Teaching to Learn & Learning to Teach

Jean Paul and Lourdia answering questions I put on the board

It's been 3 weeks since the English class has started. It's a challenge everyday. I have to say, this is my first experience teaching. I have to be ready to improvise and to adapt. Not just because this is my first experience but also because my students have different levels of English, and I am in another country, facing challenges that come with a different culture. All in all, I find myself, the teacher, learning everyday. 

My students are great, in fact, they are amazing. After 2 or 3 hours of class, they still have plenty of energy. They participate in class, ask questions, ask me to repeat a word 10 times until they get the right pronunciation, they always want me to teach them more material - to the point that sometimes I am the one who is exhausted! How can they still be here listening to me?! Well, it's their determination that motivates me to plan my classes everyday, to try to come up with fun ways of practicing verbs tenses and new vocabulary. 

Myself with the students, practicing verbs in groups
Yes, It's been 3 weeks since I started teaching and although I sometimes doubt my capabilities to do so, I never doubt theirs. It's a great feeling really, when you see your students are able to apply something you've just showed them. I am grateful for their patience with me. The State exams aren't over yet, so I expect to have more students show up this week and next, which adds to the challenge of adapting. It means that I have to make sure I am not going over old material and boring my other students by trying to help out the new ones. Almost every class, one of the students turns into a little helper and will show and explain to other students the material from last class. Extending what I would call one of KCH's motto to constantly Pay it forward, that's what my students do with no hesitation: they help one another, it's reciprocity and exchange.

But now, it's time to plan some homework and a midterm exam!

Pou kont mwen (On my own- Seul-Solo)

I have to say that people have told me so many times to be careful in Haiti, not to let my guard down too quickly, not to wander the streets alone, not to take a taxi-moto (motorcycles that drive you wherever you need to go, by driving like maniacs sometimes!), that tap taps can be dangerous too (a pick up truck  thats sits oh so many people with two benches along the inside of the box). The truth is, they are all right. Yes, I've been warned by Haitians, Canadians, Americans, etc. And I did/do listen to them. 
But come on, if you want to just try to understand Haiti and feel like you are part of Haiti, you have to step -or jump- out of your comfort zone. I stepped out of mine. A tad. 

Tap tap nan Lavil (Downtown Port-au-Prince) These vehicles are very colourful and have quotes mentioning God, Jesus or Bondye (Bon Dieu)  painted everywhere, and some have caricatures of superstars such as 50 cent.

Although last week I got a ride back from work on a motorcycle for the first time, the driver was a friend of mine, so I didn't feel too nervous! But this week, I managed to find my way to Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs (NPFS) by asking two Haitian women directions, while ignoring comments coming from passersby: "Hey, blan! [insert kissing noises] Cheyi!" (Hey white, darling). 
Walking around in Haiti solo: Check!


Then I wanted to go to la Croix-des-Bouquets and decided I would take a motorcycle. It would be faster and perhaps safer than walking. 
Taking a motorcycle with a stranger, and dealing the fee solo: Check!


And, yesterday after work I decided I wouldn't wait around for my usual ride home, but would instead take two tap taps. I took the first tap tap with Lucardo, the program coordinator for KCH. He then made sure I got safely onto another one that would drop me off not to far from where I'm staying. After noticing that I was (obviously) not from Haiti nor used to tap taps, a haitian man sitting in front of me said that I should have been accompanied by someone. Instead of making me doubt about taking the funky looking pick up truck, I felt proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. 
Taking the tap tap solo, and standing up to the driver who didn't give me my full change back, by telling him in Kreyol that he owed me and extra 10 Gourdes: Check!

I feel like I am becoming more independent...or less dependent. 


So far so good Ayiti, so far so good. 

First day of class

Tuesday was the first day of the English class I'll be teaching this summer. I had 4 students, 2 of which have a beginners level of English, and the other 2 are intermediate. From day one, I knew it would be a challenge to fill their needs because of their different levels. Nonetheless, our class went well. We went back to basics, looking at days of the week, months, seasons, numbers, and how to tell time. Everyone participated, came up to the board, asked questions. After 2 hours of class, I asked if they thought it was enough for the day, and one of the students, Lourdia, said "Done? But we just started." Yikes. :) They definitely want to learn and want to practice speaking.

The teacher who said I was able to use his classroom told Lucardo he had about 30 students who would like to attend my class. Double yikes. More students is good for group activities, but a challenge to have them all at the same level eventually. I am slowly trying to figure out how to set up my classes, probably splitting the group in 2 (beginners and intermediate) so that each student feels comfortable.

My classroom where I will be teaching English, in Pernier.
So happy to have a blackboard!

I have to spend a few hours everyday planning the next lessons, trying to make it interesting for them by talking about things they come across daily. I'm lucky the students are patient, polite and hard working.

I'm off to plan tomorrow's lesson!

First day with KCH

After a few days in Haiti, I have officially started with KCH here in Pernier, a small area East of Pétion-Ville. I arrived at the office around 8am on this hot (as always) Monday morning. A few minutes after I got here, a student showed up for the English class I will be teaching for the next two months. And eventually, two other students arrived. Fortunately I had brought a bit of material with me and I was able to at least give them a diagnostic test to see at what level they are. Not being sure whether or not the students would be ready for class this week, I hadn't planned a full lesson. Rule #1 always be ready to improvise! Although 2 of the students seemed to believe they wouldn't be able to answer any questions on this test, they surprised me, and once they get their copy back, I hope they will also be pleasantly surprised! They seem eager to start class and learn English. They told me that they want to learn EVERYTHING this is to learn. I'll do my best, I'm sure they will too. First class starts tomorrow morning. Lucardo, the program coordinator working for KCH was even able to find us a small classroom with a blackboard right behind the KCH office. This will be very useful to me and much easier for the students. I thanked Lucardo, saying it was just perfect! He responded humbly that he was only doing his job. We're off to a good start.