Sometimes my students say the funniest things. I thought I'd start writing some of them down!
1. A little bit of context first. This student is lower-level, and has never spoken to me directly before...until today. After I explained the directions for our first activity, he gives me a really intense look and says, "Teacher. I don't understand. Speak Korean. Please." ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
2. Right after class today, one of my students comes up to me and says, "Teacher, I miss you." Even though she literally just saw me 5 seconds ago.
3. Every day, without fail, if this particular student sees me, she will always say, "Teacher how are you? This is good morning!" Every day! In the morning, afternoon, after-school. It is always a good morning to her and it always made me smile. I was very sad to find out this week that she moved to the Phillipines to study abroad for a year. :(
4. "Teacher, do you know Cleveland Indians? My favorite team!" I just thought it was random that one of my students liked a baseball team from Cleveland.
That's it for now. Bye!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Today Was a Good Day Volume III
Well...it wasn't really today, but I didn't have time to write about it on that day, so here it is now! Today was a good day volume III:
I have this particular class of 5th graders who, let's just say, are very difficult to teach. They are usually 5-7 mins late to class (not really their fault), which makes my lesson more rushed. When I only have 40 minutes, being 5-7 minutes late (plus 1 minute to get seated and organized) is a significant time to lose. They are a noisy bunch so it takes me (and my co-teacher) longer to get through the required textbook exercises (really boring, but apparently necessary to learning English). They know when they finish the textbook exercises, there is a game/activity. Yet, they still take forever to do the textbook exercises. Basically, this class is challenging in many ways. The part that is significant to why this day was a good day, is the part where...they walked into class 4 minutes early. Yes, I looked at the clock because I was SHOCKED they were early.
I always have a short interesting/entertaining video to show classes when they arrive to my classroom early. Some classes are always early (because in the previous period they were only next door and not in P.E. or a classroom 2 buildings away) and after giving them a couple minutes of playing/chatting/whatever it is those boys do, I start a video. Some students choose to talk quietly, go to the bathroom, or whatever. For the most part, all the students want to watch the video.
Let's just say...this particular class hasn't seen a video in months. So when they walked in early, I said, "everyone sit down...I have a fun video to watch!" They looked at me like I was crazy...they weren't really sure what I meant. I pressed play on the "art with sand video" (Check them out--they are amazing) and watched the students watching the screen. The entire class was focused on the screen. They were quiet. They were entertained. The best part is...when the video finished...I told them, "I always have a video before class. If you come to English class early, you can watch a video." Then the bell rang. We started class right on time. They finished the textbook exercises in record speed and efficiency. I gave them a "+1" on their class point chart for being such a good class. They had plenty of time to play the game. It was an amazing class. I reminded them that when they come to English class early, they get to watch a video.
Cross your fingers that the next time I teach this class, they are at least 2 minutes early.
I have this particular class of 5th graders who, let's just say, are very difficult to teach. They are usually 5-7 mins late to class (not really their fault), which makes my lesson more rushed. When I only have 40 minutes, being 5-7 minutes late (plus 1 minute to get seated and organized) is a significant time to lose. They are a noisy bunch so it takes me (and my co-teacher) longer to get through the required textbook exercises (really boring, but apparently necessary to learning English). They know when they finish the textbook exercises, there is a game/activity. Yet, they still take forever to do the textbook exercises. Basically, this class is challenging in many ways. The part that is significant to why this day was a good day, is the part where...they walked into class 4 minutes early. Yes, I looked at the clock because I was SHOCKED they were early.
I always have a short interesting/entertaining video to show classes when they arrive to my classroom early. Some classes are always early (because in the previous period they were only next door and not in P.E. or a classroom 2 buildings away) and after giving them a couple minutes of playing/chatting/whatever it is those boys do, I start a video. Some students choose to talk quietly, go to the bathroom, or whatever. For the most part, all the students want to watch the video.
Let's just say...this particular class hasn't seen a video in months. So when they walked in early, I said, "everyone sit down...I have a fun video to watch!" They looked at me like I was crazy...they weren't really sure what I meant. I pressed play on the "art with sand video" (Check them out--they are amazing) and watched the students watching the screen. The entire class was focused on the screen. They were quiet. They were entertained. The best part is...when the video finished...I told them, "I always have a video before class. If you come to English class early, you can watch a video." Then the bell rang. We started class right on time. They finished the textbook exercises in record speed and efficiency. I gave them a "+1" on their class point chart for being such a good class. They had plenty of time to play the game. It was an amazing class. I reminded them that when they come to English class early, they get to watch a video.
Cross your fingers that the next time I teach this class, they are at least 2 minutes early.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Happy Pepero Day!!!
Today is November 11th in Korea, which means that...it's Pepero Day! Pepero is a type of candy that is really popular here. And I can't honestly tell you what or why it is celebrated as a holiday here. It's sort of like, one of those holidays that are celebrated, but not a National holiday. Anyway, I'm not really sure how it works, but basically, teachers get a ton of pepero candy, and so do students?
For Pepero day, Jenn made out good. She got a ton of Pepero from her students, and even had some of her students asking her for Pepero. Which is why I'm not sure which way it is supposed to go! Regardless, here is a pic of just HALF of the Pepero candy that she received. Pretty nice huh?
However, since I work at a Middle school, I was preparing myself to get absolutely no Pepero. Probably because I'd heard from some of my other friends who had been here last year that Middle school and up usually get no love. Middle school kids are too "cool" to give Pepero on Pepero day. Anyway, long story short, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of Pepero I got! Check it out! Nice huh? So...Happy Pepero day. Just thought I'd share this new Holiday with you all, and hey, I'm probably going to celebrate this back when I get home. Because I LOVE Pepero!!! :)
Also, not to forget Veterans day back home, much thanks and appreciation for all the Veterans back in the USA today!
*Update: So, after talking to my co-workers, Pepero day is also a day where the boys get their girlfriends/crushes a really elaborate Pepero construction. Seriously. I'll try to find a pic later, but some of them are arranged in flower bouquets or mini-houses of Pepero.
Also, teachers apparently really dislike Pepero after Pepero day, because students give them so much. At the same time, some students will ask for Pepero too (knowing that teachers will have a surplus), so the Pepero flow goes both ways. And lastly, Pepero day has been known to be banned at some Elementary schools b/c the Principal is well, just no fun.
*Update: So, after talking to my co-workers, Pepero day is also a day where the boys get their girlfriends/crushes a really elaborate Pepero construction. Seriously. I'll try to find a pic later, but some of them are arranged in flower bouquets or mini-houses of Pepero.
Also, teachers apparently really dislike Pepero after Pepero day, because students give them so much. At the same time, some students will ask for Pepero too (knowing that teachers will have a surplus), so the Pepero flow goes both ways. And lastly, Pepero day has been known to be banned at some Elementary schools b/c the Principal is well, just no fun.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Busan 2011 Fireworks Festival
Last Saturday,
We went to the Busan 2011 Fireworks Festival. And was it worth it?? Definitely! The show started at 8 PM, and we got to Gwangali beach at 4:00 PM to get good seats. I know, how do you get good seats for a fireworks show?? Trust me...it got crowded. Gwangali beach is a pretty awesome area in Busan. It has a really sweet view. Basically, there is a bridge in the background of the beach, and at night, it lights up and changes color. This time, there would also be fireworks!
What I liked about the Busan 2011 Fireworks Festival:
- The fireworks show!
It was about 50 minutes long, and I saw some pretty spectacular displays.
- The backdrop
Sitting on the beach, watching the fireworks go off from the bridge in the distance. Pretty awesome.
- Good friends and food
Went with two of our good friends, and of course, it was always nice to get a break from school lunch and whatnot.
- Easy to find a motel
We thought we might have some trouble finding a place to stay, but we were able to get a place right next to Gwangali beach!
What I didn't like about the Busan 2011 Fireworks Festival:
- The people
Oh my gosh, the people. The place was insanely packed. Like...everywhere. There literally was no spot on the beach that someone hadn't taken. And I don't like to complain, but wow, Koreans really don't have any regard for personal space or manners really. Jenn and I repeatedly got sand on us from Koreans stomping past us, and we had to constantly fight off people who wanted to sit next to us. Like, on the 5 inch spot of sand separating our blanket from the other groups blanket. To be fair, the Korean couple sitting next to us were just as annoyed! This was by far the most irritating aspect of the whole festival.
- The rain
Unfortunately...it was raining. And well, rain kinda sucks! But Jenn and I were prepared, and we brought our ponchos and umbrellas.
That's it!
Some things I'd do differently?
Definitely look into watching the fireworks from a different area of Busan. I looked it up online beforehand, and apparently there were some different areas to see the fireworks from. I would rather be farther away than have to deal with all the pushing, shoving, and just general rudeness.
Overall, Jenn and I (and our friends) had a really good time. Sure, it got a little crazy with the over-crowding, but hey, once the fireworks started, it didn't really matter that it was raining or that there were way too many people crammed into one place. They were that amazing. And hey, you can't really beat a free 50 minute firework show. Just look at our clips! And these weren't even our favorite parts. I didn't film our favorite parts, because, well, I was too busy enjoying it! Anyway, talk to you all later!
We went to the Busan 2011 Fireworks Festival. And was it worth it?? Definitely! The show started at 8 PM, and we got to Gwangali beach at 4:00 PM to get good seats. I know, how do you get good seats for a fireworks show?? Trust me...it got crowded. Gwangali beach is a pretty awesome area in Busan. It has a really sweet view. Basically, there is a bridge in the background of the beach, and at night, it lights up and changes color. This time, there would also be fireworks!
What I liked about the Busan 2011 Fireworks Festival:
- The fireworks show!
It was about 50 minutes long, and I saw some pretty spectacular displays.
- The backdrop
Sitting on the beach, watching the fireworks go off from the bridge in the distance. Pretty awesome.
- Good friends and food
Went with two of our good friends, and of course, it was always nice to get a break from school lunch and whatnot.
- Easy to find a motel
We thought we might have some trouble finding a place to stay, but we were able to get a place right next to Gwangali beach!
- The people
Oh my gosh, the people. The place was insanely packed. Like...everywhere. There literally was no spot on the beach that someone hadn't taken. And I don't like to complain, but wow, Koreans really don't have any regard for personal space or manners really. Jenn and I repeatedly got sand on us from Koreans stomping past us, and we had to constantly fight off people who wanted to sit next to us. Like, on the 5 inch spot of sand separating our blanket from the other groups blanket. To be fair, the Korean couple sitting next to us were just as annoyed! This was by far the most irritating aspect of the whole festival.
- The rain
Unfortunately...it was raining. And well, rain kinda sucks! But Jenn and I were prepared, and we brought our ponchos and umbrellas.
That's it!
Some things I'd do differently?
Definitely look into watching the fireworks from a different area of Busan. I looked it up online beforehand, and apparently there were some different areas to see the fireworks from. I would rather be farther away than have to deal with all the pushing, shoving, and just general rudeness.
Overall, Jenn and I (and our friends) had a really good time. Sure, it got a little crazy with the over-crowding, but hey, once the fireworks started, it didn't really matter that it was raining or that there were way too many people crammed into one place. They were that amazing. And hey, you can't really beat a free 50 minute firework show. Just look at our clips! And these weren't even our favorite parts. I didn't film our favorite parts, because, well, I was too busy enjoying it! Anyway, talk to you all later!
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