My position on the ship is the Dependent Learners’ Coordinator. Basically, I’ll be in charge of overseeing the educational experience of the dependents of the faculty and staff. I won’t be one-room-school-house-teacher; each dependent needs to bring work from their own school and a parent or caregiver is required to be with them during their studies. I’ll be available for leadership and support.
Besides being the point person during “ship school” on the mornings we’re at sea, I’ll also coordinate P.E., art, and enrichment activities in the afternoon. It should be totally fun and an invigorating break from traditional classroom teaching. I already anticipate the most challenging aspect will be teaching my own two children, who not surprisingly, think I know very little about essential skills for kindergarten and 4th grade. Here’s a shout-out to their teachers, Mrs. Altree and Mrs. Ryan, aka the most beloved experts of the world, in Vivian and William’s eyes.
Anyway, I just sent out a “getting to know you” e-mail to the dependents and their families. There are 16 students total, including Vivian and William, ranging in age from 2-16. The 2 year old and 4 year old won’t necessarily be joining the group regularly. Five students are teenagers. Unbelievably, they’re all female, except for the 2 year old boy and my son William. Hopefully there will be some sporty and kind college guys who will kick the soccer ball around with him in the afternoons.
Countdown: 51 days
What an interesting task you have in front of you. I predict some lifelong intergenerational friendships between you and these young women.
You may need to tell/remind Vivian and William that you taught second grade two years with their Grandma Nice in Vernonia. You have the knowledge and experience to do an outstanding job. Love, Mom Nice
So do you have to come up with your own supply lists? How do you feel about teaching art and PE? This sounds like more and more fun the more I read about it!
You’ll be a teacher/”Julie” (showing my 70’s Love Boat past) all in one. With your age ranges of students, I can see some powerful buddy-teaching in your future.
I imagine you will develop quite a community over your four months together. How exciting!