"What are the Students Like: A Sweet Pouring of Sharjah Student Love"

"The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate "apparently ordinary" people to unusual effort.  The tough problem is not in identifying winners:  it is in making winners out of ordinary people."

~K. Patricia Cross

I've been in education for seven years now (BS. in Middle Grades, 4 years of subbing,and 3 years of classroom teaching) so I like to think that I've seen my fair share of scholars throughout my growing career.  Although no child is the same, there is that one umbrella category that classifies the overall middle school student.

It is from my own personal experience that middle school aged children are categorized as such for very specific reasons; the name speaks for itself, MIDDLE; they are legit in the middle of being too old for this, but not old enough for that.  They embark on a journey of self discovery at this age, so the playfulness, acting out, trying to fit in, and the constant need of approval are all traits these kiddos possess no mater where they are in the world.

There definitely is a misconception about being from America (or any other country for that matter) and teaching students abroad.  I think it is because many of us deal with so much as an educator from our own countries, that our high expectations for overseas education may come from a rose colored lens of possibilities; and not to say that these possibilities aren't positively possible, it's just that you have to be ready to take on overcoming the obstacles as well. Just because we are in a new country does not mean we won't have to deal with certain situations in regards to our students such as disciplinary issues, conferences with concerning parents, or instruction that requires pre-planning for what you may think will be an easy flowing lesson from start to finish JUST to name a few.  As a teacher, it never goes away, no matter where you work. The 5 Ps right? 

But it is non of that really because you can be the most prepared teacher in the building and still have to answer to the unpredictable, emotional, hyperactive, talkative and playful student. It does not make you any less of a teacher if you don't have all of the answers and you lack control sometimes. Kids are kids no matter the background.  Your instruction and interactions are purely based on your individual personality, persistence, and most importantly PATIENCE. 

You easily could have the best class full of some of the best well behaved students of your entire year thus far while simultaneously teaching to a class that although has endearing traits, has challenged you in ways that has not only grown you professionally, but personally.  You just never know how the cards will be dealt. 

And this certainly was the case for me as I reflect on my first semester teaching here in the UAE. It seemed as if God purposely ordered my steps to experience both aspects of what teaching students abroad had to offer.

I work at a private school and middle grade and high school are both segregated by gender.  So for my first year (really first semester because I started in January as opposed to August like my other colleagues), I had both a boys and girls class of 5th graders.  At my school, middle school ranges from 5th grade to 8th grade as oppose to middle school starting in grade 6 back in the states.  So, this would be my first time teaching 5th grade. I was able to observe and help out my second day before actually starting work the following week, and during that time, I got to see what I would be getting myself into.  But it was nothing like having to experience all on my on. Although I had my doubts in the beginning, and challenges along the way, I ended the year with many laughs, fun times, and great stories in between all of what seemed to be sometimes hopeless.

My girls class, I would consider most of them to be the gifted and most academic out of the entire 5th grade sector.  They were helpful, hardworking, respectful and had a willingness to learn like no other. BUT, THEY ARE GIRLS! So, this also means that they were very chatty and praise seeking.  What girl do you know that doesn't occasionally talk during class to her bestie?  It's going to happen.  So I made it a point to not only redirect the behavior from time to time with various attention getting strategies, but I also turned that chatter into class discussions where they went home at the end of the day learning something new about Ms. Erica (yes, here most teachers and staff are referenced by their first name, however, you may choose to be called by your last name; it's all about what makes you comfortable).  Also, with that chatter came the need to always correct Ms. Erica, but I had no problem turning those moments into teachable ones as well; many aha moments...MANY! My girls were awesome!

My boys class...My sweet precious boys.  Picture being hazed into a club or organization that required some inducting circumstances to prove you were capable of being apart of the brand. That is what the situation was like with my boys.  BOYS WILL BE BOYS! The saying is somewhat true indeed.  If it wasn't screaming, shouting, loud conversations, or disagreements (which led to many fights turned besties again situations lol) I was dealing with, it was random walks to thy neighbor's desk, throwing of paper trash balls and pencils, bothering each other simply out of disinterest of the lesson, bursting out randomly in unison with Arabic songs, or simply wanting to leave the room with many "bathroom Miss!"  When I look back on all of this, I can laugh, but going through my first year initiation, I sometimes saw the humor, but I sometimes felt the frustrations.  Most of my boys were very helpful and friendly, but they also displayed the normal middle school boy characteristics of being hyperactive, silly, talkative, bored sometimes, and attention seeking.  I quickly learned that in order to survive, I had to appeal to the masses.  This included an instruction rich in hands on activities and movement.  I was able to determine their interest through a variety of tasks and discovered that their favorite methods of learning included partner work, drawing and coloring, and coming to the board to write answers because 1) they got to get out of their seat and 2) it felt as if they were the teacher in that moment: they love leadership.  But no matter how prepared I was with MY plan of action for the period, and no matter how great I was of a disciplinary figure back in America, I learned very quickly to be flexible and PATIENT. I  had to work around a lot of unpredictable situations and had to approach them without anger or stress.  I had to work with my HOD (head of department) on various rewards and consequences strategies.  I also had to build up a communication outlet with my parents so that my boys knew their parents supported me with making sure they got the best education their money was paying for (what's app messaging worked the best). On the days I felt it was all for nothing, I would have parents reaching​ out to me telling me to hang in there, stay firm, be patient, and just allow them to adapt to the idea of having a new teacher.  I even had many parents tell me how grateful and thankful they were to me with helping their children learn the proper mechanics and speaking of English.  Many OMG moments...MANY!

I ended the school year with both my girls and boys learning more about them and the Arabic culture while they learned more about me and the American culture.  They LOVED teaching me Arabic and were very proud when I could say a word that they taught me.  I overall of coursed enjoyed teaching them English and how to write; no matter if I had the highest of the high or the student who needed extra support, each walked away from my class learning something that they will carry with them to grade 6.   I always make it a point to tell my students that learning never stops no matter who you are, where you're from, or how old you get.  

As I look back on all of this, I realize that I experienced MANY challenges, however, I also experienced many hugs and much love from both my boys and girls.  I wasn't defeated.  I didn't quit or give up.  I made it through. I am thankful to God for choosing me as their teacher because I know I touched their lives just as much as they touched mine. 

Hag Al Leila: an Islamic celebration of Giving

My students were assessed on what they  learned about writing a friendly letter; some wrote a letter to me and here's a few. This truly warmed my heart!

Here are some examples of delicious spreads when our students decide to show love through food!

Since my birthday is during Ramadan, my students surprised me with gifts as a thank you celebration!  I had to control my tears I was so overcome with happiness: very thoughtful!

 Overall, my experience thus far with both my girls and boys has left me feeling rewarded.  

So, when people ask me "Erica, what are the student's like", I simply reply BE READY FOR ANYTHING!