School started today along with a very nasty cold. Not the best way to start a new semester at a new school, sounding like a dieing car that cuts in and out but a start nonetheless.

I’m am so excited about my schedule, with it finalized, oh the weekends I’ve got planned. I met two classes today and did my best to scare them. I’m quite good at that to be honest. Poor kids thought they were signed up for the snoozing film class. Meeting Julie and speaking with Victoria more I realize its time for me to change. I need to stop complaining that English Teachers in China aren’t taken seriosuly and do something about it. The first step, expecting more from my students. As long as I have low expectations the system is going to have low expectations. Looking at Julie’s syllubus my class expectations are about 3rd grade and yet I’m surprised at the 3rd grade effort I’m receiving.

So this semester is different. The first of many rude awakenings received by my classes today was the films would be shown in English with English subtitles. Second only English was allowed in the classroom with strict observance. Oh and work would be expected throughout the semester. Other than that I think it met all their expectations. Now I’m in no way saying I’m a film teacher and for that the students should understand I’m barely scratching the surface here but it had better be a darn good scratch.

Looking through the film textbook I was appalled at the negative portrayal of American culture with the films selected. As with everything in English Teaching in China the course was left to my discretion so I took half from the book and choose three to replace the less palatable movies. Really ‘American Beauty’ for a mid-life crisis theme. Really! Really that’s the best choice?

I’m excited for the upcoming discussions. I stuck with the book’s suggestion of ‘Chicago’, I’ll admit more for the shock value of the first piece. I figured once we got all the skin out of the way they wouldn’t complain about the rest of the movie changes. Obviously the person who chose the films in the book has never taught Chinese students. I had girls covering their eyes in the kissing scene from ‘New In Town’. Yes I’m perfectly aware there is no kissing scene in ‘New in Town’. Really how in the world were they suppose to sit through more graphic love scenes? ‘Chicago’ will be head turning to say the least.

Well on a lighter note, the rest of my classes don’t start until week four! Gotta love Military Training. It is so nice not to be living on campus. I can sleep past 6:30 without getting woken up by freshman military drills. The first two weeks every freshman in China must participate in military training. I’m curious what exchange students do at this time?

The world will officially end in the next week or two. Consider yourself warned. I don’t want to be blamed for not mentioning this before hand. My week or rather the last two weeks have just gone too well or dare I say close to perfect. Nothing whatsoever can explain this phenomena other than emending destruction on a global if not universal level. So you have here by been warned please pass it on, kiss your loved ones, make amends with your maker and then wait patiently for your final moments.

I attended a faculty meeting Friday for the Foreign Teachers. As usual no official schedules were ready even though school started the following Monday. The other American and I asked if there was a possibility to receive a tentative schedule at least. Our liaison Mrs. Li was kind enough to track someone down who was able to throw together something that could be passed on to the inquiring teachers but only as a tentative mock-up. As soon as I saw my schedule I wished I hadn’t. It was just too perfect to behold as a ‘tentative schedule’. I didn’t want any changes. According to my schedule I only had 2 subjects and 7 sections! No that must certainly not be the final.

I waited impatiently for the next two days. This afternoon I got the email of the term.

_____  Monday ___  Tuesday     ___  Wednesday  ___   Thursday ____   Friday

1 & 2         Film             Listening               No Classes               Listening            No Classes

3 & 4        Film                Film                                                        Listening

Lunch

5&6                            Listening

I now hold the most coveted schedule of the department. Two days off with one allowing for an extended weekend to start at noon on Thursday! How awesome is that! The Film classes alone were excitement enough. Half my semester is planned for me. Well now I have no excuses Chinese Lessons Here I come.

Really I can’t figure out where my luck came from. The Film and Listening classes were the two I wanted badly but as the newbie though I had no chances of getting either. Scoring both was unimaginable.

This is an old post that I’ve just finished. So bare that in mind if the references seem out of place.

I went to work today at the Middle school and had a rather interesting experience.  

When I walked into class I was promptly informed by the class monitor that “today all students run out together, you also run.” I’m not running anywhere I remarked and didn’t think much more about it. I figured she was referring to their truly rejuvenating morning recess in which the entire student body runs the track in perfect rows.

I would just love to see that practice implemented at a junior high in the States. I imagine it would go something like this:

Principal: We’ve decided to start pursuing a more aggressive physical education program that will increase cardiovascular strength and endurance. Now I know it will be met with resistance at first but I know if we all get on board this new program will be in everyone’s best interest.

Faculty Response: Great, this is going to be a losing battle.

Student Response: Grumbling, the inevitable foul mouth, and then the too horrified to respond immediately.

Within hours parents outrage with the revoking of free recess as an American institution will capture the six o’clock news. It would be nation wide within the week. Some obscure children’s rights group would step forward demanding the resignation of the principal for the cruelty of it all. And in the end a bill would be drafted and signed in the House safeguarding what every school child in America guards as sacred, the freedom to choose their recess activities.  

Anyway that’s what goes through my head every morning when I watch them run. 

So back to today, like I said I didn’t think much of it all and so when the siren started I panicked. I soon realized this must have been the event the monitor had been referring to as the students took it all in stride as if it was a game. In my bewilderment I was soon the only one left standing and uncovered. When in doubt follow the natives right? I crouched behind the desk and waited for further instructions. A word of advice for future drills, send a competent teacher to the foreigner’s class as they have no clue what’s going on and absolutely less idea of procedure.  

Fortunately the class monitor was on top of things and the class was soon in orderly rows proceeding to the nearest exit. No attention is paid to the aimless foreigner standing in a deserted hallway so I opted to follow the class. During this whole ordeal I’m struggling to identify the siren. It did cross my mind they could use different sirens for  disasters here but it sounded so familiar. 

As we congregated on the track I found Richard the older British teacher. He laughed as I asked what was going on. “It’s an air raid drill. Haven’t had one of these since I was a child. ““A what? Who’s going to attack China?” “Beats me.” “Well here’s a journal worthy experience. I’ve officially participated in an air raid drill.”

On reflection is congregating in an open area really a wise choice when bombers are above? I mean I understand evacuating the buildings but I thought you were supposed to go to a bomb shelter.

Another term has started. The first year is suppose to be the hardest, or so they say. I sure hope so. Well one more semester to go and never again will I have my very first  year of teaching. I”m looking forward to being able to look back and say I did it. I have one year under my belt and a full foot in the water of teaching.

This semester I’ve lucked out with a decent schedule. Three morning classes and the rest right after lunch.

I must admit I did not think I would enjoy teaching as much as I do. I could never understand my parents enthusiasm but I’m beginning to understand a little. I’m still not ready to make this my career but I’m thoroughly enjoying my time as a teacher.

This semester I’m excited to use the pronunciation text I’ve brought back. I’ve learned the vital importance of textbooks in lesson planning. Oh how naive I was last year to think freedom from assigned curriculum was a good thing. Ha, well you live and learn I guess.

Cheers to the upcoming semester!

Mixed emotions, okay not really, just plain relieved. I’ve survived my first term. One more to make my first year and then Mom promises it only gets better.

Teaching has been surprisingly invigorating. I’ve enjoyed the challenges and am beginning to see real potential for travel opportunities in the future. I still find it odd some days that I have followed in my parents footsteps.

I’ve most definitely learn more about myself this year as I’ve had to confront my fears and frustrations on my own. I’m learning to explain things more clearly and simply. I’m learning for the first time in my life to go with the flow. If there’s only one lesson I’ll take from China it is the lesson of flexibility.

I’ve still not been able to drop my Americaness of needing to know WHY before doing anything but there are worst qualities to hold onto I guess.

Overall this semester has been a learning experience I wouldn’t try for too many things. I’m looking forward to next semester with eager anticipation.

I walked into class feeling completely prepared with a min by min planned lesson. It never goes as planned, the children caught be off guard from the very beginning. I decided to make the board festive and drew a Christmas tree, I left it blank as I continued setting up for class.

Ke Xin the student I walk to class with proudly shouted out “Christmas Tree!”  “I decorate?”. I wasn’t expecting much, but boy did she knock my socks off.

First she added strings of lights, bows, bells, stars, candy canes and ornaments. I was shocked, well her English teacher in school was thorough. So my lesson was not going to be as planned at that point. I was thinking vocabulary lesson here but instead we moved to sentence structure and prepositions. I at least learning to think on my feet.

My favorite had to be the Primary song “Once There was a Snowman.” First we built a snowman on the board and sang the song and helped in melt.

While building they corrected me I had cut buttons for the eyes but they insisted using them for the body. They keep me honest that’s for sure.

Yes I’ve fallen in love with my children’s classes.

Wednesdays are always horrible days for me. They are my busiest. The first change I make next semester is my Children’s night class. I’m putting my foot down and refuse to do it on the night of my craziest day. A full day of classes and then a night class just about does me in.

I woke this morning in a slight depression no real reason but I just can’t seem to shake the funk. Thank goodness tomorrow is Thursday and I get to see the rest of the gang for lunch. Okay if I can just make it through the afternoon and then the evening things will brighten.

Well off to class.

One of the BYU teachers asked if I had any Christmas activities to share. I sheepishly had to admit I haven’t nor do I ever plan that far in advance for classes. I told her I would begin looking online and I would get back to her if I found anything good.

So the basic google search began “ESL Christmas Activities”. Oh how I love google, I mean really, what would I do without it? The hardest part is removing Christ from Christmas, which is a requirement in China. As Christmas has become quite secular in the States it would not seem that difficult at first but still it is acknowledged as a Christian holiday. So many of the traditions and customs so cherished are steeped in Christian symbolism and require a basic understanding of the Christian faith.

I am so grateful I have my nativities up as a constant reminder of what this season should be centered around. Tis the reason for the season!

Okay back to lesson planning, I stumbled across this lesson plan and thoroughly enjoyed the information.*I’ve included the information at the end.

I was intrigued by the explanation of the presence of apples on the Christmas tree. We have always had small apples on our tree but I could never figure out why. I just figured it was a family tradition from my mom said and never asked. My mother’s side is German and that explains it!

I am learning so much about my own culture as I prepare to teach it and true bonus to this job!

*The Origins of the Christmas Tree

(http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/Byrnes-celebrations/christmas.html)

As I sit at the half way mark in the semester I am beginning to question my abilities. What did I sign up for? Why did I think that getting my TEFL certificate, was going to turn me into an English Teacher? Seriously how does a 120hour course turn a novice into a professional even if only marginal. People go to four years of school to be a teacher and here I am thinking I could do it after taking an online course with a weekend workshop.

I feel as if I am slapping all real teachers in the face with my certificate. I have no book and no experience to draw from. Oral English is the biggest joke. What is an Oral English class suppose to be? My idea was a class where you practiced conversations. Not reading and listening skills but on your feet conversations that will better prepare you for the real world. When traveling you will not be able to stop and write a dialogue. You will be forced to respond in a matter of seconds to the speaker at hand. Life is not a script, Oral English is to prepare a student for that fact but none of my students seem to feel that way.

They can all write dialogues great but heaven forbid they answer a question with a complete sentence. What am I suppose to do? I try to make class engaging but I don’t know how to get my students to talk. Discussion groups on guided topics turn into cellphone time or nap time. Reading lyrics to music doesn’t do any good. Chorally reading is the only way I can get at least half the class speaking in complete sentences but I guarantee they have no idea what they are saying they are just repeating words. Is that really helping?

My waiban has suggested debates but my students don’t seem to be at that level if they can’t respond on their feet. Maybe I’m just under estimating their abilities. Who knows.

DAD WHAT WAS I THINKING??

To prepare for class I wiki-ed Halloween (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween). I didn’t have a firm handle on the origins of Halloween and its traditions and I wanted to be prepared. Intriguing article by the way, really sad that most reported cases of candy poisoning actually turn out to be the child’s parent’s fault.

1st class: I begin by explaining the origins of Halloween, the Celtic belief that on October 31st the Spirit world had power to cross into the real world and haunt the living . People would dress up to scare the spirits and keep evil at bay. Halloween began being celebrated in America in the 1840’s when the Irish, fleeing from the potato famine, brought over many traditions.

We still dress in costumes today but not all are scary. It is a time now to dress up in fun costumes that can represent anything.

Jack-o-Lanterns we originally carved into turnips and were passed of a fable about a man named Jack who tricked the Devil into the trunk of a tree and then was cursed to roam the earth with the only light he had at the time a candle.

2nd class: By the second class I had dropped the part about Halloween being brought over by the Irish and where Jack-o-Lanterns originated from.

3rd class: The Celtic tradition was gone by the third class, it was just getting to hard to explain and they really didn’t get it.

4th class: I think I finally had the structure down but trying to explain costumes to a culture who never dresses up is depressing. I would ask them to think about what they would be if they went trick-or-treating, it was liking pull teeth! For heaven sakes who doesn’t have a costume on the tip of the tongue? Even if that might not be really what you want can’t you just think of something, anything?

5th class: I had watered it down even further and just gave examples of what we did rather than try to explain why we did it. Costumes: Scary outfits most popular, Children often wear fun costumes. Parties: Bobbing for Apples, the String game (what do we call that game?), watch a scary movie or go to a haunted house. Jack-o-Lanterns a fun tradition to scare away evil spirits.

6th class: To be honest I’m glad I had watered it down because the last time I gave the lesson it was to my most difficult class. I had a hard time keeping their attention with this version. I can’t imagine if they had been my first class.

The blackboard by the end of the lesson.