Sleepy Saturday

A sunny, quiet morning here in Ballia, India.  Schools are all closed due to elections today.  Normally, school runs Monday - Saturday so that is a big difference from the states.  They do have more holidays though, so I think it pretty much evens out with us in the end (in terms of the number of instructional days).  Because of elections there are many police officers in the town.  They wear brown uniforms so they look more like soldiers to me and they all carry weapons....big ones!  I know our police officers carry weapons too ,just not like the ones I've been seeing.  I've been trying to get their picture but everytime I get close to one, I chicken out.  Maybe one of these days I'll muster up the courage.  To me, they have a very strong presence and I'm a bit intimidated by them which is unusual for me.  They are here to ensure fair and peaceful elections so their presence is a very positive thing. 

I am working with some girls in fifth grade to create a modern dance piece and it has evolved into a true collaboration.   As the girls have grown more comfortable with me over the past few weeks, I have invited them to share any ideas, movements, etc. that they would like to add to the piece. So, our modern dance piece has become peppered with bits of hip hop, classical Indian arm movements, and giant leaps.  It is still a work in progress and I'm excited for the final performance.  If nothing else, we are truly enjoying dancing together each morning, and the girls are learning the basic foundations of american modern dance.  I know that they will share it with their peers and this brings me a lot of joy.  Honestly, getting involved with dance again has awakened that napping passion inside of me and I know that regardless of my age, I need to stay involved with dance for the remainder of my life.

Yesterday, many students did not come to school (once again due to the election time) but the ones who did come all worked together on the roof top of the city branch.  It was a mix of grade levels and Sans had developed three groups. One was working on a reader's theater adapted from a story book that Sans had, another was working on the Preamble of the constitution, and the third was doing experiments with temperature.  All were fully engaged and the teachers from both schools were all there working together and assisting students.  I arrived late due to my dance rehearsal but I was so impressed with what I did see.  When it was time to go home, one group did not want to stop working, despite the fact that all of the other students had left for the day.  What does that tell you?

What I'm discovering over here is that kids are kids no matter where you are in the world.  They are eager to learn and want to obtain knowledge.  It is our job to spark their curiosity and give them materials and opportunities for discovery.  Asking the right questions is an art form and one that I will continually work on.  Until next time,
Mrs. Tobin/Kati