Teaching in Kenya – Round 2

Ladies and Gentlemen!
Now entering the ring: In the blue corner – that terrible thief of time, the colossus that strikes trepidation into the hearts of teachers and students alike, it’s First-Day-of-School! In the red corner – she held her ground in Round One, folks – she may be small, but she doesn’t go down easy, it’s LilJoy the Music Teacher!

[Ding! Ding! Ding!]

Fists are up folks. Left hook by First-Day but LilJoy dodges. Right jab, left behind, uppercut, uppercut! LilJoy is moving to quickly for First-Day. They’re dancing folks – First-Day seems a little unsteady. Strong right by First-Day. Wow! Uppercut and right hook by LilJoy and First-Day is down! 1 … 2 … 3 …

School started on Wednesday. As compared to this time last year, I was ready. I knew my classroom, I had all my equipment, I understood my class schedule, and I even knew the names of 90% of the kids in my classes. I knew my way around campus and (even more useful) which staff to talk to about which problems. I had my lessons planned (at least through Friday), and the lessons even worked!

This year I’m teaching four subjects, one of which has three subdivisions: HS Choir, MS Choir, IB Music and 5th Grade music. The two choirs are mostly the same as last year. My numbers are not even that different though my membership has changed significantly. There are 15 in the HS Choir – only two of those kids are carry-overs from last year. They are an energetic group though and I’m excited for what they will be able to do. There are 46 again in the MS Choir. Most of them had me before for choir either in MS or in 5th grade. IB Music is a new experience for me – I’ll probably write more about it in the next few weeks. 5th Grade music this year is completely different. That’s the class with three subdivisions: Choir, Band and Music Technology. That’s right, I’m teaching BAND! True – it’s a limited band. We will only play flute, clarinet, trumpet and drums. Still, I get to be a beginning band teacher. What we will do for Music Technology, I’m not yet sure. But isn’t that one of the joys of teaching? Figuring it out as you go along? Right.

As for being back in Kenya, the theme is the same. It’s nice to know my way around and have familiar faces welcoming me back.

It’s amazing how much easier life can be when you have an idea of what punches might be thrown your way. Thanks for cheering me on. It’s been a great start so far and I’m looking forward to whatever is around the corner.