School Days

The team went to Emafini Primary on Friday to meet our collaborating teacher and students. I wasn't surprised to be welcomed with open arms and minds. The teachers of Emafini were as excited as we were to be there. 

I was partnered with Ms. Peta, but she told me to call her Babes. Once I responded for her to call me Coco, we were a match for sure. Babes introduced me to her class of 45 students. All of these children were on their own while the teachers were meeting the American visitors, and when we walked in, they were all seated and waiting for the lesson to begin.

Ms. Peta is the grade 5 Social Sciences (geography) teacher. The class jumped right into their shared workbooks, and began learning about the elements of weather. The homeroom class was incredibly respectful to their teacher and peers. There weren't any students out of their seats, talking out of turn, or even focused on the strange new teacher, all of the learners were engaged in the lesson.

It is very evident that the children have a strong love of their teacher, and it goes both ways. But with this love, is also a fear of disappointing her. Teachers need to be loud so that 45 students can hear, but she never raised her voice at them, and they followed directions as best as they could.

During independent work, the students showed some difficulty in their comprehension of the lesson. The students were finding the like words and answering with what they hoped was the correct answer, These 5th graders work so hard, along with the teacher, but they can only do as well as they are given. It is near impossible for a teacher to make sure that she is giving each individual student the attention that is needed, and it is hard for a student to understand the lesson every time on the first try.

Ms. Peta checked every single notebook at the end of the class, but without the guidance that a teacher can give in a class with half of the students. 

The teachers at Emafini shine bright with positive attitudes and excitement, but sometimes that may be the only gift that a student receives in South Africa.