teacher for a day

So, there I was sitting in the Principal's office. She is an older woman, quiet, stoic and seemingly serious.  When she asked me where I live, I told her Utah, which she responded to by telling me that she "is a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". I smiled and nodded. I couldn't understand the conversation happening around me but I heard something about "catechism" and "6th grade classrooms".

At that moment, I only remember feeling panic. Ok, maybe it was part flashback - because I was sitting in the principal's office without knowing what the outcome would be. But clearly I am not catholic, wasn't raised catholic and don't feel trained to teach catechism classes! I calmed myself down thinking that I would be leaving soon and wouldn't have to see these people again if it was a total disaster.

I left the office after watching the Principal sign something. As soon as we got outside, Aizel explained to me that I had been asked to rotate through each of the five 6th grade classrooms for their morning catechism classes. What that really means here is "Values" class.

There is no separation of church and state in the Phillipines so even in a public school you are allowed to teach christian education. I was told that I could talk about God, speak from the bible and even pray in the classroom - in a public school!

The interesting twist is that this school is located in an area of town with a high Muslim population. About 40% of the students who attend this school are Muslim.

As soon as I got home, I sent an email off to some of my friends on staff with AC at my church. It was an SOS of sorts, asking if they could please send me some curriculum geared towards 6th graders that had to do with Values.

Of course, any of us who are parents have had practice talking to our own children about the importance of good manners, being polite and speaking truth. This gave me a little bit more confidence. As luck would have it, Gwen came through and sent me some great materials to use with the kids (including an exercise that I could have them go through).

As it turns out, the class time was very enjoyable. It was a great experience for me - watching the kids respond, watching muslim kids pray in class, and of course admitting that I had worried too much about this "assignment" that I had been given.

I'll be back in the classroom(s) again next week!