Farewell Jardin d'Enfants!

Today was my last day working with the kids at the Jardin d'Enfants. I recieved a laminated diploma and a handshake and everything, so there was certainly some pomp and circumstance that went along with ending my two week term working there.

Working with kids who didn't speak either of my 2 languages certainly posed it's challenges over the last little while. It forced me to learn a few useful phrases in Wolof that I can now use with the kids in my house. The lady who works with the kids regularly also showed me that not everyone uses what I would consider to be "forceful" corrective methods around here. She was kind hearted but firm, and thought of new songs and games to teach them but also gave us "outsiders" some space to work with the kids using our own ideas. She had the respect and attention of the kids at the drop of a phrase, "Mes amis, mes amis!", and so in turn she had mine as well.

I assumed that games kids at home play would be easily transferable over to kids in another country based on their simplicity alone. Duck Duck Goose was definitely a hit. Ring Around the Roses not so much. Colouring, probably a hit in any culture but Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes was executed with such little vivacity it seemed torture at times. It is difficult to discern why some things were a hit while others were not, but it was really no big deal because with a few creative volunteers around there was no end to ideas of things we could try to do.

Nevertheless, there were about 45 kids at the kindergarden some of whom were super easy to get along with and some of whom I never say speak a word in two weeks. The lady who instructs the kids is a really cool cat but I fear for her next week when we're all away teaching and she is left to her own devices keeping everyone engaged!

Overall I had a good experience at the kindergarden and certainly had the chance to practise patience, flexability and creativity in giving the kids something intellectually stimulating to work at during their days at kindergarden.

Next week, Monday is a bank holiday which means some things are closed including schools so I will begin teaching on Tuesday. My placement has changed somewhat so I am kind of waiting to see that it happens according to the plan. Until then, Happy Hallowe'en tomorrow! Eat some non-melty chocolate for me