more about work...

3.11.09
about a month ago i started working every other day at day care (the rest still at the building project) = the building project had a lot of volunteers and work was a bit slow and i was looking for a change of pace. i thought it would be a good opportunity for a change of pace. of course day care here is nothing like at home (it's really more like preschool i think). first of all, the kids come dressed in school uniforms then the start promptly change them into play clothes (play clothes here could be anything from shorts and a tshirt to a party dress!) and give them a snack (parents provide this and it is sometimes biscuits and juice, sometimes candy!). once most of the kids have arrived then have a morning assembly where they sing, march and recite the lord's prayer and a daily scripture passage. the kids then split into 2 groups - older and younger - but many wander freely around with no general direction or purpose. the older kids focus on letters, numbers, coloring, learning fruits and veggies etc, while the younger ones are basically just herded into a small area on the porch w/o much structure or activity. these kids definitely have a ton of energy (even more with the candy!) and are itching to get up and run around - but they are basically trying to sit still till break/playtime at 10:30. sometimes the volunteers help with the lessons or lead the kids in songs and games or just play with the kids. there's also an informal nap time - the kids just lay down when they are tired - whenever and wherever. one of the favorite things for the kids to do is play beauty parlor with my hair - it's very fascinating to them since it's so different from theirs :). the volunteers leave around noon so i don't know too much about what goes on in the afternoon...i was however, surprised to see that caning and harsh discipline start so early here - if a child talks back, hits another child, generally acts up or sometimes even if they give an incorrect answer these are all reasons for the teacher to cane them or slap their hands (or sometimes their head). it's been a very eye-opening experience and of course one which makes me appreciate everything at home even more!

ps - i tried to upload some more pics today but the computer/connection weren't cooperating so i will try again this weekend!