A Positive First Day of Teaching!

Monday, April 12, 2010

QUOTE FOR THE DAY: “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” - C Buddha

Our day began on an early note with an energizing breakfast provided by the wonderful staff at Hotel Fama. Milt made an announcement that we were all to meet back at the dining room area for a meeting at 1400 hours.

Each of us made ourselves lunches and proceeded to our respective schools:
Frank Dajka, Nemeth Laszlo and Josef Attilla. John Doty, Nemeth Laszlo Gymnazium es Alta Laqnos Ishola. Terri Hankins, Lizst Music School, 4-8th grades. Joan Himmes, Klauzal Gabor Elementary School 9-14 grades. Mary Martin Lane, Corvin Matyas Commercial and Technical Secondary School. Ji Lee, Varga Tamas Elementary School, 4-5-8th grades. Peg Scatterfield, St. Istvan Iskola, 4-8th grades. Patsy Welton, Eotvos Jozsef Secondary, 11,12,13,10 grades. Kathleen Yasumura, Hiszk Gregus Mate Member School, 9-14 grades.

Upon returning from our school experience, we attended the team meeting with Milt at 1400 hours at which time we wrote and discussed our three reasons for being in Hungary as volunteers. Each person’s reasons were grouped in the following manner:
•Learning about volunteerism
•Learning more about Hungary, its culture, language, and history
•Working with children
•Personal growth and development

Next, team members discussed characteristics of a good team. The following qualities were mentioned:
•Interdependence, tapping into each other’s riches
•Good communication, sharing, developing trust, honesty, respect
•Selflessness, sharing, generosity, consideration
•Self-care, humor, laughter

Mary Martin initiated the description of her day as she taught five classes with students ranging in ages 14-20 years. She related that she enjoyed her mentoring, gentle redirection and action-filled activities. Milt complimented her creative teaching strategies.

Patsy related her “lost and found” experiences in getting to her assigned school. She enjoyed her experience but asked Milt about strategies which might be attempted to overcome the shyness factor several students presented.

Peggy stated her introduction and singing strategies were implemented during her four classes for grades 4,5, 6, and 8.

Lee noted that she enforced simple situations and had students interact with each other in asking similar questions to one another in grades 4, 5, and 8.

Frank related that it felt like “old home week.” He noted that three of his classes were great, but his fourth class was a challenge with discipline issues.

John noted that all of his students and classes were great. He said that his teaching experience went well. However, he did inform us of his directional confusion difficulties in finding his way back to Hotel Fama.

Kathleen related her teaching experiences at the Gregus Technical (Agricultural) School which were fine overall.

Joan stated that her first day went very well. Overall, the first day of teaching appeared to be a positive experience for all.

Written by: Kathleen Yasumara