First few weeks and Christmas

I have finished my first few weeks school, and am now on Christmas break. School has been interesting to say the least. The school itself is very run down, with very few materials and resources for the students and teachers. My co English teacher doesn't even have many of the teacher editions of the books that the students use. I think this is because she would have to buy them at her own expense, and teachers don't make much money here. I've been looking for these books but I cant seem to find them anywhere/ I don't really know where to look.

Apart from a lack of resources, the teaching methods are geared towards reading and writing (and often times the books teach this wrong). The students are very good at reading a text, translating it, and memorizing it...but when you ask them a simple question about the text they can't give you an answer. In fact, I think I only have three students that can have a very simple conversation with me. So, this is what I am here for. To help students have conversational English skills.

I am finding this difficult for a few reasons. First, although the ministry of education is on board with the speaking and listening aspects of learning English, this hasn't been transferred to all of the teachers. My teacher is still very focused on the read, translate, and retell exactly what you just read. This is how the class is run, and there is no room for practicing conversation. I have felt useless in classes while this is going on, because I can tell that the kids are getting nothing out of it, and when I try to step in and change things, I haven't had full support from my co-teacher. This is somewhat understandable, as she had the curriculum that she is supposed to stick to, but the way things have gone so far I have been of no use. And unless they want to use my speaking ability, it seems like a waste of time for me to be in school. It is very disheartening to feel so useless in this situation.

Starting next semester, I will do everything I can to get my teacher on board with some speaking and listening activities. I am hoping that she will agree to this so we can compliment eachother on all aspects of learning English.

The other hard thing I have dealt with is being lonely. This is something that comes off and on randomly. Its been a lot harder than I thought it would be to to have no other English speakers around. I think that an English speaking companion would make the experience far more fulfilling. On the weekends I have gotten together with other volunteers and it has been so refreshing.

Apart from these two negative issues that I have been dealing with, Georgia is great! People are very nice and hospitable. They are reserved at first but very friendly once you get to know them a little. I have been invited into a few peoples homes for dinner while out walking around the village. Georgians love to have guests and a reason to pull out some homemade wine, which is fine by me!

The country side is beautiful, and the weather has been very nice. I am really missing the snow back in Washington, but its not been a bad thing having 65 degree sunny days.

Today is Christmas, but you can even tell. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7, so the holiday is still two weeks away. I met up with some of the other volunteers in Tbilisi for the weekend. We went out last night and discussed our frustrations with teaching in Georgia. Today, we walked around town looking for food, and right now I'm back at the hostel we're staying at blogging and napping.

I hope that everyone reading this has a merry Christmas and happy new year!

Keep sending good vibes my way, I need them.