bonjour free!

I had an excellent teaching morning at the Signoret school. I got to school and had, what I'm sure is becoming my usual morning chat with Pierre (the director), in English. He enjoys "showing off" his English skills, while correcting my poor, back-of-the-throat French "r" sound. When he gets an English phrase right, he snaps his fingers and sways his arm, as if to say- hot dog, I gottit! And then at about 8:15 he says, "It is time to go to my desk," and I assume that is also my cue to get to my first class.

This is the school that has me working with the Maternelle (preschool). These little ones are especially adorable... While they get settled in, I walk around and talk to the kids in French. I met one little girl who's name is Gayard (or at least I think that's how it's spelled). She told me all about how she likes to eat carrots and watch Winnie (Winnie-the-Poo) on dvd.

Once most children are present, all the kids gather around me on these little benches while we sing songs in English (well, I sing... they sort of mumble along and giggle). It's funny- some kids know all their numbers and can say, "Good morning, my name is...." while others, I'm sure, have absolutely no clue what I'm saying because this is the first time they've ever heard English. I'm only with them for 20 minutes... so we sing for a bit and I'm on my way. (On my way out, this teacher actually asked me if I gave private tutoring in English and gave me her number/email to meet with her 13 year old. Woohoo unexpected job opportunity!)

In my next 2 classes I work with the CPs... who seem older to me than the CPs kids at Les Marendiers (from yesterday), but younger than the CPs at Berliet. I'm not sure why... but anyway... I introduced them to my "number friends" by saying, "This is my friend, number one..." and so on. They would consequently say, "Bonjour one!" and comment on how cute or silly the number friend looked (because I gave all the numbers eyes). (Cute side note: French children, and adults, have a terrible time pronouncing the "th" sound. So, when they said bonjour to the number 3, they would say, "Bonjour free!") After saying hello to all the friends, we played a few games and sang a few number songs... much like yesterday, the kids can say all the numbers really fast in order but have no clue which number is which...

In my last 2 classes, which I've decided I like the best, I work with 2 really sweet teachers (and the kids are in the CE1 level...7 or 8 year olds). Both teachers wrote down everything I did and told me afterwards how much they enjoyed the activities I shared (they wrote down the activities to do with future classes). One even said that I was "top" at timing... because I miraculously finished my lesson at exactly the same time I needed to switch classes. They also told me that they had learned something too... that the saying "Give me five" actually comes from the fact that you are holding up 5 fingers... haha. (Every time I had the kids find me the number 5 or show the number 5 with their fingers, I would find someone to "give me a five" which they just thought was SO cool...and apparently so did the teachers).

After classes, I ate my lunch with 3 of my 5 teachers at this school and felt like one of the gang (almost). They included me in most conversations or at least checked to see if I was understanding most of it. They offered me construction paper, tea, and candy before I left... and I went home feeling very happy:)

When I got home, I checked my mail and found my rent bill (finally) waiting for me. I could either pay by check (which I don't have) or go to the Tresorier (treasurer... or place to pay for government bills?), which is just down the block, to pay for it. I have had a suspicion that I live in government funded housing... I mean, how else could I be living in a 3 bedroom apartment for 50 euros a month... and my suspicion was confirmed upon arrival at the Tresorier... there were 2 lines, one to pay your bills and one to sign up/ask questions about the HLM or habitation a loyer modere (or government reduced housing). I'm very lucky to have housing at this price, regardless of the label, so it certainly doesn't bother me... just interesting to know.

On my way home, I had the sudden inspiration to go to the library and see if they had a travel section. They do and I checked out 6 books (on Italy and Switzerland). I can now fully obsess over my upcoming trips:)

Tomorrow, speaking of obsessing over trips, I'm meeting up with Lindsey to plan our December trip to Switzerland (we figure the best way to get missing Christmas in the States off our minds is to go somewhere really cool).

Hope you're all having a nice week!

Reste cool:) I know I will on my 5 day weekend.... hehe!