Thursday, June 25, 2009

Played for Pizza



The school year is coming to an end soon and after school classes are ending early. The students came rushing in my class and Judy one of my 4th graders (who speaks really good English) says "Teacher, today is our last day of class" I really was unsure, part of teaching in Korea, there is a huge lack of communication or you are informed at the very last minute. I called the head English teacher to find out, I called her 3 times but she did not pick up. I started to feel really bad that it was our last meeting and I did not have anything special planned. So I rushed and called and ordered pizza and coke for the kids and had it delivered to the school. We joked around and just ate pizza and had a really fun day. After class Hanna calls me back and says "Oh the children told you a lies" I wanted to say first of all its told a lie not lies and second why didn't you tell me this ummmmmm 2 and a half hours ago when I called you! I can't believe those little ninjas! They gamed me up with goodbye letters and messages on the chalk board and all. So yes I got played for pizza!
Still Seoul Searching ...

Monday, June 15, 2009

English Speaking Contest

So after returning from orientation I was informed that I had to be one of the judges of the English speaking contest. Now this sounds all fun and dandy BUT it was 3 hours long! The students ranged from 1st grade to 6th grade. I felt bad for some of the kids because their parents were there and they wanted their babies to be the BEST! Ok, I am talking costume changes, music accompaniment, gifts for the judges and cheering sections. Korean parents do not play when it comes to their children in a contest. Which resulted in some of the kids running off stage crying, parents requesting the children be allowed to perform again because they were unhappy with what they did and all other types of foolishness.

Some of the children did REALLY well, and others...well they looked so cute! To be honest, some of them were rather painful to watch and listen to but, I clapped and put on my happy face. Sujin (my co teacher) said "I can not understand their English" I said "Me either" and we both cracked up. We were all thrilled when it was over, to say the least.
Still Seoul Searching...