I just finished my first official day of school. I was originally placed with Maria Doheney, but she became the Deputy Principal, so I was placed with Aine (pronounced Anya) Rooney. I'm still with 4th Class at St. Raphaela's National Primary School. They are a private Catholic all-girls school. They go to school from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. Mrs. Rooney teaches Math, Irish, Language Arts, (a little) Science, and Safety Rules ("yes" feelings and "no" feelings). They have a 10-15 minute recess, while teachers have a tea/coffee break in the staff room.
The lunch here is also different. The students eat in their room for a few minutes. A few girls from 5th Class, come in eat with the students and take them outside afterwards. The teachers go in the staff room and eat. There is no cafeteria, and everyone has to bring their own lunches, which our host mom fixed for us this morning. Although they do have a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, tea pot, dishwasher, sink, cabinets, cups, mugs, plates, and silverware.
Some other things I noticed that were different than American schools were uniforms, Catholic prayers before eating and the end of school, and Irish language. The students wear green skirts and tights, yellow shirts, black dress shoes, and green school jackets with their crest over their hearts. The students knew each prayer before lunch and leaving, by heart. I sat there with my head bowed and did the cross across my heart at the end, but I had no idea what they said. Also, the students took about 30 minutes to learn Irish. This tine reminded me of when I learned Spanish and French. They have workbooks, all in Irish, and they speak only in Irish, unless they are learning something new. They students seem to understand quickly.
I feel like one of the strangest things are that I am a Protestant, and so I am not accustomed to the Catholic prayers. I do know that I can freely speak about religion, but I don't exactly know what lines up with Protestant theology, and what does not. But it's only the first day, so I'll learn more soon.
The subjects that are taught are different as well. I don't think they teach by Standards. They also don't have end-of-the-year testing. The teachers make up their own assessments.So, I'm teaching my first lesson on Wednesday about trees. Mrs. Rooney also wants me to do a project with the students, while I'm here, about ancient Egypt.
Something that I am super impressed with is the handwriting. Every girl writes very neatly, and a lot of them write in cursive. There is no student who holds their pencil in a weird way, like I've seen from 3rd and 4th graders in Kentucky. They hold their pencils between their pointer finger, middle finger, and thumb, while having the end of the pencil rest against the side of their hand. In Kentucky, I've seen the students hold their pencils with their full fist, almost like a monkey holds a banana.
These are just a few observations from today. I loved my first day! Everyone is very nice and welcoming. I think I'm going to love these next 3 weeks. We still have to teach lessons and be observed by George, but it's more relaxed. Then, we get a choice in projects for the end of the trip. I'll keep you guys updated on what happens next.
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