First class under my belt....!!!!

Hello everyone. Well, what can I say. I was a bundle of nerves this morning walking to class thinking of how my first teaching experience here would be. I spoke with my teacher before hand and he looked over my lesson plans. He gave me the thumbs up. I went into the first class of curious students. I began by telling them that I know how funny I speak (of course, they all laughed) and I will try to speak slowly and clearly. I encouraged them to ask questions especially if they are unable to understand me. I also explained to them, that it is difficult for me to understand them. Once we accomplished that, I proceeded with my lesson. I have to say that I was somewhat surprised at how comfortable I felt. All these african faces looking at my every move. I felt good! I made a handout for them, made 156 copies at the copier (that alone was a major feat!) and passed them out. The students did not know what to do with it. I explained to them how it can be useful. After the class, I asked them if they found it helpful to have an outline and they all nodded "yes". Victor could not believe that I paid money to have the copies made...he was rather surprised. They do not have any such thing here for the students. All they have is their notebook and the words that they write in there....that is it!!!! At the end of the lesson, I asked them to guess how many cells are in a grown human being...they had such fun guessing....100,000,000 cells for all of you that did not know that cool fact. I gave a few pieces of candy to the student that came the closest. It was a hit....!!! I did struggle with the chalk and the chalkboard. The chalk kept breaking into pieces and my chalkboard looked like a war zone...it was a bit out of hand...I ended up writing so many of the words that the students did not understand...I have to work on my chalkboard management....and also my classroom management. The kids were rather well behaved but you have to understand that they are extremely strict with these students. Victor talked to me after class about how critical it is to maintain a strict environment due to the large numbers in the classroom. They do corporal punishment here and I am struggling with that. But, overall, Victor had many positive things to say about my first class experience. His criticisms will help me. You learn by your mistakes. I feel better now that I have been in front of them. That anxiety can now leave me. I am quite exhausted today...I think that my nerves took over and I did not sleep well last night....but, next Monday I will have another chance to teach. I will be teaching about viruses...It is a rather interesting topic...I am excited about the topics that I will be teaching...it is all rather fascinating.
Thank you Jakob for your love and all your supportive words. I love you so very much and know that you believe in me just as I do in you. Hope your first day went well also. Call me anytime....I always love to hear your voice....say hi to all at Princeton....And Mica...wow, hope you had a wonderful time in Italy...I can't wait to hear all about it. Thank you for your thoughts also. It feels so good to know that people are thinking of me while I am so far away from all my familiar surroundings...Hope things go well back in Chicago. When I get back we have to catch up...I am sure we will have a lot to talk about. Last but certainly not least, David and Julie..so great to receive a post from you. I appreciate all words and you just can't imagine the BIG smile that comes across my face when I read what you have written. It totally makes my day to hear from loved ones....I get so homesick sometimes and just reading these words makes all the difference in the world. I love you all and hope all is well with ALL of you. Keep the comments coming, even just to say hi....it feels soooooooo good. Well, my time is running out here...it took me about 20 minutes just to get on this website. My love and thoughts are extended to each and everyone of you....Thank you for your continual support. Nancy~