Next time I'll sing more songs and do less activities.
I barely had time to catch my breath before I got the preschoolers 15 min later. This time I was prepared with more songs from the computer. It's amazing how much more fine tuned kids' motor skills are at 4-5 years old.
They have their whole routine that they love and I tried to learn today. They have a Good Morning song, day of the week song, weather song and then Christian songs.
The kids here are very affectionate and Giuliana taught me that one of the only ways to get them quiet is to ask them to "sleep" and the ones who do get "besitos". The kids looove to get their little kisses and hugs so they quiet down and pretend to sleep.
After the second English period I went to practice with Ronald and Ronald because all week we have to give special music for the festivities. Tomorrow we're playing As The Deer with classical guitar, saxophone and violin. All by ear. It was really fun and we got 2-3 songs down by the time school ended at 1pm and we went out for lunch. A lady from the church works at the school and provides the cafeteria food (which is really good since it's home cooked meals). As we ate everyone joked and teased so much. This group is super nice and can be so hilarious while still being kind and appropriate which is super cool!
A pastor from Quito flew in to do the wedding yesterday and brought a package from my grandma! So after lunch I rode home in the cold rain to unload tons of dried fruit and oatmeal! I'm going to be set!
After a little bit I went back to school with Jessica to have a violin lesson with her. She's awesome! She has a great ear and only needs a a little training in technique. I felt so much more comfortable teaching violin haha. Afterwards I co taught her English class with her. Since it's for the academy and parents pay, the kids want to learn and it was a lot easier! The kids had a hoot playing hangman to learn their vowels.
I just found out the school is hosting a triathlon on Sunday! I would love to try it, at least the running part!
But for now, time to go rehearse with the choir for our special music sabbath!
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