School musings...

I was told that ESL Teachers have some of the best kept blogs on the internet... 

I totally get that now. It's the dreaded 2:00pm, and I have no more classes, just a belly full of rice (and kimchi - I actually ate some today. Still gross) and no one to talk to. At least I can play online until my co comes back from wherever he went.

My Co-Teacher

I am not going to name him, not because he isn't a really nice guy, because he is, but I haven't asked him if I can refer to him on my blog and I think he might not be cool about it. But I can't describe my teaching experiences without mentioning him at least once. He will hereby be reffered to as Co.

I first spoke with Co during my phone interview, we clicked because he had some knowledge of Australia, having been here for 2 months years ago. I think I actually mentioned this in one of the Melbourne blogs... Anyway today has been the forst day that we have really done any "teaching" together, by which I mean he got me to explain some language concepts and I walked around and practiced some stuff with the students. 

We also have lunch together. I'm not sure how long he will put up with me tailing him for but I quite enjoy his company (when he is feeling chatty). He enjoys practicing his English, and often says that they more he speaks the more confident he is with his English. So it suits both of us for him to be speaking it. 

He was telling me a story at lunch today about a man he worked with about 20 years ago who was an ex-army guy (English speaking obviously) who was working at the school he was at. He noticed that some students in particualr were picking up English a lot faster than others and wondered why this was so. It turned out that these particualr students were in charge of cleaning the ex-army guy's classroom, and were having mini conversations with him every day. So just through simple conversations and instructions, these kids were miles ahead of the other students, and it was all down to exposure and use. 

I was having rapid idea time inside my head at this point... Here was an opening for me to have an idea for lessons! This was my suggestion to Co:

Perhaps for about 5-10 minutes per class, I could take a group of students aside and just have a conversational sessions with them? Then they will be getting more direct exposure to the language, and hopefully more confidence in using it because there will only be 4-6 other students to speak in front of.

Yes, he thinks its a good idea, but is unsure if we can pull it off... Having students not sitting in class and learning the recommended curriculum is not allowed and will need approval. So I don't know if he didn't like my idea, or if I actually can't implement it.

We had another conversation later this arvo, I was asking him more about lesson plans, and he told be pretty much to calm my farm, and that soon enough I would be required to pretty much do everything.
"This is your first week as teacher, and you need to see how to work first. Then, you can teach class always and I will just be there for language barrier and discipline."
Huh. Is that so?
So I asked about the lessons, and if I can pretty much do what I want in them. No, I need to follow the curriculum. But can I change parts of it? As long as they students meet the lesson objectives I think I will be able to do what I want.
So I will start just by changing small things, Co says maybe just do 1 or 2 classes a week to start, and then when I feel more confident and comfortable then maybe I will want to add and change other parts of the lesson.
So far, he seems like a genuine person, who really does want to help the kids learn English. Hopefully we will keep things nice and friendly and be able to work together really well. I have read that other teachers have BIG problems with their co-teachers, and makes their time at the school really bad. I am off to a really positive start with mine, I just hope it continues.

Highlights of the day?

Well, its only 10 to 4, so there is still a fair bit of the day left... But so far its got to be hearing the students try and say "beach". I had nearly 30 students calling out "bitch" over and over. They couldn't get the long 'e' sound. It was hilarious, I was standing there with a huge grin on my face, I couldn't help it. Co saw me smiling and clued into what they were saying. 

"Stop!" He yells, "You cannot say 'bitch'! You MUST say 'beach'!. Again!" And so they went again.

Another one... He has no problem telling the kids they are retarded.  In fact, he even translates the word for them so they know exactly what they are being called. 

For example, one boy today was chatting away rather than paying attention. He had been doing it the whole lesson, Co was over it. So, he calls the boy up the front and says to the class "this boy is retarded." And then he translated what he was saying. All the kids started calling him retarded, and then Co whacked him on the head a few times with the pointer stick before sending him out of the classroom. He ran off with the others calling out "retarded! retarded!"

I cannot believe the things these teachers get away with!

Tonight?

I am trying to make friends... I posted in the Pyeongtaek FB group that I would love to make friends and would anyone like to have dinner with me. And people replied! One girl has invited me out for Thai food tonight with some friends of hers, so I am super nervous and excited to meet some new people! 

I'll try to be likable and not too weird. I'm pretty sure they are American, so they totally won't get my jokes or expressions, but I think everyone should have an Aussie friend. I am quite happy to fill that role for all people :)

I will let you know how it goes. I will try and take sly pictures to prove that I am being social haha.

And then tomorrow night I am going out with Mia and Tyler to some bar, and hopefully making more friends there. So exciting! Waaahhh be cool Bonnie, be cool. 

In other news...

I have been hearing reports via FB that it has been super windy in Melbourne. This sucks for you, here in Songtan the weather is beautiful and warm, with a slight breeze. I am sitting here in a skirt and a short sleeve top and it is really pleasant. 

Sissy has been riding Billie the pony, and has re-named her Witchy-poo... This doesn't sound promising, but she is an excellent rider and I know that they will work through it and be awesome. I can't wait to see some pics of them out and about. Hopefully with ribbons. YOU BETTER WIN SOMETHING. Just kidding, just try your best.

It would be great to see some pics of Beau, and to hear how he is going. Anyone who spots him please tell him I say hi.

I have loved the skype sessions with my friends and family. The highlight would have to be seeing everyone at Kirst and Dan's on Tuesday... It was awesome seeing everyone at once. And a shout out to Davey for mentioning me in his vlog - there will be one coming back at cha soon xx

I think thats about all for now, I will let everyone know how I go with my friend finding mission tomorrow. No pics or vids to upload until I get my internet and t.v fixed at home. I have a feeling it has to do with payments, but as I don't handle any of that stuff I will wait it out until tomorrow... I will take a pic of the screen and show Co tomorrow morning if it is still gay tonight.

It's now 4:07. The countdown is back on haha... 

xoxo