I cannot fully explain how my experience in Belize will make me a better teacher. On the very first day, I was thrown into a classroom the size of a large closet, handed two workbooks to teach 5 subjects, and presented with nine smiling students who I would teach for the next 4 weeks. Looking back, I would not want it begin any other way.
From day one, I challenged myself to teach engaging lessons with no technology, visual aids or materials. I wanted my students to be actively involved in my class. I wanted my students to learn, but most importantly, I wanted them to enjoy school, so that if nothing else, I could leave them with the memory that learning can be fun and exciting.
I discovered that I am extremely innovative and creative in planning lessons and teaching. There were times I made use of random items in order to teach. For instance, I wanted to do a math activity where students estimate how much liquid can go in various containers, and then use a measuring cup to find the actual amount. I wanted it to be a partner activity so that every student could have the kinesthetic experience of measuring, but I could only find one measuring cup. So, I cut all of my old plastic water bottles and used a sharpie to turn them into measuring cups. It actually became a joke among our group of interns to see who was being the most resourceful (AKA teaching with the most ghetto supplies). I will forever be more inventive and imaginative in my planning and teaching.
Teaching in Belize has definitely improved my flexibility and adaptability. I have always been a “planner”; I like schedules and organization and I am consciously methodological in my lesson planning and teaching. In a country where time is relative and organization is trivial, I learned from the best how to literally ‘go with the flow’. On my first day of school the morning bell rang five minutes late, my students returned from lunch 15 minutes late, and school was released about 10 minutes early. I quickly adapted to ‘Belize time’ and I now enjoy and cherish the calm and informal atmosphere. If I want to do a math activity in the morning so the students are better focused, I easily rearrange the entire day’s schedule. If I want to teach creative writing or science at the beach, then we make the 3 minute trek and continue our learning. The ambiance and remarkable mood of the island has made a lasting impression on me. I am certain that I have improved as a teacher.
Teaching in Belize has definitely improved my flexibility and adaptability. I have always been a “planner”; I like schedules and organization and I am consciously methodological in my lesson planning and teaching. In a country where time is relative and organization is trivial, I learned from the best how to literally ‘go with the flow’. On my first day of school the morning bell rang five minutes late, my students returned from lunch 15 minutes late, and school was released about 10 minutes early. I quickly adapted to ‘Belize time’ and I now enjoy and cherish the calm and informal atmosphere. If I want to do a math activity in the morning so the students are better focused, I easily rearrange the entire day’s schedule. If I want to teach creative writing or science at the beach, then we make the 3 minute trek and continue our learning. The ambiance and remarkable mood of the island has made a lasting impression on me. I am certain that I have improved as a teacher.
We made our own sea salt for a science experiment. The kids loved tasting the salt!
Writing penpal letters to my students in the States!
They loved reading the letters and writing back!
My proud students showing off their work!
Thanks for reading,
Katy G
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