This will be a quick post. A streaming of thoughts, if you will.
Final exams were December 7-10, 2010.
What has happened since December 10th?
3 weeks of class: one week of which I had none due to going over the exam, another week of which I was on my death bed, and one week of a Christmas game
Then school let out for winter vacation. Ah, but you are on the other side of the world. I need to explain further.
vacation- n. a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday
vacation in Korea- v. a period of suspension of rest, recreation or travel, usually used for extra studying at academies, winter English camp, or group study in a freezing classroom
Remember when I said that final exams were December 7-10th?
Well, today is February 7, 2011, which clearly means that kids should come back to school for one week.
This is not the first week of the new school year. This is the last week of the school year. The one with the final exams on December 7th.
"What the hell is going to happen this week?" you might ask.
Today is Monday. The first day back after over 6 weeks of no public school classes. So naturally, students have end of year exams. These won't count for anything due to the the final exams already being taken and recorded.
The next three days, class is as usual. By usual I mean kids will not listen and be stir crazy due to the fact that they literally have no reason to pay attention. And by usual, I mean I will be teaching another holiday lesson, because the book only has enough information to fill approximately 2 weeks out of a school year.
Friday is Graduation day. This means the principal and a few 3rd grade students will go into the video room and have their ceremony, while other students sit in the classroom and watch it on TV. Then kids will stay until sometime after 4:30 (my ass is out the door after that), studying in freezing classrooms.
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
18 January 2011
Winter Break
Since real school let out for winter break at the end of December, my days have been mostly peaceful and a little boring.
My favorite 1st grade class on our last day. They are my favorite in spite of the girls who simply must hide their faces in all pictures. They are lucky their boy classmates make up for that.
It wasn't always boring and peaceful though. I had two weeks of winter English camp. One week for each grade. I was excited for the 1st graders, as they aren't too cool for school just yet. Those 15 campers were fun, behaved, and all had high levels of English. But for some reason, on the last day the boys decided to surprise me and "act a fool". Nonetheless, I called that week a success.
Lovely well behaved girls on the last day of camp, playing the game correctly.
Demon boys on the last day of camp, drawing grotesque pictures inbetween their wrestling matches, since having miraculously finished the game 30 minutes before the other two groups.
The next week was the 2nd grade winter camp. I was not looking forward to this, since the 2nd graders during normal school are in that "I'm too cool and smart to listen to you, and even though I love pop music, I'm going to look bored out of my mind when you spend a whole class listening to my favorite songs" phase. Eunji even said she felt sorry for me, because she had to do summer camp and the 2nd graders were horrible. Thanks Eunji.
However, the spell I attempted must have worked. There were only 7 that came every day. They were all well behaved, laughed at my dumb jokes, and got my sarcasm. Hell, even a couple of them coul throw something back every now and then! Rachel Teacher was impressed. But nothing compares to their taste in music. While doing "work sheets" and "English" winter crafts, I would ask them what they wanted to listen to.
Muse!
Green Day!
Hell. to. the. yes.
Me: "Do you know 30 Seconds to Mars?"
Paul: "Yes, play their songs!"
Me: "Do you know Jet?"
Students: "No. Will you play their songs still?"
Me: "Hell to the yes!" (On second thought, I probably just said yes.)
While winter camp is over, I still have a parents' class twice a week. Apart from the blind date setter-upper (see my George Bush has Charisma post for more info), the moms are fun to talk to and very smart. We have talked about things like North Korea, where their parents were during the Korean war, Korean versus American schools, food, traveling, and their stories from when they lived overseas. One mom even told me about her mom's living in Hiroshima and evacuating right before the bomb was dropped.
One mom works for a marketing company.
One mom used to work in finance at a multi-national company.
One mom used to be a news anchor!
And they all love to talk. So basically, I sit there for one hour and listen to them talk to each other in English and occasionally ask them questions and answer theirs. Its pretty sweet.
Side story: The Georgey Bushey lady wanted to take us all out for noodles after class on Thursday, so we took two cars to get there. As we pulled up to the restaurant, I noticed there was no available parking spots. There was, however, some orange cones out front to keep cars off the sidewalk in front of the doors.
So what does Miss Georgey Bushey do? Gets out and moves the cones, so the two cars can just pull right up to the door.
Korea, you never cease to surprise me.
Anyway, when I'm not working for those 2 hours a week, I'm deskwarming. This term has many meanings for native teachers. Some meanings are:
-watching movies
-reading
-thinking about lesson planning, then surfing the internet
-chatting on Facebook and Gmail
-irresponsibly shopping online (Mom and Dad- there will be a package delivered soon)
-thinking about lesson planning, then watching TV online
-2 hour lunch breaks, nap included
-And for poor Laurie teacher, it means double duty winter camp this week. :(
It also means cleaning out and organizing one's desk for the first time since arriving in Korea.
I wonder how long this will last once school starts again. And by "this", I also mean the quiet hall ways, small classes of good students, and the silence of the deafening bell.
My favorite 1st grade class on our last day. They are my favorite in spite of the girls who simply must hide their faces in all pictures. They are lucky their boy classmates make up for that.
It wasn't always boring and peaceful though. I had two weeks of winter English camp. One week for each grade. I was excited for the 1st graders, as they aren't too cool for school just yet. Those 15 campers were fun, behaved, and all had high levels of English. But for some reason, on the last day the boys decided to surprise me and "act a fool". Nonetheless, I called that week a success.
Lovely well behaved girls on the last day of camp, playing the game correctly.
Demon boys on the last day of camp, drawing grotesque pictures inbetween their wrestling matches, since having miraculously finished the game 30 minutes before the other two groups.
The next week was the 2nd grade winter camp. I was not looking forward to this, since the 2nd graders during normal school are in that "I'm too cool and smart to listen to you, and even though I love pop music, I'm going to look bored out of my mind when you spend a whole class listening to my favorite songs" phase. Eunji even said she felt sorry for me, because she had to do summer camp and the 2nd graders were horrible. Thanks Eunji.
However, the spell I attempted must have worked. There were only 7 that came every day. They were all well behaved, laughed at my dumb jokes, and got my sarcasm. Hell, even a couple of them coul throw something back every now and then! Rachel Teacher was impressed. But nothing compares to their taste in music. While doing "work sheets" and "English" winter crafts, I would ask them what they wanted to listen to.
Muse!
Green Day!
Hell. to. the. yes.
Me: "Do you know 30 Seconds to Mars?"
Paul: "Yes, play their songs!"
Me: "Do you know Jet?"
Students: "No. Will you play their songs still?"
Me: "Hell to the yes!" (On second thought, I probably just said yes.)
While winter camp is over, I still have a parents' class twice a week. Apart from the blind date setter-upper (see my George Bush has Charisma post for more info), the moms are fun to talk to and very smart. We have talked about things like North Korea, where their parents were during the Korean war, Korean versus American schools, food, traveling, and their stories from when they lived overseas. One mom even told me about her mom's living in Hiroshima and evacuating right before the bomb was dropped.
One mom works for a marketing company.
One mom used to work in finance at a multi-national company.
One mom used to be a news anchor!
And they all love to talk. So basically, I sit there for one hour and listen to them talk to each other in English and occasionally ask them questions and answer theirs. Its pretty sweet.
Side story: The Georgey Bushey lady wanted to take us all out for noodles after class on Thursday, so we took two cars to get there. As we pulled up to the restaurant, I noticed there was no available parking spots. There was, however, some orange cones out front to keep cars off the sidewalk in front of the doors.
So what does Miss Georgey Bushey do? Gets out and moves the cones, so the two cars can just pull right up to the door.
Korea, you never cease to surprise me.
Anyway, when I'm not working for those 2 hours a week, I'm deskwarming. This term has many meanings for native teachers. Some meanings are:
-watching movies
-reading
-thinking about lesson planning, then surfing the internet
-chatting on Facebook and Gmail
-irresponsibly shopping online (Mom and Dad- there will be a package delivered soon)
-thinking about lesson planning, then watching TV online
-2 hour lunch breaks, nap included
-And for poor Laurie teacher, it means double duty winter camp this week. :(
It also means cleaning out and organizing one's desk for the first time since arriving in Korea.
I wonder how long this will last once school starts again. And by "this", I also mean the quiet hall ways, small classes of good students, and the silence of the deafening bell.
19 November 2010
Open Class, Close Fall
I had my open class today. Aside from the lesson taking a little longer than 45 minutes, everything was good. One of my favorite students came up to me before the class and said "Teacher, relax, you will be great." and after class he said "Teacher, did we do good?"...if only all students were as sweet as him.
Anyway, the evaluation conversation part lasted about 5 minutes followed by 20 minutes of eating cookies and jeju oranges while the other teachers chatted in Korean. It was nice. I knew I was stressed about this, but wow there's a huge difference in how I feel just from having gotten it over with!
I'm so glad its over. Now I can enjoy my weekend with my friends, and not have to worry about next week's lessons. Why? Because its Thanksgiving lesson week, chello!*
Remember this picture from last week?
That was Fall gathering its keys and phone...
So even though Fall is still at the party,
Winter is running up the sidewalk, about to knock down the front door.
*Chello- Think Jack Black in School of Rock...call Hannah if you need to hear an example.
Anyway, the evaluation conversation part lasted about 5 minutes followed by 20 minutes of eating cookies and jeju oranges while the other teachers chatted in Korean. It was nice. I knew I was stressed about this, but wow there's a huge difference in how I feel just from having gotten it over with!
I'm so glad its over. Now I can enjoy my weekend with my friends, and not have to worry about next week's lessons. Why? Because its Thanksgiving lesson week, chello!*
Remember this picture from last week?
That was Fall gathering its keys and phone...
So even though Fall is still at the party,
Winter is running up the sidewalk, about to knock down the front door.
*Chello- Think Jack Black in School of Rock...call Hannah if you need to hear an example.
17 November 2010
Miscommunication? Try No Communication.
This should have tipped me off.
But my coordinator told me I had to come to school today. And at dinner last night with three of my co teachers, they all seemed confused when I told them I still had to go to work and said they were sorry.
This also should have tipped me off.
You see, today is Korea's national SAT day. So instead of having the SAT on multiple Saturdays throughout the year for high school students to take, they only have one and every high school student takes it on that one day. Its an all day event. So it has kind of turned into a holiday for everybody else, even middle schools. I knew this, but since my coordinator said I still had to come to school, I woke up, got ready, stopped at Starbucks, and headed out a little later than usual. Since, you know, there wasn't any reason to get there as early as I normally do.
20 minutes later, with a now cold scone in my purse and my toffee nut latte at slightly less than room temp, I walk up to the school. It's locked. The halls are dark. No cars are there. But, I'm not fooled. I was told by multiple people I still had to come to work. I was looking forward to this. A full day of no interruptions so I could lesson plan and prepare the room for my open class.
But like I said, the halls were dark. The doors, locked. I rang the bell.
Security dude: confused look on his face, nods his head no
Me: confused look on my face, pointing upstairs "me, teacher, work"
Security dude: makes the ex-uh gesture with his hands (no)
Me: see above
Security dude: Hakyo (school), NO! again makes the no gesture with his hands
Me: annoyed look on my face, ok.....
I text my coordinator to let her know what happened and that I will work from home, but she's supervising the SAT all day. So, obviously, there won't be a reply.
I start walking back, and see some of my students near the sidewalk practicing Shinee's Hello dance...I'm tempted to join them, but I don't want make them feel bad with my awesome Kpop moves when its their day off from school.
Middle school girls: "Teacher, you no have to work today. Test day!"
Me: "Well I was told I had to come to work, but you're right, nobody is there. So, if anybody asks tomorrow, will you tell them that you saw me here?"
Middle school girls: "Yes, yes!"
So I walk back getting more annoyed with each step. I text my friend who teaches middle school nearby. She tells me her school told her to come in at 10am.
Is that the case? If so, my school is going to be one English teacher short today when 10am rolls around.
But my coordinator told me I had to come to school today. And at dinner last night with three of my co teachers, they all seemed confused when I told them I still had to go to work and said they were sorry.
This also should have tipped me off.
You see, today is Korea's national SAT day. So instead of having the SAT on multiple Saturdays throughout the year for high school students to take, they only have one and every high school student takes it on that one day. Its an all day event. So it has kind of turned into a holiday for everybody else, even middle schools. I knew this, but since my coordinator said I still had to come to school, I woke up, got ready, stopped at Starbucks, and headed out a little later than usual. Since, you know, there wasn't any reason to get there as early as I normally do.
20 minutes later, with a now cold scone in my purse and my toffee nut latte at slightly less than room temp, I walk up to the school. It's locked. The halls are dark. No cars are there. But, I'm not fooled. I was told by multiple people I still had to come to work. I was looking forward to this. A full day of no interruptions so I could lesson plan and prepare the room for my open class.
But like I said, the halls were dark. The doors, locked. I rang the bell.
Security dude: confused look on his face, nods his head no
Me: confused look on my face, pointing upstairs "me, teacher, work"
Security dude: makes the ex-uh gesture with his hands (no)
Me: see above
Security dude: Hakyo (school), NO! again makes the no gesture with his hands
Me: annoyed look on my face, ok.....
I text my coordinator to let her know what happened and that I will work from home, but she's supervising the SAT all day. So, obviously, there won't be a reply.
I start walking back, and see some of my students near the sidewalk practicing Shinee's Hello dance...I'm tempted to join them, but I don't want make them feel bad with my awesome Kpop moves when its their day off from school.
Middle school girls: "Teacher, you no have to work today. Test day!"
Me: "Well I was told I had to come to work, but you're right, nobody is there. So, if anybody asks tomorrow, will you tell them that you saw me here?"
Middle school girls: "Yes, yes!"
So I walk back getting more annoyed with each step. I text my friend who teaches middle school nearby. She tells me her school told her to come in at 10am.
Is that the case? If so, my school is going to be one English teacher short today when 10am rolls around.
10 November 2010
11-11 = 2-14
No, I'm not saying that 0 is equal to -12.
On November 11th, Korea celebrates Pepero Day. Pepero cookies look like a 1, which is why they are celebrated on....you guessed it! 11-11. This is basically a second Valentine's Day as far as I'm concerned. The girls have been excited all week.
The girls have all been talking about making pepero sticks.
The guys haven't.
There's been gaudy displays in every store, with people always crowded around them.
And its become even more clear this week that Pepero Day is not for single population. While I will reap some benefits due to suck-up students and the fact that the family mart downstairs is selling them, I have a feeling it will still be a day where I feel like the third wheel everywhere I go.
But I'll deal with it. Because they are covered in chocolate.
The end.
On November 11th, Korea celebrates Pepero Day. Pepero cookies look like a 1, which is why they are celebrated on....you guessed it! 11-11. This is basically a second Valentine's Day as far as I'm concerned. The girls have been excited all week.
The girls have all been talking about making pepero sticks.
The guys haven't.
There's been gaudy displays in every store, with people always crowded around them.
And its become even more clear this week that Pepero Day is not for single population. While I will reap some benefits due to suck-up students and the fact that the family mart downstairs is selling them, I have a feeling it will still be a day where I feel like the third wheel everywhere I go.
But I'll deal with it. Because they are covered in chocolate.
The end.
07 October 2010
Its Not Over 'Till the White Lady Sings
Today all of the teachers (about 50) went on a trip.
When we got on the bus, they gave us our own little goodie bags and some kimbap for lunch.
Obviously I did not partake in the "squid jerky". If you don't know why, please refer to my "Don't Mess With Korea" post.
We went to visit another middle school, because they are doing something new in Korea. They don't have homerooms; just subject rooms. We walked around the school after the short presentation, and I couldn't help but notice phrases on the walls like "Catch the English", Ladys Only, and Guys and Dolls. The building itself was similar to ours, and it was surrounded by mountains.
Anyways, after that, we went to the national arboretum. But I won't bore you with writing about the scenery. Just see for yourself...
That's right, I live in this country.
Eunji, Vice Principal Oh, me, and Principal Lee
In case you can't tell, I'm the the second one from the right.
English Translation: Jessica's Railroad Company
I called for Tuck a few times, but he never came...
By the time we were done walking around, it was dinner time. We went to a very traditional Korean restaurant, which for those of you who don't know, that means sitting on the floor. I've done this once before with Alex and Keara, but this time I was with only Koreans. This means that when I took off my shoes with everybody else, I suddently noticed I was the ONLY one not wearing socks. Alright ROK, I got it...always wear socks. Always. Nevertheless, I had no choice but to walk in and sit down with everybody else, so I just hope nobody else noticed my...gasp!...bare feet.
Traditional Korean meal: soup, rice, and approximately 500 side dishes = some deliciously creative lettuce wraps. And notice....there's no meat! Yay!
I also tried Macoli for the first time with dinner. It is traditional Korean Rice wine. It has the same rice taste as Sake, but its thick like milk, and is sweeter. It was delish!
After this long day, Eunji and I were both tired and had planned on sleeping for the 2 hour bus ride back home. But wait...
What do Koreans do after dinner?
NOREBANG!......What if there isn't a norebang nearby though?
That's right...the bus suddenly becomes a portable norebang. Complete with extremely loud speakers and eager participants. I should note here that the man you see standing toward the front is the Korean equivalent of Anthony Long. Seriously, I think they were separated at birth...and one of them has a permanent hair color job and skin color change. I just haven't figured out who yet.
OK, back to my story.
Eunji and I were both appalled that we had to listen to this the whole way home. That is, until the vice principal requested that I sing a song.
Then I was appalled AND terrified.
So I was searching through the book for a song they would never have heard. Preferably a country song. I came across Dixie Chicks' "Long Time Gone".
In my nervousness, I immediately thought this was the "Taking the Long Away Around" song...you know, the one I know by heart and would loudly sing in my car in Texas?
But this was not the same song.
This was an older, louder, and faster song. A song whose melody I don't remember too well.
It was horrible. I was climbing Lyric Mountain wearing stilettos and basketball blinders...during a mudslide. All I could do was embrace the hick accent deep within in me to help the situation. Now that I think about it, that probably just made it worse.
After it was over, I still thought my self esteem was intact. They were all singing Korean songs that sounded perfect to me, so maybe since it was an English song I sounded the same right? But then one of the male teachers chose a song. He said in the mircophone "for Rachel"...and went on to beautifully sing an English song. So basically they all knew I couldn't sing, because these Koreans are secretly talented in the art of American music.
As if giving in to the vice-prinicpal's request wasn't enough for one night, I convinced Eunji to sing "As Long As You Love Me" as a duet to redeem myself. Don't judge me-the Backstreet Boys are awesome whether or not you admit it.
So for the second time in one night, I sang in front of half of the teachers and principal and vice-principal.
I don't know where I get these ideas.
When we got on the bus, they gave us our own little goodie bags and some kimbap for lunch.
Obviously I did not partake in the "squid jerky". If you don't know why, please refer to my "Don't Mess With Korea" post.
We went to visit another middle school, because they are doing something new in Korea. They don't have homerooms; just subject rooms. We walked around the school after the short presentation, and I couldn't help but notice phrases on the walls like "Catch the English", Ladys Only, and Guys and Dolls. The building itself was similar to ours, and it was surrounded by mountains.
Anyways, after that, we went to the national arboretum. But I won't bore you with writing about the scenery. Just see for yourself...
That's right, I live in this country.
Eunji, Vice Principal Oh, me, and Principal Lee
In case you can't tell, I'm the the second one from the right.
English Translation: Jessica's Railroad Company
I called for Tuck a few times, but he never came...
By the time we were done walking around, it was dinner time. We went to a very traditional Korean restaurant, which for those of you who don't know, that means sitting on the floor. I've done this once before with Alex and Keara, but this time I was with only Koreans. This means that when I took off my shoes with everybody else, I suddently noticed I was the ONLY one not wearing socks. Alright ROK, I got it...always wear socks. Always. Nevertheless, I had no choice but to walk in and sit down with everybody else, so I just hope nobody else noticed my...gasp!...bare feet.
Traditional Korean meal: soup, rice, and approximately 500 side dishes = some deliciously creative lettuce wraps. And notice....there's no meat! Yay!
I also tried Macoli for the first time with dinner. It is traditional Korean Rice wine. It has the same rice taste as Sake, but its thick like milk, and is sweeter. It was delish!
After this long day, Eunji and I were both tired and had planned on sleeping for the 2 hour bus ride back home. But wait...
What do Koreans do after dinner?
NOREBANG!......What if there isn't a norebang nearby though?
That's right...the bus suddenly becomes a portable norebang. Complete with extremely loud speakers and eager participants. I should note here that the man you see standing toward the front is the Korean equivalent of Anthony Long. Seriously, I think they were separated at birth...and one of them has a permanent hair color job and skin color change. I just haven't figured out who yet.
OK, back to my story.
Eunji and I were both appalled that we had to listen to this the whole way home. That is, until the vice principal requested that I sing a song.
Then I was appalled AND terrified.
So I was searching through the book for a song they would never have heard. Preferably a country song. I came across Dixie Chicks' "Long Time Gone".
In my nervousness, I immediately thought this was the "Taking the Long Away Around" song...you know, the one I know by heart and would loudly sing in my car in Texas?
But this was not the same song.
This was an older, louder, and faster song. A song whose melody I don't remember too well.
It was horrible. I was climbing Lyric Mountain wearing stilettos and basketball blinders...during a mudslide. All I could do was embrace the hick accent deep within in me to help the situation. Now that I think about it, that probably just made it worse.
After it was over, I still thought my self esteem was intact. They were all singing Korean songs that sounded perfect to me, so maybe since it was an English song I sounded the same right? But then one of the male teachers chose a song. He said in the mircophone "for Rachel"...and went on to beautifully sing an English song. So basically they all knew I couldn't sing, because these Koreans are secretly talented in the art of American music.
As if giving in to the vice-prinicpal's request wasn't enough for one night, I convinced Eunji to sing "As Long As You Love Me" as a duet to redeem myself. Don't judge me-the Backstreet Boys are awesome whether or not you admit it.
So for the second time in one night, I sang in front of half of the teachers and principal and vice-principal.
I don't know where I get these ideas.
06 October 2010
Morning Calm
Tomorrow, my school starts their midterm exams. This means I have only taught 3 classes this week, and won't teach again until Tuesday. Tomorrow, after the exams are over at 11:30, ALL of the teachers are getting on a bus to go observe another middle school. "Why?", you might ask? I have no idea why, but I'm going. After we are through with that, we are going to an arboretum for a "morning calm". I think this just refers to relaxing time.
The Korean teachers have been working their buts off for the exams, so they deserve it. I, however, do not; but I'm looking forward to it anyway! On the way back, we will stop somewhere for dinner. I just hope they serve something other than seafood.
In other news, I purchased new hiking shoes yesterday for my upcoming hiking trip, as well as a basketball. Ever since I shot around at orientation, I've had the urge to play again.
Will let you know how tomorrow turns out!
Peace.
....5 hours later....I played basketball this evening! I still got it...for the most part. An old man sat down and watched me the entire time, and an old lady said "you, white girl" and pretended to shoot a basketball (ajuma style)...as if I didn't know I was a white girl who was playing basketball. lol
PS-an ajumma would almost be the equivalent of a granny...get it?
OK, now Peace out...for real this time.
The Korean teachers have been working their buts off for the exams, so they deserve it. I, however, do not; but I'm looking forward to it anyway! On the way back, we will stop somewhere for dinner. I just hope they serve something other than seafood.
In other news, I purchased new hiking shoes yesterday for my upcoming hiking trip, as well as a basketball. Ever since I shot around at orientation, I've had the urge to play again.
Will let you know how tomorrow turns out!
Peace.
....5 hours later....I played basketball this evening! I still got it...for the most part. An old man sat down and watched me the entire time, and an old lady said "you, white girl" and pretended to shoot a basketball (ajuma style)...as if I didn't know I was a white girl who was playing basketball. lol
PS-an ajumma would almost be the equivalent of a granny...get it?
OK, now Peace out...for real this time.
27 September 2010
Is This Just a Learning Curve?
Will I eventually hit the ball out of the park? Or will I always strike out from the curve ball?
Teaching is hard. I never thought it could be this hard. Young kids show their love. Older kids are motivated and more mature. But the in-the-middle kids? They are hard to read! Sometimes they seem so bored in my class, yet afterwards they are so friendly to me. Others participate, but never say hi to me outside of class. I just don't know what to make of this new life. Constantly having to come up with new games and activities, always speaking in front of 40 kids, having the class schedule change last minute- from a high level class to the lowest level. Being told I need to prepare 20 lessons (on top of everything else) to give to the head English teacher for my semester long afternoon class...that starts in 2 weeks. All the while, I never know if I'm doing the right thing or not. Meanwhile, accounting principles (for the most part) stay the same. When accounting standards change, you get the memo, and go with it. Numbers don't lie. They all make sense...most of the time. Mmmm...
On a better note, I am taking an online Korean class, and enjoying it so far! I definitely need some practice with pronunciation, but maybe, if I ever feel energetic enough outside of work, I can work on it more.
I have a 3 day GEPIK teacher orientation this week, and really hope it will put my mind more at ease.
Off to read more of Lone Survivor...I highly recommend it to everybody.
Is there a job that lets me read for a living?
Teaching is hard. I never thought it could be this hard. Young kids show their love. Older kids are motivated and more mature. But the in-the-middle kids? They are hard to read! Sometimes they seem so bored in my class, yet afterwards they are so friendly to me. Others participate, but never say hi to me outside of class. I just don't know what to make of this new life. Constantly having to come up with new games and activities, always speaking in front of 40 kids, having the class schedule change last minute- from a high level class to the lowest level. Being told I need to prepare 20 lessons (on top of everything else) to give to the head English teacher for my semester long afternoon class...that starts in 2 weeks. All the while, I never know if I'm doing the right thing or not. Meanwhile, accounting principles (for the most part) stay the same. When accounting standards change, you get the memo, and go with it. Numbers don't lie. They all make sense...most of the time. Mmmm...
On a better note, I am taking an online Korean class, and enjoying it so far! I definitely need some practice with pronunciation, but maybe, if I ever feel energetic enough outside of work, I can work on it more.
I have a 3 day GEPIK teacher orientation this week, and really hope it will put my mind more at ease.
Off to read more of Lone Survivor...I highly recommend it to everybody.
Is there a job that lets me read for a living?
19 September 2010
Silent Hospitality
This week is Korea's Chuseok holiday. Its our Thanksgiving equivalent. Everybody travels to the oldest son's home. So, since I'm not married, I would still go to my Pawpaw's house. If I were married, I would then have to go to my husband's side of the family. If I married an oldest son, after his dad passes away, Chuseok would always be at our house. Kids get out of school for the entire week, and Wednesday is the actual Chuseok day. But, since everybody goes back to their roots, Tuesday and Thursday are busy travel days.
Anyway, the point is, I still have to work this Monday and Friday. I could have used two of my vacation days, but I didn't want to since I'm not going anywhere. So, today it is just the vice principal, two other teachers, an assistant, and me. The vice principal is the only one who can speak any English, albeit very little of it.
But that doesn't stop these Koreans from being the nicest people I've ever met. We speak through smiles and respectful nods. A couple of hours after I've been here, the vice principal brings me a small bowl of traditional rice balls. They are deliciously simple. Then it gets closer to lunch. I'm wondering, will I need to go get something from down the street? Are they going to order in like last time? How will this work since they can't really ask me what I want? I see the two teachers leave together at 12:15, and presume I'll be on my own for lunch.
But 12:30 rolls around, and the teachers come back with kimbap and some delicious hot soup for everybody! We all sit at the table, and the vice principal puts some pieces in a bowl for me so I won't have to reach across the long table. Once I finish what is in my bowl, one of the teachers immediately asks me (through gestures) if I want more. After we finish and clean up, the VP then asks if I want coffee, and procedes to get enough coffee cups and coffee mixers for everybody.
I wrote and posted the above 2 hours ago. Since then, more has come! A student brought in some sliced Korean pears (3 gazillion times better than American pears), some chocolate chip muffins, and this delicious plum/pecan pie from Paris Baguette. I also learned that the Korean word for pear (I can't type in hangul on this computer, but its pronounced pae) is the same word for ship.
I wasn't looking forward to working this Friday.
I am now.
Few words have been spoken to me today, yet I feel as if I'm being spoiled at my grandparent's house. And that, my friends, is silent hospitality.
Happy Chuseok!
Anyway, the point is, I still have to work this Monday and Friday. I could have used two of my vacation days, but I didn't want to since I'm not going anywhere. So, today it is just the vice principal, two other teachers, an assistant, and me. The vice principal is the only one who can speak any English, albeit very little of it.
But that doesn't stop these Koreans from being the nicest people I've ever met. We speak through smiles and respectful nods. A couple of hours after I've been here, the vice principal brings me a small bowl of traditional rice balls. They are deliciously simple. Then it gets closer to lunch. I'm wondering, will I need to go get something from down the street? Are they going to order in like last time? How will this work since they can't really ask me what I want? I see the two teachers leave together at 12:15, and presume I'll be on my own for lunch.
But 12:30 rolls around, and the teachers come back with kimbap and some delicious hot soup for everybody! We all sit at the table, and the vice principal puts some pieces in a bowl for me so I won't have to reach across the long table. Once I finish what is in my bowl, one of the teachers immediately asks me (through gestures) if I want more. After we finish and clean up, the VP then asks if I want coffee, and procedes to get enough coffee cups and coffee mixers for everybody.
I wrote and posted the above 2 hours ago. Since then, more has come! A student brought in some sliced Korean pears (3 gazillion times better than American pears), some chocolate chip muffins, and this delicious plum/pecan pie from Paris Baguette. I also learned that the Korean word for pear (I can't type in hangul on this computer, but its pronounced pae) is the same word for ship.
I wasn't looking forward to working this Friday.
I am now.
Few words have been spoken to me today, yet I feel as if I'm being spoiled at my grandparent's house. And that, my friends, is silent hospitality.
Happy Chuseok!
18 August 2010
Korea is starting to look like a go!
I received an email today from my recruiter, and my Notice of Appointment should arrive in Bangkok in the next few days. Once I pick up this, I can then apply for my visa and buy my plane ticket to Seoul.
I switched hostels, and wow does it make a huge difference. The hostel I was at before was in such a boring area and so quiet. This one is right in the middle of all the Khao San Rd gloriousness and is filled with cool people and movies and books to watch/read galore.
I'll give another update when I get my visa...until then, Sawadeekha.
ps- I could use a little more comments from you all. My way of checking to see if anybody is actually reading this. :) I'll try to do better on the posts once I'm settled here a little bit. Cheers!
I switched hostels, and wow does it make a huge difference. The hostel I was at before was in such a boring area and so quiet. This one is right in the middle of all the Khao San Rd gloriousness and is filled with cool people and movies and books to watch/read galore.
I'll give another update when I get my visa...until then, Sawadeekha.
ps- I could use a little more comments from you all. My way of checking to see if anybody is actually reading this. :) I'll try to do better on the posts once I'm settled here a little bit. Cheers!
07 August 2010
"Hello class, my name is Teacher Rachel"
I finished my first three lessons of teaching practice at a nearby monk school. I liked it, and am glad to get the first time in front of a class room feeling out of the way...although I'm certain I'll have it again in South Korea. :)
There are 16 of us in the course, so we all cram into 2 song-taus (Thai taxis-red trucks that have benches in the back and a cover over them) and ride for about 30 minutes to the monk school. Its a very small school and has one of the most beautiful temples I've seen in Chiang Mai. Its surrounded by woods, and its so peacefully quiet. The school building is all concrete floors, white walls, huge open windows (no screens and no way to ever close them), dogs walking through the building like they own place, and all these cute monks walking around barefoot in their orange outfits. In Thailand you always take your shoes off before you enter a room (hair dresser, internet cafe, school), so we get to teach barefoot.
We are split into three rooms, and teach 30-35 minute lessons back to back. Even after 5 teachers' lessons with different topics, these kids are still so well behaved! I'm sure it will be a rude awakening when I start a government school. But even though they are monks, there are still desk drawings of girls and other normal boy things. In Thailand, almost every boy is a monk at some point in their life. It is their choice usually, and they can be a monk for a week, a month, a year, or the rest of their lives.
The first lesson I taught was a Young Learners Lesson about musical instruments. We learned piano, guitar, and drums. We then learned to say I play the piano, I strum the guitar, and I pound on the drums. I did fairly well and didn't miss any major steps. The second day I taught a Basic Lesson about jobs. This one did not go as well, but the students never knew I messed up the order. Yesterday I taught another Basic Lesson about electronics, and I felt it was much better. Even though I taught late in the day after they had sat through three other teachers with the same lesson model, they were very attentive and stayed with me the whole time. Everybody says I have that teacher look, but I still need to work on smiling more. Hopefully that will come with time when I'm less nervous.
There are 16 of us in the course, so we all cram into 2 song-taus (Thai taxis-red trucks that have benches in the back and a cover over them) and ride for about 30 minutes to the monk school. Its a very small school and has one of the most beautiful temples I've seen in Chiang Mai. Its surrounded by woods, and its so peacefully quiet. The school building is all concrete floors, white walls, huge open windows (no screens and no way to ever close them), dogs walking through the building like they own place, and all these cute monks walking around barefoot in their orange outfits. In Thailand you always take your shoes off before you enter a room (hair dresser, internet cafe, school), so we get to teach barefoot.
We are split into three rooms, and teach 30-35 minute lessons back to back. Even after 5 teachers' lessons with different topics, these kids are still so well behaved! I'm sure it will be a rude awakening when I start a government school. But even though they are monks, there are still desk drawings of girls and other normal boy things. In Thailand, almost every boy is a monk at some point in their life. It is their choice usually, and they can be a monk for a week, a month, a year, or the rest of their lives.
The first lesson I taught was a Young Learners Lesson about musical instruments. We learned piano, guitar, and drums. We then learned to say I play the piano, I strum the guitar, and I pound on the drums. I did fairly well and didn't miss any major steps. The second day I taught a Basic Lesson about jobs. This one did not go as well, but the students never knew I messed up the order. Yesterday I taught another Basic Lesson about electronics, and I felt it was much better. Even though I taught late in the day after they had sat through three other teachers with the same lesson model, they were very attentive and stayed with me the whole time. Everybody says I have that teacher look, but I still need to work on smiling more. Hopefully that will come with time when I'm less nervous.
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