First, Dasman Bilingual School (new name, new logo, read all about it!) has an elementary school, middle school, AND high school all on the same campus. It is a LARGE school, too. I don't know everyone in just the elementary school and I just don't see how I will by the end of the year. Our first all staff day was INSANE since it included the entire campus. So glad that wasn't my first day. There are six 4th grade classes (and that is one of the smaller grades) and that is just mainstream students there are also two LSU classes (in between mainstream and special education) there is also a vocation and special education school. I am telling you, it is GINORMOUS (wow, that word is recognized by spell check)
My school day is from 7:00-2:05. The bus leaves at 6:00 sharp, so we head down at 5:45. My alarm goes off at 4:30 and 5:00. So gross. Although, my schedule is amazing. I am the homeroom teacher, so technically my classroom is considered my classroom. I teach 21 classes a week (out of a total of 40). I teach English (reading, writing, grammar, spelling), social studies, science, and math. I only plan Math (we all share lesson plans), which is a huge time saver. I also co-plan it since it is more intensive than some of the other subjects. My students ALSO learn Arabic, Arabic social studies, art, music, P.E., computer, and Islamic (I think that's all). During Arabic, Arabic social studies, and Islamic a teacher comes into my classroom and I leave to the break room to grade, plan, or run around trying to find the assistant principal to sign approval and drop off copies. I come back to my class to walk them to any other classes (art, music, P.E., computer). We also eat lunch in the classroom and then go out for recess where I have recess duty IN THE HEAT (or as my kids say "too much heat miss, too much heat"). The students also have a Prayer Break for twenty minutes in the afternoon. I keep the kids that don't go (they choose), most of my kids go, so the few in my room read and eat a snack if they have one.
My students are adorable. I swear I ALWAYS get the cutest kids. Every year I think my kids are just the most adorable and most hilarious. This mind set will not be good when I have my own kids. There is this one kid, Nasser, that just kills me. I can't look at him without smiling. He says the letter "h" like "etch" - most adorable thing ever. He also tells me how I pronounce his name wrong all the time, and when I do pronounce it right, he says "Miss you said it so well!" - so encouraging. One time I wouldn't let him eat (we were in the middle of math class) and he goes "YOU DON'T LIKE ME!" I laughed, and said "I love you." and he goes "IF YOU LOVED ME, YOU WOULD LET ME EAT." Dramatic little guy. I love him. I also already have like 7 drawings from this girl named Sarah, explaining how much she loves me. I love kids. They love so quickly.
I have trouble figuring out the line between "not following directions" and "not understanding" due to the language barrier. I am sure I will figure it out.
Not all of the teachers are here yet, which is crazy. The middle school and high school are the most affected by this. My principal just came, but I haven't met her yet. One of the new middle school teachers is from Minnesota (holla back youngin')! She is from Prior Lake (NEAT). She is super nice, obviously. I am sure we will be the best of friends.
The returning teachers have been absolutely AMAZING at including us newbies. They also answer my zillion questions.
My Classroom
Honestly, I am nowhere near an expert on the lifestyle or culture here, but I will teach you what I have figured out and learned thus far.
1) There are prayer announcements that you can hear throughout the day. I literally found this out yesterday. I don't know how I haven't heard these (totally unobservant), but you can hear someone speaking (in Arabic) about 5 times a day (I think). It is like through outdoor speakers, so I can hear it from inside my apartment.
2) It is disrespectful to show shoulders or knees. Women aren't allowed to swim in public (or it is at least seen as disrespectful), but there are places where you can go and swim (the family apt complex has a pool and there are private beaches where you can pay)
3) It is disrespectful to throw away food. This was good to know, since I eat with my students.
4) Smoking is EVERYWHERE here. People smoke inside. Everywhere. It is SO NOT to my liking.
5) Sisha (or Hookah) is really big here (again with the smoke). We went to a sisha place for our school luncheon. I got a headache. You can also order sisha at the beach. Crazy.
6) Gym Memberships are CRAZY EXPENSIVE. But I decided to get one anyways. A lot of gyms are separated (only male or only female), unless you go to a more westernized type of gym. Yes, I chose a westernized one. It's the Hilton Resort. I can access the beach, swimming pool, gym, a track outside, fitness classes, and a spa. I will be here a lot. I can also wear whatever I want.
7) If you get caught drinking alcohol, you could get deported. I am good without.
8) Not everyone is covered. Some women cover just their hair, and some women cover everything but their eyes. It has a little to do with which religion under Islam they follow and how conservative they are.
9) My students have nannies and drivers.
10) 1KD = $3.51 --> So TRICKY. It makes everything seem so cheap, but in reality, it most definitely is not.
11) There is no dating (so careful when talking about boyfriend, girlfriend, dating - like in reading books in the classroom library). There is only marriage. PDA is limited to hand holding.
12) Also watch worksheets and classwork that has food examples. No pig food.
13) Taxi drivers speak English, but definitely limited. It is interesting every taxi ride trying to communicate. Sometimes it is super easy, sometimes it is really difficult. I think one taxi driver said America had a big problem because all of us in the car (American 25/26 year olds) weren't married. I had trouble following. I just nod.
My mothership: Starbucks in castle form
The view from Starbucks - the sea, picture doesn't really capture the awesomeness
Because I know you were wondering how to spell Caribou Coffee in Arabic,
also I have seen FIVE Caribous here.
The complex where I spend my weekends (Starbucks, Caribou, Grocery Store and a Teacher Store are here)
My elevator. So many mirrors. So I know EXACTLY how good I look after a day of teaching, 110 degree weather, and SAND, SAND, SAND
The view from my balcony.
Skyping my babe. Oh and mother too.
The Souk (market)
**Important** TWICE I have had to direct the taxi how to get to our apartment complex. #iain'tnotourist #local
I just read what I wrote, pretty random organization.
Love ya!
Leah
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