Thursday, May 2, 2013

I LOVE YOU!

This week the weather has continued to be cloudy, cooler, and strange.  There was a sandstorm and it rained on the same day.  The temps have been in the 80's most of the week and rained almost every day.  In Oman, the country which borders the UAE, there has been flooding.  There are no "ditches" or draining systems and the area is not used to this much rain at once.  The drivers are not used to driving in the rain. If you've never driven here, the drivers drive fast and brake at the last minute.  Change lanes at the last minute and dodge in and out of traffic like a Nascar driver. Not good for wet pavement.  I have seen more accidents the past two weeks than my entire time here. 

Found an article on the Arabic version of Yahoo that talked about cloud seeding.  On April 21, planes flew above the clouds and dropped either dry ice or silver iodide into the cloud.  This causes condensation when it freezes and rain.  Hail can be caused by this process.  Remember last week we had hail, which is rare here.  More evidence that the Meteorological Society is messing with Mother Nature.  One thing you should never do, because she comes back with a vengeance (My opinion).  Luckily, the weather is supposed to be changing soon and returning back to the upper 90's next week. 

The children are very antsy, just like at home when the weather changes.  We've had a fun filled week learning about plants.  Each day, we studied about a different part of the plant.  On Sunday, I brought in seeds to eat.  They loved pumpkin seeds and peanuts.  Monday, brought in roots to eat.  Loved carrots, turnips,scallions, and didn't care for radishes and beets.  Tuesday, brought in stems.  Loved celery and didn't care for asparagus. Lettuce, cabbage, red cabbage were big hits and spinach was a big dislike.  Lastly, we ate flowers/fruit.  Apples, blueberries, tomatoes, and pears received a big thumbs up.  Squash blossoms, broccoli, cauliflower, lemons, and limes were a big thumbs down.  I LOVED seeing their faces as they tried new "healthy" food.  A big joy for me being a part of exposing them to new things. 

Our lima beans seed sprouted and had to replant about half due to the soil saturation from the storms last week.  The children loved coming in each morning checking their cup to see if their were roots or a sprout.  Love to see them excited about learning :)

May began with a bang here.  Found out at a Faculty Meeting that KG graduation will be May 28.  One week earlier than we thought, so pressure is on. All the KG students will sing one song in English and one song in Arabic as a group.  English song is "Wheels on the Bus" with all the hand signals.  Each teacher had been using different versions during the year, so had to come to agreement about which to use.  The Arabic Music teacher is working on the Arabic song with the students.

In addition, each class must sing songs in English and Arabic as a group.  My class is KG2D.  We will sing Days of the Week (to the tune of the Munsters music), Months of the Year, and I'm a STAR (to the tune of I'm a Little Teapot).  Worked really hard on these songs this week and had practice in our auditorium.  Practiced how to walk on the stage, where to stand, practiced the KG songs, and each individual class practiced their songs.  The children did very well, but we have much practice before the big day. 

When we were lining up to leave the auditorium, one of my students signed I (pointed to himself) Love (crossed himself), and U (pointed to me).  I said, "Yes, that's our song!"  He said, "No, I LOVE YOU!"  I said, "I LOVE YOU 2!"  Brought tears to my eyes.  Moments like this make everything worth it. Helped me feel like I'd really bonded with him and that he would remember me :)

I LOVE MY BABIES and when teaching a class, they become part of my family.  Know this might sound strange to those of you who are not teachers, but you spend so much time and put so much energy into their education, that you are joined forever.  When they're 18 and you run into them at WalMart, you are still a ROCK STAR!  I LOVE BEING A TEACHER!!!!! 

This job has really rejuvenated my fire for teaching.  The children are so much fun and love going to work each day to see what it holds.  Yes, there are days when I drag my weary body home and wonder why did I do this.  Days like today are the reason.  Until we meet again :)

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