Setting up a classroom in an International School - The Middle East

Below are some pictures to start with - add into the factor that the temperature has not reached below 30 degrees yet!

Muscat International School

Before of my class

After

The children

Classroom door

Playground

Greenfield with artificial grass

Basketball court

Computer room

Library

During the first week of  being in Muscat we were getting the class set up and learning the way of the school etc. 

The first 1-2 weeks of school we're getting. The know the kids so lots of games and free play. I had 22 on my roll but this went up to 24 within the first week, my roll has remained at 24 but has the potential to go to 25.

During the first few weeks we had to identify children who were EAL learners and Special Ed chn. I have children on both of these rolls and identifying these children was not something I have had to previous do so this was an experience in itself. The identified students go to specialised teachers 1-2 per week.

I also very quickly got use to the idea of students going to Arabic, Islamic and Physical Education all of which are taught by another teacher. During this non-contact time I complete marking or planning. Below is my timetable (blue is my teaching time and orange is non-contact time.

I have duty once a week which has been hard because it is so hot but the children generally play well together in the playground.

In grade 1 there are 4 teachers so we doing all our planning together which makes life a lot easier and it is nice having the ideas from others. 

Settling in has been good, but I have missed my old class and the fact that they knew all the routines etc (I know with time my class will get there).

A big challenge in Muscat and not just the classroom is remembering not to compare it to home. It isn't the same country, expectations are different, the people are different etc.