We are now three weeks into school, and wanted to give you a look inside of our classrooms.

Impressions so far from the classroom have been very positive and encouraging. Students have responded well to building a sense of family and community. Currently I have fifteen students from India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Russia, England, Scotland, Canada, and the United States. I’m grateful for such a diverse group of students; they’ve made me look forward to school each day.

I’m constantly learning – from other teachers, students, and working with the second grade curriculum; there is so much to reflect and internalize. I’m inspired by Lucy Calkin’s approach to reader’s and writer’s workshop – helping students become better readers and finding their voice as writers. Teaching second grade is a different animal than what I’m used to – teaching middle school or sixth graders. My biggest challenge so far has been to not assume what I think they should know or understand. On the other hand, second grade offers something very uplifting; I’ve never had students who’ve shown such an overwhelming love for school, learning, or give you a hug every time they see you.

Ashley and I are getting adjusted to living in Abqaiq. We will need to write more on that topic. Already we’ve met people we care for deeply, and are thankful for this experience teaching abroad.

-Rob

Mr. Cahill is “wild” about second grade!

It has truly been an interesting and exciting start to the school year here in Saudi! I have 12 students in my class so far, 9 boys and only 3 girls. They are a hilarious and energetic bunch! Each day is a really fun adventure. I have students from Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Jordan, Japan, Pakistan, and India. They all bring in such different funds of knowledge, life experiences, and of course languages. I have no native English speakers, and three students who speak no English at all. I am thankful for my shwaya shwaya Arabic, as my non-English speakers are from Saudi. Hammam (bathroom) is a very important word in kindergarten! We have all of the same learning goals and standards, as in the US, and for my teacher friends, next year the school will be moving to Common Core.

For your viewing entertainment, here are some funny international kindergarten quotes so far:

Mrs. Cahill: Learning to read is one of the most important things you will learn in your life.

Student: Even more important than not putting your finger in the electricity outlet?!?!?!

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Mrs. Cahill (reading an Elephant and Piggie book where Gerald cries)

Student A: Oh look, look! He is crying like a man!!!!

Student B: I think you mean like a baby…

Student A: Ohhhhh…

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Mrs. Cahill: What center would you like to go to for choice time?

Student: Chicken! Chicken! oh… I mean Kitchen.

-Ashley

Mrs. Cahill thinks kindergarten is a hoot!