Chantal Abroad

Chantal: There are 120 children (3 classes) in the nursery school, where we live, at De Paul School. The children come from 8-12:30 to learn English and Math. They have a lunch break from 10-11 and have a hot snack every day. They are to learn English, as it is the language that Secondary school is taught in. It is also a common second language among nations and the typical language of commerce.

In the afternoon, there are free classes from 4-5:30. I have a sing a long class from 3-4 for those that want. Dad teaches preform (English summmer school effectively) from 3-4, about 30 students. They seem to have opened up to his sense of humour.

Billy: Our week was quite hectic with two teachers missing. We divided the students into two groups of about 55 based on grade. The first day was horrible( Chantal: well, it could have been better). The students were hot and tired being crammed 3 or 4 into a desk. We tried our best to teach/entertain. It was quite commical as when we got frustrated with the noise of students, the only thing that settled them down was another chorus of "Clap Your Hands". (Chantal: We also sang "Head and Shoulders" about a million times) I am now sick of that song.

The teachers use fairly harsh punishment by our standards. They have a "switch" ( a thin stick) which they use to prod, the students into behaving. If a prod is not enough, the student is struck with the stick on the hand. The difference between the pacifists (Chantal, Sr. Agnes and I) and the disciplinarian (Amy) was phenominal. Before Amy would enter the room it was chaos. When Amy entered the room it was quiet and respectful. I tried all of my tricks for cajoling (including tickling) but to no avail. Not with 56 students who don't speak your language very well. I went through one more day of this then conceded that we were doing more harm than good. When the other teachers returned they would find their classrooms a chaotic mess. I decided that I would use coporal punishment but worked out a heirarchy to help me avoid the stick. I had given a tap on the hands to my first child before school had started. It had no affect. I hit harder to make my point. The child look a little nervous but was still smiling. I was able to communicate that I had a stick in my room and she could choose her method of discipline. She chose "Wisely". The rest of the day went marvelously. I had to set a few more examples before the day was out but order was established and children were learning again (and even happy). I was also able to go back to the orginal student and spend a little time playing ball to ensure she knew it was not personal but that there was a limit and she best not cross it.