I suppose I shall litter this post with a few scattered stories before going into a more detailed rendition of this week. So, prepare, as usual, for a bit of disjointedness, followed by a more straightforward narrative.
* * *
Today, I saw a yellow kite flying amidst the grey, overcast sky, floating solitary in the dim field and valiantly attempting, in all its sunshine valor, to find its way against the shards of biting wind. It was actually quite successful. Its winning battle made me smile to myself, anyway.
* * *
Yesterday, upon walking home, I stood and watched a small down feather float to the ground. I picked it up and took it home with me. This brings my small feather collection to...two now. Also, while sitting near the river Aller, I pilfered a smooth, tan rock from the bank. A small pine cone also now adorns my window sill from the forest. I've become a nature klepto.
* * *
Last Saturday while in the Altstadt, Andrea #2 spotted me and walked over to sit with and talk to me for a little while. She has sort of taken to looking after me whenever we meet, since she constantly strives to better my German (which is actually worse when I talk to her precisely because this makes me nervous). Despite this, I've taken a liking to her, since she is generous and patient with me. Today, even, she spotted me while driving her twin sons home from school and insisted on giving me a ride back to the flat. As she said in English, "Don't be shy!" Despite the fact that I actually wanted to walk home, I still appreciate the generosity of my neighbors.
Well, that was fun.
So, let's get on with the more coherent part of this narrative. This week marks the return to work, for which I am incredibly glad. You have no idea. Herbstferien was too long, and, being the broke Fulbright scholar that I am, I wasn't able to fill my time with too much glamorous traveling and whatnot. Though I very much enjoyed my solitude with nature in Celle, having nothing to forcibly occupy my time can be dangerous for me. I realized this more fully when I returned to work on Tuesday, and how nice it was to chat awkwardly with my coworkers and help the students again! Yes, that was an exclamation point. I have found that my German has gotten better even just two days into work, though it's still kind of, maybe dismal.
Some French students are here for the week as part of an exchange program, and they participated a bit in 4a yesterday, Susanne's class. We had fun singing them the bicycle song, which actually goes to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus." I will say, though, that in order to be an effective teacher (and to have fun, period), one must act out situations with such dexterity that you'll be labeled certifiably insane if performed outside of the classroom. Anyway, I think the French kids were amused.
Today went surprisingly well, considering that it is my most "difficult" (in the sense that it's still easy) day. 4c actually behaved rather well. One of the girls in the class loves Hannah Montana, so, of course, a conversation went thus:
Student: "Kennst du Hannah Montana?"
Me: "Ja, ich kenne sie."
Student: "Na! Kennst du, wo sie wohnt?"
Me: "Nie, das weiss ich nicht. Aber, ich kenne sie."
Deniz, the class goof: "Bist du ihre Kusine?!"
Me: (classic eyebrow arch)
In short, because I'm American, I am expected to know everything about Hannah Montana...and be her cousin. (Yes, I know he was joking.) Hooray for the globalization of really bad American T.V.
But, in all seriousness, it really is great to be back. I knew this when I entered the classroom of 2a this morning, and Linda's face lit up as she exclaimed, "Hello, Jenni-fuh!" and proceeded to give me a full-on child-hug. Not a tackle, but the sweet kind of hug that only a child can give.
Blegh, that sounds like the maternal instinct is setting in. Believe me, it's not. But, I am very fond of my students. And, yes...they are my students.
Welcome back. Now let's see how long it will take until they become little hellions.
Well, that was fun.
So, let's get on with the more coherent part of this narrative. This week marks the return to work, for which I am incredibly glad. You have no idea. Herbstferien was too long, and, being the broke Fulbright scholar that I am, I wasn't able to fill my time with too much glamorous traveling and whatnot. Though I very much enjoyed my solitude with nature in Celle, having nothing to forcibly occupy my time can be dangerous for me. I realized this more fully when I returned to work on Tuesday, and how nice it was to chat awkwardly with my coworkers and help the students again! Yes, that was an exclamation point. I have found that my German has gotten better even just two days into work, though it's still kind of, maybe dismal.
Some French students are here for the week as part of an exchange program, and they participated a bit in 4a yesterday, Susanne's class. We had fun singing them the bicycle song, which actually goes to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus." I will say, though, that in order to be an effective teacher (and to have fun, period), one must act out situations with such dexterity that you'll be labeled certifiably insane if performed outside of the classroom. Anyway, I think the French kids were amused.
Today went surprisingly well, considering that it is my most "difficult" (in the sense that it's still easy) day. 4c actually behaved rather well. One of the girls in the class loves Hannah Montana, so, of course, a conversation went thus:
Student: "Kennst du Hannah Montana?"
Me: "Ja, ich kenne sie."
Student: "Na! Kennst du, wo sie wohnt?"
Me: "Nie, das weiss ich nicht. Aber, ich kenne sie."
Deniz, the class goof: "Bist du ihre Kusine?!"
Me: (classic eyebrow arch)
In short, because I'm American, I am expected to know everything about Hannah Montana...and be her cousin. (Yes, I know he was joking.) Hooray for the globalization of really bad American T.V.
But, in all seriousness, it really is great to be back. I knew this when I entered the classroom of 2a this morning, and Linda's face lit up as she exclaimed, "Hello, Jenni-fuh!" and proceeded to give me a full-on child-hug. Not a tackle, but the sweet kind of hug that only a child can give.
Blegh, that sounds like the maternal instinct is setting in. Believe me, it's not. But, I am very fond of my students. And, yes...they are my students.
Welcome back. Now let's see how long it will take until they become little hellions.
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