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Miss Hayes and her Grade 2's

Classroom stories about my little critters in Grade 2 in South Africa

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My first post.

Hi all. 

It is my first post on my blog.  So I would just like to say hi to all who read my posts.  I will provide interesting stories that happen at my school as well as any interesting ideas to teach in the junior grades.  I hope you will enjoy reading my posts. 

At the moment, South African public schools are on holiday for 3 weeks.  It is our middle week off and go back on the 14th of April.  So far, in my holidays, I have purchased a new mat for my classroom so I can't wait to start school again without the raggy old one.  My kids are also going to be so excited.  I have also bought a cute height chart to put on the door to introduce the critters to measurement. 

I have 28 children in my class of mixed races.  The majority are black.  I have a few coloured children, 2 Indian, 1 Pakistany and 4 white children.  Regardless of the wide range of cultures and races, I have a wonderful class.  We all get on very well and I am so glad the personalities of the children are well matched with me.  I am having a fantastic year with this class.

I will try to keep up to date with my posts and I hope I will receive comments from some of you.

Later All

Big Smile

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Posted: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 9:43 PM by Jenna

Comments

Betty said:

It sounds like you have a wonderful class.  I am looking forward to reading your blog posts.  A three week holiday sounds fantastic.  We only get a week for spring break.  How long is your summer vacation?

# April 1, 2008 11:04 AM

Betty said:

Jenna, If you just reply to my comment here on your own post, I will get an email that you have left a comment.  It keeps the conversation going.  Your year sounds fascinating.  I like the way they space out the holidays.  

# April 1, 2008 12:45 PM

Raenette Taljaard said:

Hi Jenna, I'm a South African teacher, currently teaching in NZ.  When I read your comments about getting  a new mat, I realized how good we have it here in NZ. I'm looking forward to hearing how you are coping, and how your children are learning using the resources you do have.

# April 3, 2008 5:34 PM

MysteryShrink.com said:

Great.  I'm looking forward to stories from South Africa. I write on psychology and school issues as MysteryShrink.com

I'll check back.

# April 4, 2008 6:49 PM

Jenna said:

Hi Raenette.

At the moment, we are looking at Smart Boards for our school.  We currently have one, but will hopefully be getting more in the year to come.  So we are not that in the "dark".  All the teachers have also been kitted out with laptops and we can make use of the projectors to teach with educational programmes.  

So, South Africa is getting to grips with the fast pace of the rest of the world and we are making our children technological inclined.  

This is the hot new news of our first term.  Many other former Model C schools have already got the SmartBoard.

Our children also go to Computer classes once a week where they are taught computer skills from Grade 1.  

How long have you been teaching in NZ for?

# April 5, 2008 6:04 AM

Raenette said:

That's fantastic to hear!  When I last taught in SA, in 2003, we had no computers.  Since then, quite few schools seem to have to upgraded. Just before we left my kids were in primary school and they had a computer in each class.  At the time I thought it was fantastic.  I have been teaching in NZ for 3 years.  It's not all that different.  We are just better resourced, in that all games, stationery etc. is provided by the school. I have always been used to buying whatever I need myself. I have a Smartboard in my class this year for the first time, and I must say I am loving it!  I am teaching in a completely different way, and using the Smartboard every moment of the day.  I especially find it helpful for Maths and Reading.  I have some fantastic links to resources.  Look at my Delicious for links to help you!

http://del.icio.us/raenette

I'm looking forward to keeping an eye on your blog to see how you are doing!  Whereabouts are you teaching?

# April 5, 2008 11:24 PM

Jenna said:

Sounds great over there in NZ.  Do you ever miss teaching in South Africa?  Or are you very happy that side?  

Our school provides us with most resources.  The mat was bought with school money, but I like to add stuff out of my own money as well.  I'm currently teaching in Centurion.  It is my second year this year.  I'm originally from P.E. but relocated here when I graduated.  Whereabouts did you teach in S.A?  And whereabout are you in NZ?

We have one more week left of holidays...actually can't wait to go back.  Our school had a holiday school for an orphanage during these holidays.  It was mostly foundation phase kids.  Some teachers from my school chose to work, I chose holiday, but I'm thinking of doing it in the next holidays.

Speak soon.

# April 6, 2008 1:21 PM

Jenna said:

Thanks for your links.  Have had a look at some of them.  They are very insightful and will definitely keep them in mind when I'm back at school.

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# April 14, 2008 11:54 AM

bigcitynewbie said:

Jenna, I was just wondering how you got involved with teaching in South Africa. Did you sign up through an organization to teach there? Where are you originally from?

# April 25, 2008 3:24 PM
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