A challenging morning

Finally started teaching English at the orphanage today. I went alone, because my dad had a meeting to attend and my brother was too lazy to wake up.

It was way way tougher than i anticipated. At the end of the 3 hour session with 3 different classes and age group, i was literally drained. I felt tired, spent, as if there was no energy left in me. Came back home and took a four-hour nap.

Why do i say that it is tough? Well, let's see. The first class was the most challenging in terms of control. Preschoolers and children aged 4 to 8 are hyperactive i tell you! And they have the concentration span of a goldfish! I planned to read them a short story and explain to them what it means in Chinese. I chose a story with a moral in which i can impart good values and beliefs in them. Since they are required to learn English, why not kill two bids with one stone right? But guess what? I did not finish even half of my very short story. In fact, i effectively only read and explained to them one paragraph, which actually is only two not very long lines. Children, trying to capture their attention is already hard enough. Trying to make them remember something and learn something, a lot tougher than i anticipated!

The next two classes were easier to control, as they were bigger in age. Age 9 to 12 children are still pretty mischievous and they too can test my patience. I try my best to teach them how to speak English, but sometimes i wonder if what i am doing is useful to them. Do they just blindly follow me in enunciating the words or do they really understand? The secondary class was the most challenging for me in terms of what to teach. I am literally at a loss as to what i should do. I was supposed to teach them how to write essays. But i couldn't. They cannot form sentences or even spell properly. I do not know where to start. Maybe right from the beginning, from the basics. Basic spelling and basic grammar. Basic sentence formation.

I really hope to help them but i can only do that much since i'll be leaving soon. That's why i have a plan. I want to rope in more friends so that this thing can continue even after i leave for the States. So far, no one seem really enthusiastic and interested in this volunteer work and i admit that i am a bit disappointed and sad. But i'm sure that in time, more people would be willing to help.

That being said, i agree that this is not an easy job. It takes patience and lots of determination. It is just my first class and already i feel drained. Literally drained. Now i understand why people get burnouts. I think i need to motivate myself further, maybe by re watching Freedom Writers? I need to find ways to increase my spirit, my enthusiasm and my energy level because i am quite sure that i will be needing it!

~

Things don't always go as planned or as hoped. But we just have to believe that it is for the best. With that belief, only then can we make the best of whatever is thrown our way! So, hold your head up high and face it with a smile on your face!