I had to say goodbye to my students from last semester as the new high school freshman stepped onto campus, and into my classroom...
But we definitely ended with a bang! In this class we had a Ramen and movie party on the last day. What movie you may ask? I forgot exactly, but it was either "10 Things I Hate about You" or "What Lies Beneath." Those were the options for all my classes
Oh, these pictures were taken before Christmas, but it ended up being that I taught my students again for about 5 days during a supplemental winter class in January...and I stop by their homerooms now to talk every now and again...so, I guess it was not goodbye at all. It is just hard not teaching them anymore after having gotten used to seeing them around so much and getting used to each class' personality.
Another thing I did before Christmas besides have rockin' parties in my classes, was bake I-don't-remember-how-many Christmas cookies (at least 300-400) for my school's faculty and for ~70% of my classes. Crazy. I know. I never bought so much flour in my life. Here are pictures of the tasty cookies:
Without further ado, a few notes from Class C (I have 6 classes total):
CLASS C
" – They are excited to learn and have fun while doing it. 권대철 was missing today! We started off late due to an unknown meeting they had before class that ran into class time. I rounded them up in their homeroom and pushed them out the door (almost literally). In class they were lined up and pulled numbers from Elmo (first class to do so). After sitting I told them they would do this every day; I proposed the question: What time do you need arrive in order to be sitting when class starts. Next order of business, notebooks; they agreed to pay 2000 Won for a notebook. Majority of the class did not have notebooks for my class today so I don’t feel bad about doing this. Among those who did have notebooks, I collected three that were of different styles. I showed the class the three different styles of notebooks and told the class I want all students to have the same style notebook. I asked if Ss had any questions about this. 남상운 (class captain) will collect the money from his classmates tomorrow (Tuesday, 3/8/2011), except 박용진 who will pay Thursday (why? I should have checked with him after class; money issues or simply lacking access to money right now??). Continuing, I wrote on the board to bring a pen/pencil to my class. Rules were covered next. Examples of “do not laugh at others mistakes” (high five for effort instead) and “do not draw on computers” (you will have to clean everything) were given. “Make good decisions/choices” was written on the board and emphasized. I went through the PowerPoint American-Style Rules slide. I acted out the “no hitting” rule (note, on this point I did not contrast my approach versus other Korean teachers during this class. The students can note this difference themselves when the time comes). I also covered the “no games…” etc. rule. A question was asked & answered; I acted out the “Hey mom! I am in English class!” example of what NOT to do. Next, we practiced hand-raising. We did three activities (1) “Raise your hand if…” (2) “About Mr. C” Quiz (3) Students asked me questions to earn team points in a Nunchi Game style; we ran out of time to really get into it. The two winning teams were applauded by the whole class.
" – They are excited to learn and have fun while doing it. 권대철 was missing today! We started off late due to an unknown meeting they had before class that ran into class time. I rounded them up in their homeroom and pushed them out the door (almost literally). In class they were lined up and pulled numbers from Elmo (first class to do so). After sitting I told them they would do this every day; I proposed the question: What time do you need arrive in order to be sitting when class starts. Next order of business, notebooks; they agreed to pay 2000 Won for a notebook. Majority of the class did not have notebooks for my class today so I don’t feel bad about doing this. Among those who did have notebooks, I collected three that were of different styles. I showed the class the three different styles of notebooks and told the class I want all students to have the same style notebook. I asked if Ss had any questions about this. 남상운 (class captain) will collect the money from his classmates tomorrow (Tuesday, 3/8/2011), except 박용진 who will pay Thursday (why? I should have checked with him after class; money issues or simply lacking access to money right now??). Continuing, I wrote on the board to bring a pen/pencil to my class. Rules were covered next. Examples of “do not laugh at others mistakes” (high five for effort instead) and “do not draw on computers” (you will have to clean everything) were given. “Make good decisions/choices” was written on the board and emphasized. I went through the PowerPoint American-Style Rules slide. I acted out the “no hitting” rule (note, on this point I did not contrast my approach versus other Korean teachers during this class. The students can note this difference themselves when the time comes). I also covered the “no games…” etc. rule. A question was asked & answered; I acted out the “Hey mom! I am in English class!” example of what NOT to do. Next, we practiced hand-raising. We did three activities (1) “Raise your hand if…” (2) “About Mr. C” Quiz (3) Students asked me questions to earn team points in a Nunchi Game style; we ran out of time to really get into it. The two winning teams were applauded by the whole class.
NEXT TIME: Consider briefly doing the nunchi-asking team game again. Show a picture of a French Horn as promised to two students. The class needs something to bring them more together. Remind Ss about rules and introduce the “push in your chair” rule.
Sorry if this was boring! Let me know what you think.
Hello Erik
ReplyDeleteMrs. Fleming here. How are you doing these days? I tried to write you awhile back but I didn't post to the right place I'm afraid.
A bit technologically challenged, I guess.
Your Mom and I have seen each other a few times over the last 6 mos. but she filled me in before about your Fulbright scholarship and the opportunity to teach in S. Korea.
It looks like you are having quite an experience there. A chance of a lifetime actually. I told Jack all about it becuase he is a History teacher. Right now, he is teaching at an alternative school at Proviso East in Maywood. Rough area. Not teaching history very often. It is a second chance school and the kids are living on the edge both emotionally/financially and academically. I think he is learning how to have patience not sure about the teaching part. It sounds like you have a tall order too teaching all your students English but it sounds like you enjoy it.
So you will be there another year? Probably best since the teaching situation here is tough still.
Mike is a sophomore at Central Michigan studying Occupational Therapy. He just came home for the summer. I'm glad to have him home.
The weeks fly by here but today finally the weather is good. We have been so cold for so long.
Well Erik all I can say is good for you for taking on this challenge, it must be so awesome for you. Very gutsy too. Who would of thought back in Cubs Scouts that you would wind up teaching in Korea! I am impressed and wish you all the best there. I'll try to check in from time to time and see how you're doing.
Cheers, Mrs. Fleming