My classes and students...

I've now got a full week of classes under my belt, and I can now say I am very excited about the semester! : ) I have 6 classes total, 4 women/2 men, all of which are unique and fabulous in their own way. The guys have been great from day 1, sussing me out, trying to figure out what I'm like, etc. Once they figured out that I understand Arabic, they chuckled nervously, but thought it was great. They also get a kick out of the fact that our last name, minus the first "a", Hmar, means donkey in Arabic, and is not a very nice thing to call someone. Quite a bit more offensive than how "ass" is used in the States. Add to that the fact that my brother's name, Matt, means "dead" in Arabic, and you've got a howling class, even the ladies. Seriously, what's not to laugh at?! His name means "dead donkey" ~ hehehehehehehehehe......I laugh every time I think about it. I'm seriously cracking up while I write this!!!! I love you, Matt, and I know you have the right sense of humor for this : )

The ladies are really starting to loosen up with me, and today all three of my classes were laughing. I think I'm a fairly unconventional teacher for them. For example, I told them one of my expectations of them is this: in return for my respect for them, they respect me and their classmates as well. Cell phones are huge here, and they all keep them on their desks, trying to sneak in text messages. So, to make my point, I pretended that my phone, which was on silent, was ringing, and answered it, as if there was someone there, and started making dinner plans, saying no no...not busy...just teaching. I turned to the class, telling them I'd be right back, and then I left the room. I came back in and they were completely unsure of what to think! they were laughing, but not sure if they should be. I asked them how they would have felt if it was a real situation? Does this action show respect? Of course, they all said no, so I explain that I expect the same in return. Good thing one of our units is "Actions Speak Louder Than Words", and it all fell nicely into place. : ) Sometimes I wonder where I pull this crap from, but it sure is a lot of fun at the time.

Speaking of classes....I've got to get back to planning now, but I'll try to keep posting frequently. Camera should be arriving soon, and I'll send photos asap.