Starting at CISP

This past week, I was actually able to start teaching PE. I teach the middle school (two classes of all the grades together) and the elementary school (1st-3rd grade and 4th-5th grade). I also teach seventh grade homeroom which includes prayer, devotions, and a few other responsibilities.

We are starting our soccer/ kicking (aka football) units in all the grade levels. I have learned very quickly that it is one of the most popular sports among the students. Without fail, that is what they play every day I am on recess duty. For the most part, they all enjoy it and they do a great job at keeping everyone involved.

This week has been a good reminder of why I choose this profession. After a little talk about sportsmanship and a review of the core biblical values of our school, I saw some amazing things Friday afternoon in class. This includes some of the most competitive eighth grade boys complimenting someone from the other team on their great shot. Also, one of those same boys stopped playing to go apologize to someone on the other team for playing a little too rough. I also had a conversation with some eighth grade boys (one who is ninth grade age) who are in a class heavily populated with sixth grade students. We talked about them being leaders this year and also working with me to help them have some challenges in the activities. They even thanked me after our talk. Through those little things, God has shown me that He has a plan for me here and that it is going to be good.

Praises:

1. My first week of classes went well.
2. I am getting settled into my apartment and into the city life.
3. I am have many opportunities to get to know new people.

Prayer Requests:

1. Please pray as I continue to check out the international churches.
2. Pray for my seventh graders as it seems that they all have a lot going on right now.
3. Please pray that God will give me wisdom in what activities and responsibilities to say yes to as well as which ones to say no to.

Pictures from my gym and teaching areas:

 One of the gyms. They are smaller than the average North American gym, but they are a huge blessing to the school.

 

 A picture of the other gym, taken from the doorway to the first gym shown.

 

The view of the windows to the pitch in the gym.

 

 The tennis court part of the pitch.

 

Not a great picture, but it shows the basketball side of the pitch.

My letter to my students letting them know how I feel about each of them.

Class checklist for my expectations.

A fun list for how I expect my students to act in PE.

Our fitness center area.

More of our fitness center area.

This is the view from my desk in the staff workroom.