Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us togethaw today
Jake and I went to a wedding yesterday for a teacher at my school. It was incredible. It was in a wedding hall, not a church, and took about 15 minutes. The bride was absolutely stunning. I've never seen anyone so beautiful in real life. Before the ceremony she sat on this throne of sorts with her huge dress spread out around her and people would come and say hi and take pictures with her. They had all these beautiful wedding pictures going on the screen and people kind of just milled around in the back since there weren't enough seats. As the wedding started the Star Wars Theme played and the groom walked down the aisle. The music changed to a little Celin Dion and down came the bride. I couldn't tell what was being said, obviously, but they just stood at the front for awhile. Then one of their friends sang a little song to them and then the groom did some pushups while the bride shouted, "The first night is the best!" or something like that. Then they walked back down the aisle and two girls who I'm assuming were employees of the wedding hall fired confetti out of these trombone-like instruments. A big buffet lunch was served and we went home. It was definitely classy.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Today the wee chilluns have tests so I don't have to teach. So I will be toolin' around on the internet all day and trying to think about what I should teach tomorrow. I realized that I haven't actually talked about what I do here so, since I have 8 hours to myself, I will enlighten those of you who might care and listen to my wait wait don't tell me podcasts.
I work at a public primary (elementary) school in the Beesan district. I was told by everyone and their mother that this is an extremely poor area so the children's English skills are lacking, to say the least. I only teach 3rd-6th grade. The 3rd graders usually have no idea what is going on and I'm pretty sure they're all aliens. Or they think I'm an alien. Either way, they never understand what I'm saying and only through a series of waving my arms and various gestures do I get them to do what I want. According to the curriculum here, the 3rd graders aren't supposed to have to read or write anything so each lesson consists of me saying a word or phrase and them repeating it. Over and over and over. Then we play a game or sing a song. 3rd graders are also the hardest to control. They are always yelling or doing weird things. For example, I had them playing a card game yesterday and when I was walking around I stopped at a table to see if they were playing the game right, but there weren't any cards on the table and the kids were looking for them. Then one stood up and there were the cards, under his butt. He decided to sit on them instead of play the game. I have to admit, it was kind of funny and it made me laugh because he helped look for the cards with such a straight face even though he KNEW exactly where they were. But between that and random kids standing up and yelling or just being dicks I end up grateful I only have 3rd graders every other week. On the bright side, they are just about the cutest little people I have ever seen. Some of them are so so small I want to carry them in my pocket. And they have these tiny little voices that warm my cockles. 4th graders are worlds better behaved and pretty unremarkable, with the exception of one giant boy called Minsu. He looks like he could be a 6th grader and he just looms over all the others. The lessons are about the same as the 3rd graders with the exception that most of them can actually read due to the afterschool acadamies they all go to. The 5th graders are my favorite. They can read and write and are so excited to see me and learn English. I can play games with them because the lessons are still pretty simple and they're not quite awkward and deathly shy yet. As for the 6th graders...they are exhausting. They have to learn so much in one lesson period and most of them can barely say anything in English. But there are a few that actually understand what I'm saying which is always pleasing. Even after 40 minutes of going over the words or phrases over and over in various ways, at the end of the class when they have to say something to me, some of them still just blurt noises at me. For instance, they each had to say "first, second, third, fourth" and a few of them came up to me and went, "Maw Blaw Paw Pla." I end up loving the few that know what is going on so they can help the others. I also have a teacher class every tuesday and thursday, but no one ever comes.
After school I walk home and usually try to sit quietly for as long as possible and then dance around Jacob until he gets annoyed and wants to go eat. As for food, I think I've eaten more meat in the two months I've been here than in all of 2008. Jacob looooves kalbi and sam gyap sal. He also always wants Outback Steakhouse and hamburgers. I haven't mastered the kitchen yet or really ventured farther than the corner store where we buy dumplings, ramen, yogurt, and fruit. Next weekend is a four day weekend and I'm looking forward to doing nothing. Maybe adventure to Woobangland- the local amusement park.
I work at a public primary (elementary) school in the Beesan district. I was told by everyone and their mother that this is an extremely poor area so the children's English skills are lacking, to say the least. I only teach 3rd-6th grade. The 3rd graders usually have no idea what is going on and I'm pretty sure they're all aliens. Or they think I'm an alien. Either way, they never understand what I'm saying and only through a series of waving my arms and various gestures do I get them to do what I want. According to the curriculum here, the 3rd graders aren't supposed to have to read or write anything so each lesson consists of me saying a word or phrase and them repeating it. Over and over and over. Then we play a game or sing a song. 3rd graders are also the hardest to control. They are always yelling or doing weird things. For example, I had them playing a card game yesterday and when I was walking around I stopped at a table to see if they were playing the game right, but there weren't any cards on the table and the kids were looking for them. Then one stood up and there were the cards, under his butt. He decided to sit on them instead of play the game. I have to admit, it was kind of funny and it made me laugh because he helped look for the cards with such a straight face even though he KNEW exactly where they were. But between that and random kids standing up and yelling or just being dicks I end up grateful I only have 3rd graders every other week. On the bright side, they are just about the cutest little people I have ever seen. Some of them are so so small I want to carry them in my pocket. And they have these tiny little voices that warm my cockles. 4th graders are worlds better behaved and pretty unremarkable, with the exception of one giant boy called Minsu. He looks like he could be a 6th grader and he just looms over all the others. The lessons are about the same as the 3rd graders with the exception that most of them can actually read due to the afterschool acadamies they all go to. The 5th graders are my favorite. They can read and write and are so excited to see me and learn English. I can play games with them because the lessons are still pretty simple and they're not quite awkward and deathly shy yet. As for the 6th graders...they are exhausting. They have to learn so much in one lesson period and most of them can barely say anything in English. But there are a few that actually understand what I'm saying which is always pleasing. Even after 40 minutes of going over the words or phrases over and over in various ways, at the end of the class when they have to say something to me, some of them still just blurt noises at me. For instance, they each had to say "first, second, third, fourth" and a few of them came up to me and went, "Maw Blaw Paw Pla." I end up loving the few that know what is going on so they can help the others. I also have a teacher class every tuesday and thursday, but no one ever comes.
After school I walk home and usually try to sit quietly for as long as possible and then dance around Jacob until he gets annoyed and wants to go eat. As for food, I think I've eaten more meat in the two months I've been here than in all of 2008. Jacob looooves kalbi and sam gyap sal. He also always wants Outback Steakhouse and hamburgers. I haven't mastered the kitchen yet or really ventured farther than the corner store where we buy dumplings, ramen, yogurt, and fruit. Next weekend is a four day weekend and I'm looking forward to doing nothing. Maybe adventure to Woobangland- the local amusement park.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Woof
I accidentally ate dog yesterday. I thought it was pork until my co-teacher turned to me and said, "You know this isn't pork, right? It's dog." It took me a second for that to process, but then I just said, "Okaaay." Honestly it didn't taste like anything because it was drowned in sauce and spices, but I still felt like it caused a stir in my belly.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Oh Glorious Day!
I only have two classes today because of some strange "Save the Internet" message the kids have to watch and umbrella dance class. This, of course, is what I have gleamed for myself with no input from anyone else so who knows what is actually going on. While frolicking back to my office, a small boy ran out into the hall to look out the window followed by another small boy who proceeded to stick his arm through the others leg and lift him in the air by the crotch. I wanted to say, "C'mon now, let's not do that," but neither boy seemed to have a problem with what was taking place.
On another note, I have become obsessed with Sesame Street, particularly Prairie Dawn pageants. It began with a search for something about the four seasons and led to me watching them whenever I have any free time. This one still makes me laugh.
On another note, I have become obsessed with Sesame Street, particularly Prairie Dawn pageants. It began with a search for something about the four seasons and led to me watching them whenever I have any free time. This one still makes me laugh.
Sweet Fancy Moses!
While searching for pictures of bees for one of my classes I came upon this little jewel. I want this bee costume for Halloween! I especially like the weird bulbous boots they have Jerry wearing.
Ever wonder where the polo shirt fad went? Welcome to Korea, the polo capital of the world! Every store is displaying polo after polo. There are stores literally filled with nothing but polo shirts. Perhaps they're making a comeback. All I can do is thank god that the popped collar hasn't crossed over here...yet.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
OMG
Before class started in one of the 5th grade classes Su Eun said something in Korean and out of nowhere came a high pitched "OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!" It was a small girl in the corner doodling in her notebook. It made me laugh out loud for reasons I can't explain. I think it was because it was perfectly pronounced and incredibly loud, yet there was no reason for such an exclamation. It was before class actually started so she wasn't disrupting anything. She also stated that she wanted me and Su Eun to hurry up and start teaching, although this was said in Korean.
I've been watching Louis CK standup on youtube. My computer doesn't have speakers so I have to listen with headphones and I keep snickering and gurgling because I'm trying not to laugh out loud.
I just got breathed on by a horde of 6th graders. They surrounded my desk and I felt their breath on me. Luckily, Su Eun came in and shoo'ed them all away. I'm so glad it's the weekend.
I've been watching Louis CK standup on youtube. My computer doesn't have speakers so I have to listen with headphones and I keep snickering and gurgling because I'm trying not to laugh out loud.
I just got breathed on by a horde of 6th graders. They surrounded my desk and I felt their breath on me. Luckily, Su Eun came in and shoo'ed them all away. I'm so glad it's the weekend.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Stanky
I've finally pinpointed what I think that squid everyone eats around here smells like: stinky feet. As I made my way down the stairs to the cafeteria it hit me like a sack of bricks.
The soccer club was practicing outside yesterday after school and they did this odd "stretching" exercise which only involved a quick swiveling of the hips. I'm still not sure what sort of injury this stretch would prevent.
I have to try and not make a fool out of myself in front of the other teachers now... blarg
The soccer club was practicing outside yesterday after school and they did this odd "stretching" exercise which only involved a quick swiveling of the hips. I'm still not sure what sort of injury this stretch would prevent.
I have to try and not make a fool out of myself in front of the other teachers now... blarg
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