Ms. Krabappel

I think I met the Indian version of Ms. Krabappel (or Edna). For those of you who are not familiar with her, she's a teacher on the Simpsons. Think of a mix of Ms. Krabappel that looks like Manjula (Apu's wife). Basically doesn't do much work, smokes in class, has a fling with the principal. I've been going to the 1-4th grade classes every morning. This am, I sat with the 4th graders and basically attempted to teach them all in Gujarati. I failed. The boys were running around and the girls were sitting in a corner whispering to each other. I tried to tell stories but the kids partially listening. Edna was in another room for a whole hr doing god knows what. The only way I could get the kids attention was to talk to them about America and chocolate. Two things Indian kids love to talk about, oh and cricket. Most of the kids thought I took a bus from America to get here. When I told them I took a plane they all were speechless. I told them you can sleep on a plane, eat, and even watch TV. I asked them if they wanted to come back with me and all of them raised their hands. Edna was no where to be seen. Most of these kids go to a government school after 10am where they learn basic math and writing. I asked Viral a 4th grader to read me what he wrote but he couldn't. Some of these kids make it to the 6th grade and can't even read. I sat down and attempted to tell Viral to try to get his cousin to teach him how to read instead of playing cricket everynight. He said he would. Gotta run, going to a village today and testing out my project. Hope it works. Will tell you all more about it later...

Avjo (goodbye in Gujarati)

Margee