The English as a Second Language course I took a few years ago is finally being put to use this week. I’ve been given an evening slot in the girls’ daily schedule – 8:15 to 8:45 pm – not exactly prime time given that they get up at 5 a.m.Kids being kids though, they will play at any time, exhausted or not, so we’ve been having fun so far.
It was a bit of a challenge, given the difference in ages, to find learning games that work for everyone. The youngest is about 7 and the eldest 12 or 13. Luckily, their English proficiency is more or less equal with the possible of Devanandha who is too smart for her own good. Girija cheats, so she does okay too.
If there is a flaw in my approach to date it’s that the games get them wound up and they are not ready for sleep when we wrap things up. Last night, they wanted me to sing and dance for them. I get up early along with them, so you can just imagine how much interest I had in a soft shoe routine, especially in the $&(/#@ heat and humidity. Nevertheless, I tried to teach them how to jive, which is a bit weird since I’m not very good at it myself. Ah well, they say that those who can’t, teach!
On a completely different note, have you ever had the privilege of watching a German and an Indian discuss the notion of time? Germans with their strict adherence to order and precision and Indians for whom time, like all things related to road safety, is just a suggestion. This was the conversation between our Indian coordinator Ramesh and the German volunteer Suvarna yesterday morning on the way to town. One of the funniest things I’ve witnessed in a long time…
Love reading your updates. And this latest chapter is wonderful! Good for you.
Quite the experience…love these posts..