First Day

Today was the first day of school since the holidays. Before the classes begin, I met with several of the teachers and parents. It was a rush of names and a swirl of faces! Before coming into the classroom, the students take off their shoes and place them into cubby holes then hook their jackets on the wall. The teacher rings a bell, signaling the students to raise their hands and be quiet. The children begin by sitting in a circle on different colored pillows. The teacher tasks each color (Red, Blue, Yellow) to sit down individually to avoid chaos. Next, one of the children lights a candle and they begin by presenting any new news. It's a very calming and tranquil event. Things are quiet, which allows the students to adjust from playing outside and in the hallways to being in the classroom. One girl has broken her arm so the children are reminded to be careful and not hit her accidentally.


I then introduced myself in German. Each of the students did the same and presented one of their hobbies. The children go back to their seats one at a time. The teachers asks who has forgotten their homework. A few hands go up. The school teaches trust and honesty, which is reflected in the organization of the lessons. We move on to the social studies portion of the class. The students are studying Sachsen-Anhalt this year. They mark important terrain on maps and color in the flag. They are also learning what lies North, East, South and West of Sachsen-Anhlat. This also teaches the students directions and topographical skills. An assignment is given. The answers are written on the back of the chalkboard. The boards can move up and down. They also open outward like a double door.

(More to be finished later. It's getting late.)