Haiku 7: Teaching feels like…

 ---

the inside of masks

chalk lingering on fingers

smiles spread by the eyes

---

 

Not the best week this week – I was in for two days, and off sick the rest. A strange illness that seems to have made the rounds in our group. I was feverish and dizzy most days… finally feeling better today but unfortunately I had to miss the Oviedo trip. The one I was most looking forward to! I felt it better to rest before the final week, but also I of course have a mountain of lesson planning to do which I couldn’t tackle in my mid-week haze! Gah.

But it occurred to me today that when I think about getting back to teaching in those classrooms, the physical sensation of it, all I can think of is the feel and the smell of the inside of my disposable mask, the chalk that gets on my fingers and clothes (if only I could get one of those pesky white teachers’ coats… I’ll have to ask Luke to hook me up), and also of the smiles that are exchanged from behind masks, just by the eyes. These kids are eager to connect, even the disruptive ones; I’ve seen an uncountable number of genuine eye-smiles in my weeks at Colegio La Asuncion.

My lessons vary in effectiveness, but I’m pleased with a lot of them. I’m going to try and take notice this final week, be present, try my best, but also know what will be will be!

Can you tell that sick days make me philosophical?

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