My school is going to be in a parade or "desfile" next Monday on Alameda, our main street in town. Apparently this school spirited event occurs every year and includes many of the schools in the area (mainly public schools i believe..maybe its a requirement i dont know!) The students and professors dress in their sharpest uniforms, all bleached and pressed, and march down the street. Of course, the school bands will lead with drummers, cymbals, and horns.
Yah, i admit, this sounds adorable. And I really can't think of a better way to show off your students all at once. Many people think of Macy's floats, cheering and cute kids on their dad's shoulders. Parades scream "family fun".
But, imagine a school that contains Kindergarten through 8th grade. Imagine a school with severe discipline problems and extreme apathy. Imagine a school where the teachers dislike all the students and the students dislike all the teachers. Ok. that's my school.
For the past two weeks, we have been practicing. "Ensayo para el desfile.
The speakers are plugged into the walls on the second floor and hung out the windows. A teacher calls out "izquierda, izquierda, izquierda, derecho..." into the microphone and the students march around the courtyard in rows 5 students across.
You would think that the students could figure out that they must listen to the beat to be together, but they dont. They try to watch others and figure it out that way. The schools in Chile do not reserve much time for physical eduation, and therefore, many students lack coordination.
So all the teachers, like me, either stand around to watch or the more anal teachers, march along side to straighten the lines. I am very amused by all of this.
Of course, I notice that all 400 of my students hate this. They know its stupid, I know its stupid, ..everyone knows. But, still, teenagers and kids enjoy attention, even in this form: a parade.
I am still somehow a celebrity at the school. So when i come out to the marching practice, they are all excited to see me. My students can not pass by me without waving, or shouting "hello miss!", or whistling when i speak to another male teacher. They try to get me to march with them. Even some of the little kiddos run out of their marching line to give me a kiss on the cheek and then sprint back.
So i like this practice. It makes me feel good that I have a relationship with my students. I will be at the parade to proudly support my new school....y mis alumnos.
Yah, i admit, this sounds adorable. And I really can't think of a better way to show off your students all at once. Many people think of Macy's floats, cheering and cute kids on their dad's shoulders. Parades scream "family fun".
But, imagine a school that contains Kindergarten through 8th grade. Imagine a school with severe discipline problems and extreme apathy. Imagine a school where the teachers dislike all the students and the students dislike all the teachers. Ok. that's my school.
For the past two weeks, we have been practicing. "Ensayo para el desfile.
The speakers are plugged into the walls on the second floor and hung out the windows. A teacher calls out "izquierda, izquierda, izquierda, derecho..." into the microphone and the students march around the courtyard in rows 5 students across.
You would think that the students could figure out that they must listen to the beat to be together, but they dont. They try to watch others and figure it out that way. The schools in Chile do not reserve much time for physical eduation, and therefore, many students lack coordination.
So all the teachers, like me, either stand around to watch or the more anal teachers, march along side to straighten the lines. I am very amused by all of this.
Of course, I notice that all 400 of my students hate this. They know its stupid, I know its stupid, ..everyone knows. But, still, teenagers and kids enjoy attention, even in this form: a parade.
I am still somehow a celebrity at the school. So when i come out to the marching practice, they are all excited to see me. My students can not pass by me without waving, or shouting "hello miss!", or whistling when i speak to another male teacher. They try to get me to march with them. Even some of the little kiddos run out of their marching line to give me a kiss on the cheek and then sprint back.
So i like this practice. It makes me feel good that I have a relationship with my students. I will be at the parade to proudly support my new school....y mis alumnos.
1 comment:
You have been and will always be a person destined to influence others. This is an awesome responsibility. Use it for good.
Dad
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