I don't get many excuses as to why my kids don't do their homework. I must say, they're not too creative. About 99% of my excuses are: "I didn't do." (no excuse, really) and "Teacher, computer was brrrrrrrrrrrrr." This means they couldn't hear the audio file, or that their computer was broken.
However, there is one boy who consistently does not do his homework, and consistently gives me my favorite excuse to date: "Teacher, I want to do, but I can't!" (Keep in mind, past tense is lost on even the very best of my students, when speaking conversationally.) When I ask him why not, it always involves any manner of violent crimes which occurred at his house the night before. Most result in the death of one or more family member, and sometimes grievous injury to himself as well.
But that's not the part I like; he's always going on about blood and shooting and killing during class. I enjoy that he has made the effort to convince me that, despite these horrible things which have happened to him, he really wanted to do my homework. He tried very hard to complete the assignment, but forces beyond his control kept him from his beloved English studies. Such a dedicated student. *wipes away tear*
Friday, August 24, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Chapter 47: "Only for the Daring..."
So I was in Busan today and I found a new food that I really like, except it's kind of gross to foreigners. And no, it's not maggots.
It's hard-boiled quail egg. I can't get over how tasty they are, waaaaaay better than chicken eggs.
Ok, that's all.
It's hard-boiled quail egg. I can't get over how tasty they are, waaaaaay better than chicken eggs.
Ok, that's all.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Chapter 46: "After You!"
Today in class, Emo Kid and the Only Girl did something really nice!! We were reading out loud, and I called on the Only Girl to read. I don't have any reason usually for choosing who I chose, other than to even it out so all the kids get a chance. Of course, Emo Kid was quite distressed that I didn't chose him, and he asked me, "WHYYYYY TEACHERRRRR!!!!" and I told him my usual answer, "No reason" with a shrug.
Then the Only Girl said, "You can read it," which made Emo Kid pleased as punch. But just as he started to read, he stopped, and said, "No it's okay, you can read." So the Only Girl ended up reading after all.
I have to say, I was shocked. The kids aren't mean or particularly selfish or anything, but I think in general, the Korean society doesn't have much of an "after you" attitude. This attitude is really over the top of course in the South/Texas, which I've missed since coming here. One the subway, for example, you don't wait for people to exit before you pile onto the train. Everyone just kind of pushes and shoves till they get where they're going. It's not rude to them, because nobody takes offense. On the elevator it's the same way, which is sometimes even more awkward, since the doors have bad sensors and commonly close on you if you're not fast enough.
Once while trying to exit the subway, I couldn't find a gap in the sea of people to step into, because there were all these old people, and I can't stand the thought of stepping right in front of a feeble old person to get out of the subway!! This old Korean woman grabbed my arm and towed me along with her to get out :-) It was really cute ^.^
Then the Only Girl said, "You can read it," which made Emo Kid pleased as punch. But just as he started to read, he stopped, and said, "No it's okay, you can read." So the Only Girl ended up reading after all.
I have to say, I was shocked. The kids aren't mean or particularly selfish or anything, but I think in general, the Korean society doesn't have much of an "after you" attitude. This attitude is really over the top of course in the South/Texas, which I've missed since coming here. One the subway, for example, you don't wait for people to exit before you pile onto the train. Everyone just kind of pushes and shoves till they get where they're going. It's not rude to them, because nobody takes offense. On the elevator it's the same way, which is sometimes even more awkward, since the doors have bad sensors and commonly close on you if you're not fast enough.
Once while trying to exit the subway, I couldn't find a gap in the sea of people to step into, because there were all these old people, and I can't stand the thought of stepping right in front of a feeble old person to get out of the subway!! This old Korean woman grabbed my arm and towed me along with her to get out :-) It was really cute ^.^
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Chapter 45: "The Functional Use of the Word 'Petrification' in Beginner's Korean Conversation"
Essentially, there is none. But today in the all-girls class, that's what they were teaching me. The word for "fossil" or "petrification." It took like fifteen minutes to do, because unfortunately English speakers can't hear the difference between the right sound and the wrong one, and thus cannot easily reproduce that sound on purpose.
I discovered that about five minutes into the lesson, but it took fifteen minutes because the two girls teaching me wouldn't accept my failure at pronouncing this important Korean word.
If you think about it, in English, most words can be said with an accent, and everyone knows what you're saying because of it's context in the sentence. Yes, we can tell your first language isn't English, but whatever. Not so in Korean? Hehehe
Eventually I discovered that the problem was with my pitch, and not pronunciation of the consonant. And pitch I can usually do.
Anyways, it was a cute lesson :-) And now I can say the word (sort of). It's "hwa suc" and NOT "hwa ssuc."
*headdesk*
I discovered that about five minutes into the lesson, but it took fifteen minutes because the two girls teaching me wouldn't accept my failure at pronouncing this important Korean word.
If you think about it, in English, most words can be said with an accent, and everyone knows what you're saying because of it's context in the sentence. Yes, we can tell your first language isn't English, but whatever. Not so in Korean? Hehehe
Eventually I discovered that the problem was with my pitch, and not pronunciation of the consonant. And pitch I can usually do.
Anyways, it was a cute lesson :-) And now I can say the word (sort of). It's "hwa suc" and NOT "hwa ssuc."
*headdesk*
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Chapter 44: "The Plight of Emo Kid"
I mentioned for a short time in my last post, Emo Kid, the kid who is extremely angry and emotional every day. Well, today he had a another episode of, well, himself, so I thought I'd explain it so everyone can appreciate the little guy.
Backstory:
Emo Kid is usually a very happy-go-lucky, smart kid. He's very competitive, and it tends to pay off, because I would call him a very close second to the smartest kid in class, who is the Korean version of the typical brainy kid. When I first started teaching him, he always cried when he didn't make an A or the top score in the class. His classmates told me that his father hits him when he doesn't score high enough, so I felt sorry for him, and tried to make the tests as easy as I could get away with.
However, I've heard nothing of his abusive father this whole term, and most of last term. But this kid's emotional outbursts have just gotten worse and worse. While I was shocked and disturbed at first, as my mother always says, you can get used to anything (she usually says this to dissuade me from watching violent movies or cursing or smoking pot or prostituting myself). These days he has these tantrums at least twice a week, and there was one week where he had one every day. And, now he doesn't just cry about test scores. Oh no.
Because this class is such a handful, I give them ways to compete in how well they behave, to keep them in some manner of order. I draw a happy face and an angry face on the board. If they do something good, like answer a question correctly in English or are sitting very quietly and paying attention, I write their name under the happy face and give them checks for every additional time. They get stickers for these "points." If they misbehave, I write their name under the angry face, and if they get enough checks after that, eventually I make them stand up or go stand outside, or something like that.
And now, on with the story:
Today we were studying out of their reading book. I was letting everyone take turns reading a short story (they don't seem to get tired of the rereads), and all the boys were freaking out over who would get to read next. I called on ADD Kid or somebody to read, and Emo Kid almost started crying, and he whined, "Teacher, whyyyyyyy....."
After that, I asked a question about a word in the story that they might not have known, to see who could answer best. Because they have to answer in English, it's hard sometimes, so I give a positive point to the first person who can define the word or at least mention a synonym articulately. It's often clear that they know what it means, but the goal is to get them acquainted with expressing themselves in English, instead of wild hand motions, sound effects, interpretive dance, etc. I took about two or three answers from the different kids (the word was "hatched") before the Smart One gave a shockingly creative and accurate answer. So I gave him the point. Emo Kid cried. I tried to placate him by saying he would have another chance.
On the next story, there weren't really any good vocabulary questions I could ask, but I thought one up. I asked every kid in the class, including Emo Kid, what they thought it was, but nobody could clearly explain, and eventually it came back around to the Smart One, who again, gave a good answer. I gave him another point. Emo Kid cried harder this time, burying his head in his arms, perhaps throwing his book on the floor. I can't remember, it all happens at least once.
I felt bad that Emo Kid took it so personally, so I told the class whoever finished the quiz at the end first would get a point. Emo Kid finished first, and answered all but one question correctly, so I gave him the point, despite protests from his classmates. He'd been acting up in class, so his name had been on the "angry" side of the board.
Emo Kid was satisfied, but one of the other boys said something to him while I was checking his quiz, and he hit the boy. I just don't put up with hitting and violence in this class (Emo Kid is the only one who does it anyways), but I didn't want to take his point away only 30 second after he'd got it, so I snapped at him and told him to go sit down. He did (crying), threw his chair around, threw some more books, before finally settling down.
Not a minute later, he got back up, walked around the table to ADD Kid, and hit him, for no apparent reason. It wasn't hard, but at that point I'd had just about enough of his antics. I erased his name, the bell rang, and we left Emo Kid beside himself with fury and grief at his lost sticker.
I don't want to sound heartless, because I usually cater to crying kids here, since none of them pull the crocodile tears on me. I feel like maybe I don't see or understand what the other kids do to make him angry, so I try not to call him out often, in case I'm not getting the whole story. But seriously, I do this routine several times a week. Emo Kid was upset, and that's unfortunate, but he gets upset not only over his losses, but other people's gains. ADD Kid always gets written up under the angry face, plus his mother dresses him like a homosexual! That's a major reason to have emotional issues, yet he's just as enthusiastic about class as if he were the smartest one. I'll probably handle another one of Emo Kid's tantrums later this week, and if I do, I'll mention it so you all can get a followup story :-)
Backstory:
Emo Kid is usually a very happy-go-lucky, smart kid. He's very competitive, and it tends to pay off, because I would call him a very close second to the smartest kid in class, who is the Korean version of the typical brainy kid. When I first started teaching him, he always cried when he didn't make an A or the top score in the class. His classmates told me that his father hits him when he doesn't score high enough, so I felt sorry for him, and tried to make the tests as easy as I could get away with.
However, I've heard nothing of his abusive father this whole term, and most of last term. But this kid's emotional outbursts have just gotten worse and worse. While I was shocked and disturbed at first, as my mother always says, you can get used to anything (she usually says this to dissuade me from watching violent movies or cursing or smoking pot or prostituting myself). These days he has these tantrums at least twice a week, and there was one week where he had one every day. And, now he doesn't just cry about test scores. Oh no.
Because this class is such a handful, I give them ways to compete in how well they behave, to keep them in some manner of order. I draw a happy face and an angry face on the board. If they do something good, like answer a question correctly in English or are sitting very quietly and paying attention, I write their name under the happy face and give them checks for every additional time. They get stickers for these "points." If they misbehave, I write their name under the angry face, and if they get enough checks after that, eventually I make them stand up or go stand outside, or something like that.
And now, on with the story:
Today we were studying out of their reading book. I was letting everyone take turns reading a short story (they don't seem to get tired of the rereads), and all the boys were freaking out over who would get to read next. I called on ADD Kid or somebody to read, and Emo Kid almost started crying, and he whined, "Teacher, whyyyyyyy....."
After that, I asked a question about a word in the story that they might not have known, to see who could answer best. Because they have to answer in English, it's hard sometimes, so I give a positive point to the first person who can define the word or at least mention a synonym articulately. It's often clear that they know what it means, but the goal is to get them acquainted with expressing themselves in English, instead of wild hand motions, sound effects, interpretive dance, etc. I took about two or three answers from the different kids (the word was "hatched") before the Smart One gave a shockingly creative and accurate answer. So I gave him the point. Emo Kid cried. I tried to placate him by saying he would have another chance.
On the next story, there weren't really any good vocabulary questions I could ask, but I thought one up. I asked every kid in the class, including Emo Kid, what they thought it was, but nobody could clearly explain, and eventually it came back around to the Smart One, who again, gave a good answer. I gave him another point. Emo Kid cried harder this time, burying his head in his arms, perhaps throwing his book on the floor. I can't remember, it all happens at least once.
I felt bad that Emo Kid took it so personally, so I told the class whoever finished the quiz at the end first would get a point. Emo Kid finished first, and answered all but one question correctly, so I gave him the point, despite protests from his classmates. He'd been acting up in class, so his name had been on the "angry" side of the board.
Emo Kid was satisfied, but one of the other boys said something to him while I was checking his quiz, and he hit the boy. I just don't put up with hitting and violence in this class (Emo Kid is the only one who does it anyways), but I didn't want to take his point away only 30 second after he'd got it, so I snapped at him and told him to go sit down. He did (crying), threw his chair around, threw some more books, before finally settling down.
Not a minute later, he got back up, walked around the table to ADD Kid, and hit him, for no apparent reason. It wasn't hard, but at that point I'd had just about enough of his antics. I erased his name, the bell rang, and we left Emo Kid beside himself with fury and grief at his lost sticker.
I don't want to sound heartless, because I usually cater to crying kids here, since none of them pull the crocodile tears on me. I feel like maybe I don't see or understand what the other kids do to make him angry, so I try not to call him out often, in case I'm not getting the whole story. But seriously, I do this routine several times a week. Emo Kid was upset, and that's unfortunate, but he gets upset not only over his losses, but other people's gains. ADD Kid always gets written up under the angry face, plus his mother dresses him like a homosexual! That's a major reason to have emotional issues, yet he's just as enthusiastic about class as if he were the smartest one. I'll probably handle another one of Emo Kid's tantrums later this week, and if I do, I'll mention it so you all can get a followup story :-)
Monday, August 6, 2007
Chapter 43: "Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow"
So I arrived at school today in a very good mood. My mood improved (surprisingly) during my first class, which is the All Boys and One Girl Class. Normally they are nuts. Today was normal. But for some reason, probably because I'd just had a week long break from them, their antics just amused me.
First, ADD Kid got a haircut. Like, I didn't even recognize him at first. Seriously, I was going to ask what the new kid's name was. It used to be this big ol' sugar bowl cut that his mother must've poufed for him every morning, because hair doesn't normally look like that. And now it's this very Asian-trendy choppy cut, very cute. I'll post a picture sometime soon; this kid also wears the most ridiculous clothing, and I want you all to share in my amusement. Speaking of, that was how I finally registered in my brain that it was ADD Kid, and not some new kid; he wears these mini short shorts a lot, entirely unsuitable for his gender, and he was wearing them today.
Second (in going along with the hair theme), the Smart One was being clever again in class today :-) To recap this class (I've had them every day for the past 5 months), it's a bunch of insane 8-or-9-year-old boys. Their English is quite good for their age, but it always shocks and amuses me when they use their somewhat limited vocabulary to make a joke.
Joanna-Teacher (conducting question-and-answer): "Do you like to wash your hair?"
Emo Kid (formerly known as Child-Abuse Kid): "Yes, I do."
The Smart One: "Teacher! He lie! I smell his hair and...." *screws up face and clamps hand over nose*
I couldn't help laughing, but Emo Kid got kind of angry (big surprise). Ah well. All things considered, as easy as this boy is to set off (accidentally and on purpose), I kind of commend the other boys for not taking full advantage. They egg him on some, for sure, but I can't bring myself to whole-heartedly defend a boy who cries and throws a tantrum three out of five days of the week.
Finally, since the title of this entry involves hair, I have to mention again how much I am enjoying my unclogged sink. Seriously, before I cleared it out, I was brushing my teeth over the toilet. Which is gross.
First, ADD Kid got a haircut. Like, I didn't even recognize him at first. Seriously, I was going to ask what the new kid's name was. It used to be this big ol' sugar bowl cut that his mother must've poufed for him every morning, because hair doesn't normally look like that. And now it's this very Asian-trendy choppy cut, very cute. I'll post a picture sometime soon; this kid also wears the most ridiculous clothing, and I want you all to share in my amusement. Speaking of, that was how I finally registered in my brain that it was ADD Kid, and not some new kid; he wears these mini short shorts a lot, entirely unsuitable for his gender, and he was wearing them today.
Second (in going along with the hair theme), the Smart One was being clever again in class today :-) To recap this class (I've had them every day for the past 5 months), it's a bunch of insane 8-or-9-year-old boys. Their English is quite good for their age, but it always shocks and amuses me when they use their somewhat limited vocabulary to make a joke.
Joanna-Teacher (conducting question-and-answer): "Do you like to wash your hair?"
Emo Kid (formerly known as Child-Abuse Kid): "Yes, I do."
The Smart One: "Teacher! He lie! I smell his hair and...." *screws up face and clamps hand over nose*
I couldn't help laughing, but Emo Kid got kind of angry (big surprise). Ah well. All things considered, as easy as this boy is to set off (accidentally and on purpose), I kind of commend the other boys for not taking full advantage. They egg him on some, for sure, but I can't bring myself to whole-heartedly defend a boy who cries and throws a tantrum three out of five days of the week.
Finally, since the title of this entry involves hair, I have to mention again how much I am enjoying my unclogged sink. Seriously, before I cleared it out, I was brushing my teeth over the toilet. Which is gross.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Chapter 42: "I Got Skillz"
Plumbing skillz, that is. I'm feeling particularly proud of myself for unclogging my bathroom sink with out the help of an actual plumber. For a couple weeks now, I've been having to avoid using my sink, because the water was backed up so bad. It was nasty, let me tell you. But I cleaned it out! And now I know that when I shed, truly, I shed everywhere. Especially the bathroom sink.
This post is dedicated to Danny, who makes up like a third of my fandom, and was lamenting to me just today that I had not posted recently. Sorry, I'll try to make it relatively interesting.
Well, I wish I had some nice pictures of the mud festival, but I don't, someone else has the best ones. When I get them, I'll post them.
Last weekend I went rafting...somewhere. We went with a tour group up from Seoul to some remote river. It was really fun, since it was my first time rafting. Our guide didn't speak much English, but there were a couple of people on the raft who were bilingual, so it was okay. I was sitting nearest to the guide from my side of the raft, and he kept rapping on my life jacket, or my helmet, and when I looked to see what he wanted, he'd be pointing at another raft, filled with Koreans. I'd smile and wave and say hello, and splash them with water, the usual. Sometimes the guide would say, "Speak English!" like we were going to strike up English conversation with the other Korean strangers out on the river. Maybe he was just trying to show off that he had a boatful of white people? It's not the strangest thing, white people are quite the novelty. I myself sometimes feel like standing in a store window, just to show off my unique caucasian physical attributes....
Later that day some people went bungee jumping. This is the bridge they jumped off of:
I did not join them.
Last week I was in Shanghai with friends. Twas lovely, if not a bit hot. I really like shopping, and I managed to snag the most realistic (and comfiest) fake Abercrombie and Fitch sweatpants ever. I mean, seriously, either the person who faked them is a genius, or they just fell off the back of the A&F truck. I want to wear them for the rest of my life, they are so comfortable. Here is the essence of the trip:
This is the view from my friends' apartment where I stayed.
These are some pretty fish from the aquarium. Some of the fish looked a bit ill though, which made me sad. Still, aquariums are really awesome!
This is me with the statues of some tourists.
Me on a motorbike. It was fun!
Pedestrian shopping place/street/thing. Hello friend, you like watch, bag, Louis Vuitton?
Yuyuan Gardens. Don't know if I spelled that right.
The etiquette bell. This was in a bathroom in the Seoul airport. Apparently you push it and it makes a convincing flushing sound, if you have stage fright, or don't want other people to hear. When I first saw it, I thought it was to ring for an attendant or something. The thought of a little old Korean custodian lady arriving to help me with my various bathroom needs was a bit disturbing, so I didn't push it. And even though now I know its true purpose, I'm still too scared to push it, just in case it does call for an attendant....
Well, that's it. Today is my 6 month anniversary here, hooray. Downhill (sort of) from here! I feel refreshed (a little) and ready (as I'll ever be) to start another week of school!
This post is dedicated to Danny, who makes up like a third of my fandom, and was lamenting to me just today that I had not posted recently. Sorry, I'll try to make it relatively interesting.
Well, I wish I had some nice pictures of the mud festival, but I don't, someone else has the best ones. When I get them, I'll post them.
Last weekend I went rafting...somewhere. We went with a tour group up from Seoul to some remote river. It was really fun, since it was my first time rafting. Our guide didn't speak much English, but there were a couple of people on the raft who were bilingual, so it was okay. I was sitting nearest to the guide from my side of the raft, and he kept rapping on my life jacket, or my helmet, and when I looked to see what he wanted, he'd be pointing at another raft, filled with Koreans. I'd smile and wave and say hello, and splash them with water, the usual. Sometimes the guide would say, "Speak English!" like we were going to strike up English conversation with the other Korean strangers out on the river. Maybe he was just trying to show off that he had a boatful of white people? It's not the strangest thing, white people are quite the novelty. I myself sometimes feel like standing in a store window, just to show off my unique caucasian physical attributes....
Later that day some people went bungee jumping. This is the bridge they jumped off of:
I did not join them.
Last week I was in Shanghai with friends. Twas lovely, if not a bit hot. I really like shopping, and I managed to snag the most realistic (and comfiest) fake Abercrombie and Fitch sweatpants ever. I mean, seriously, either the person who faked them is a genius, or they just fell off the back of the A&F truck. I want to wear them for the rest of my life, they are so comfortable. Here is the essence of the trip:
This is the view from my friends' apartment where I stayed.
These are some pretty fish from the aquarium. Some of the fish looked a bit ill though, which made me sad. Still, aquariums are really awesome!
This is me with the statues of some tourists.
Me on a motorbike. It was fun!
Pedestrian shopping place/street/thing. Hello friend, you like watch, bag, Louis Vuitton?
Yuyuan Gardens. Don't know if I spelled that right.
The etiquette bell. This was in a bathroom in the Seoul airport. Apparently you push it and it makes a convincing flushing sound, if you have stage fright, or don't want other people to hear. When I first saw it, I thought it was to ring for an attendant or something. The thought of a little old Korean custodian lady arriving to help me with my various bathroom needs was a bit disturbing, so I didn't push it. And even though now I know its true purpose, I'm still too scared to push it, just in case it does call for an attendant....Well, that's it. Today is my 6 month anniversary here, hooray. Downhill (sort of) from here! I feel refreshed (a little) and ready (as I'll ever be) to start another week of school!
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