Whew! What a week! I made it through my first week teaching in a boys' school. My fourth grade boys are so adorable and sweet INDIVIDUALLY. But when you put 30 of them in a class it is absolutely wild! I have two different groups for a little over 2 hours (three 45 minute periods) each with a 45 minute break in the middle. It's exhausting keeping them under control because after all, they are boys and we all know that "boys will be boys." The silver lining is that they go home at 1:15 and I am home by 2:00 almost every day. The schedule is wonderful!
The kids are going to an international private school here with an American curriculum. In addition to the American subjects, they will also be learning Arabic at school, and Griffen has already taught us several words. The first week for them was a little disorganized but we are hoping it will only get better. They both knew several kids in their class (other new teachers' kids) so that helped.
We are settling into our new home. We don't have a lot of furniture yet but we have the basics: beds, a sofa, and appliances and we will fill in the rest as we go. We are finally learning our way around Al Ain. We can actually make it to most places we need to go without looking at the map! This city is set up using roundabouts at most intersections rather than traffic lights so the first few days driving were a little scary until we figured out the "roundabout etiquette." It actually does make it much easier and faster to get places.
It's the end of our weekend...back to school we go tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers this week! We definitely felt them! Hope you all have a great week!
The kids are going to an international private school here with an American curriculum. In addition to the American subjects, they will also be learning Arabic at school, and Griffen has already taught us several words. The first week for them was a little disorganized but we are hoping it will only get better. They both knew several kids in their class (other new teachers' kids) so that helped.
Here they are, excited to have new, rolling book-bags for school!
We are settling into our new home. We don't have a lot of furniture yet but we have the basics: beds, a sofa, and appliances and we will fill in the rest as we go. We are finally learning our way around Al Ain. We can actually make it to most places we need to go without looking at the map! This city is set up using roundabouts at most intersections rather than traffic lights so the first few days driving were a little scary until we figured out the "roundabout etiquette." It actually does make it much easier and faster to get places.
Griffen in his big bed. He loves The Lion King and had to have the bedspread!
Olivia has a big bed as well. Hers is Minnie Mouse. I know it's hard to tell from the picture.
Our bed- couldn't get the whole room in the picture.
Combo washer/drier. Pretty amazing.
'Cooker' (oven) and water dispenser. Fridge is behind me.
The outside of our building. There are 22 flats (all are families, which has been wonderful.)
Enjoying a deliciously lunch at The Bedaya, a big meeting for all teachers at the beginning of the year. One girl is from Arizona, the other is from Ireland. We've made friends from all over the world.
Thought you'd all like to know that they do have oreos here...even caramel and strawberry filled varieties.
And pringles! They even have ketchup flavored ones...haven't tried those yet. Not sure if I want to.
Much love to you all!!!
Love your bed colors!! I agree with Griffen that Lion King spread is a must have, it looks awesome on his bed! I like Olivia's backpack too. Cinderella was always my favorite princess!! How's Mark doing?
ReplyDeleteSo how does this washer/dryer combo machine work? Do you have to start both cycle's separately or can you tell it to do both? And the cooker, does it have stove top options or does that come separate?
Great to hear you're home by 2pm!! That's awesome! We should Skype sometime I have some news to tell you about.
May God Bless you!
Lots of love.
- Toni