The warmer weather is finally here and along with it comes outdoor parties. Today I attended my first birthday party as a teacher. As I headed to the spot where I catch the servees van back to Nablus, I was accosted by one of my favorite students. Quds is in 5th grade and, although average in her academic English, is precocious in her speaking ability.
"Come, come!" She pulled my hand. "My brother's party is today. We want you to come, please!" It didn't seem like I had much choice in the matter. Her brother, Hamed, is also one of my students.
"Just for a little bit." I was wary to stay too late and miss the last servees home.
The purple plastic chairs were set up in a circle in the garden. In the center stood several tables, parading as one massive table. It was loaded with plates of various snacks and a beautiful white cake with one large candle. Kids of all ages sat around the table, eagerly awaiting the signal to go ahead and dig in. There was a contagious giggle present that is often found at birthday parties. That is something which is certainly universal.
Hamed literally squealed when he saw me. He was so excited to have me at his party. I had never seen this already cheerful child any happier. It was then, for the first time, I saw through a teacher's eyes what a teacher's presence and approval mean to a child. I know I will remember Hamed's 9th birthday party forever.
After several renditions of "Happy Birthday" including an Arabic version complete with clapping, the music continued. Several popular Arabic songs were sung and then my students performed the Deir Al-Hatab top single, "We Will Rock You" along with several other tunes I taught them in English class. I was given the honor and duty of cutting the cake. But true to Arab hospitality, my attempt to cut myself a small piece was thwarted and I was served an impossibly huge slice to work on.
As the food was finished, the games begun with a balloon tossing activity. The sun was quickly setting, and despite many protests, I was forced to head home.
The party felt like a window into the world of my students, which is something truly invaluable. Although I ended up taking an expensive taxi home, I wouldn't change a thing about this experience.
"Come, come!" She pulled my hand. "My brother's party is today. We want you to come, please!" It didn't seem like I had much choice in the matter. Her brother, Hamed, is also one of my students.
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| The birthday boy, Hamed. |
The purple plastic chairs were set up in a circle in the garden. In the center stood several tables, parading as one massive table. It was loaded with plates of various snacks and a beautiful white cake with one large candle. Kids of all ages sat around the table, eagerly awaiting the signal to go ahead and dig in. There was a contagious giggle present that is often found at birthday parties. That is something which is certainly universal.
Hamed literally squealed when he saw me. He was so excited to have me at his party. I had never seen this already cheerful child any happier. It was then, for the first time, I saw through a teacher's eyes what a teacher's presence and approval mean to a child. I know I will remember Hamed's 9th birthday party forever.
After several renditions of "Happy Birthday" including an Arabic version complete with clapping, the music continued. Several popular Arabic songs were sung and then my students performed the Deir Al-Hatab top single, "We Will Rock You" along with several other tunes I taught them in English class. I was given the honor and duty of cutting the cake. But true to Arab hospitality, my attempt to cut myself a small piece was thwarted and I was served an impossibly huge slice to work on.
As the food was finished, the games begun with a balloon tossing activity. The sun was quickly setting, and despite many protests, I was forced to head home.
The party felt like a window into the world of my students, which is something truly invaluable. Although I ended up taking an expensive taxi home, I wouldn't change a thing about this experience.
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| A funny moment with some of my students. |
:) this was a beautiful glimpse into your world, Violet!
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