Always learning...

Creativity challenges:
Being a Drama major and loving to teach creatively I have found this to be my biggest challenge here. The students aren’t encouraged to think outside of the box and I am having a hard time keeping my teaching under these guidelines. This practicum has taught me how we take a lot of things for granted in our education back home. It is not only assumed but expected (rightly so) that no students will slip through the cracks and be left behind. With up to 40 kids per class, no aids, lack of funds and resources this is near impossible for the Belizean school system. I have been doing all I can to work one on one with the students who are really falling behind, several are at this level and still do not know how to read or write the most basic concepts. It is extremely difficult to watch these students struggling and only be able to do so much. I have accepted that I need to be patient and realistic about what I am hoping to achieve with these students. Since there are so many students and limited time I simply can't work one on one with them as much as I wish to, so I will simply have to do my best!
One thing I have noticed here is how highly respected teachers are in the community. Everyone is well aware how crucial education is for Belizians, whereas back home it is simply assumed that everyone will receive the proper education. My students have such an incredible grasp of how important reading and writing is to their future and are so mature about thinking. These kids are well beyond their years and I am inspired by them every day. I hope that I am teaching them as much as they are teaching me!