I actually did some work today! After waking to the P.A. system blaring at 7:30 yesterday morning, I woke to the sun today and prepared for the 7:30 special assembly where Jen and I, along with 12 exchange students from other Sacred Heart schools in the U.S., Mexico, Japan and Australia were to be introduced. While most of my school observations to date have been highly comparable to western methods, I was amused by a women who looked and dressed like a drill sergeant that organized the students in an auditorium (and she quickly took care of a cockroach problem haha).
My first group of students were much weaker than I anticipated. In Qingpu, I taught Grade 6-9 and I had some VERY strong classes (and eager). In general, there are way more English speakers here than in Qingpu (most of the staff can have at least a short conversation) and I have all Grade 11 classes this week. Mind you, they were broken into A and B groups (A being the stronger half of the class) and I have all Grade 11 Bs. I planned to give them an introduction activity in which, for example, they said “My name is Miss Mac and I like music” or “my name is Holly and I am Happy” (something that starts with the same letter as their name) but they were unable to do so. A part of this was because of their crippling shyness and a part was due to the fact that they just couldn’t come up with things.
I ended up showing many pictures/slides about Canada and generating conversation from these. They especially liked seeing mom and dad’s pool and a picture of my family. Much to his delight, I’m sure, two of my three classes unanimously thought Neil was the oldest in the family and everyone was shocked that Cullen was their age haha
Luckily, my other two Grade 11 classes were more open to talking and seemed to be progressively stronger. I’m hoping over the next few classes to break their shyness a bit so we can have a bit more fun (skits, etc.). I do understand, though. When I was in Quebec, it was noted by several people that I spoke better French after a drink or two because I let down my guard. While I don’t plan to get them drinking, I’m hoping the environment becomes more comfortable.
This is the first time Jen and I were on our own in Bali to get supper. We found a dumpling place, had some dumplings and wonton soup then grabbed some groceries before calling it a night. We got a kick out of the garbage truck we saw on the walk home; it plays music like an ice cream truck at home would. Apparently they all do! When I got back to my room I found that my window lizard had a buddy; there are two there now. I think I’ll call them Bert and Ernie. They are fast and shy, though, so I have yet to get a picture of them
Tomorrow is Wednesday but our last day of teaching for the week because we will be heading on a 3-day tour of Taiwan (hosted by the school). If you’ve been following the news at all the “biggest storm in the world in 2015 thus far” is hitting us Thursday-Sunday but no one here seems concerned and they say that the government will shut things down if it’s bad. Ok then….
Before we go (Wednesday night), we are going with Maggie to some famous local Hot Springs (why not in this heat? That makes sense right?). We’re just hoping we get to keep our clothes on!
Depending on when we get home, I may not post for a few days. I’ll update you all about the Typhoon then!
My first group of students were much weaker than I anticipated. In Qingpu, I taught Grade 6-9 and I had some VERY strong classes (and eager). In general, there are way more English speakers here than in Qingpu (most of the staff can have at least a short conversation) and I have all Grade 11 classes this week. Mind you, they were broken into A and B groups (A being the stronger half of the class) and I have all Grade 11 Bs. I planned to give them an introduction activity in which, for example, they said “My name is Miss Mac and I like music” or “my name is Holly and I am Happy” (something that starts with the same letter as their name) but they were unable to do so. A part of this was because of their crippling shyness and a part was due to the fact that they just couldn’t come up with things.
I ended up showing many pictures/slides about Canada and generating conversation from these. They especially liked seeing mom and dad’s pool and a picture of my family. Much to his delight, I’m sure, two of my three classes unanimously thought Neil was the oldest in the family and everyone was shocked that Cullen was their age haha
Luckily, my other two Grade 11 classes were more open to talking and seemed to be progressively stronger. I’m hoping over the next few classes to break their shyness a bit so we can have a bit more fun (skits, etc.). I do understand, though. When I was in Quebec, it was noted by several people that I spoke better French after a drink or two because I let down my guard. While I don’t plan to get them drinking, I’m hoping the environment becomes more comfortable.
This is the first time Jen and I were on our own in Bali to get supper. We found a dumpling place, had some dumplings and wonton soup then grabbed some groceries before calling it a night. We got a kick out of the garbage truck we saw on the walk home; it plays music like an ice cream truck at home would. Apparently they all do! When I got back to my room I found that my window lizard had a buddy; there are two there now. I think I’ll call them Bert and Ernie. They are fast and shy, though, so I have yet to get a picture of them
Tomorrow is Wednesday but our last day of teaching for the week because we will be heading on a 3-day tour of Taiwan (hosted by the school). If you’ve been following the news at all the “biggest storm in the world in 2015 thus far” is hitting us Thursday-Sunday but no one here seems concerned and they say that the government will shut things down if it’s bad. Ok then….
Before we go (Wednesday night), we are going with Maggie to some famous local Hot Springs (why not in this heat? That makes sense right?). We’re just hoping we get to keep our clothes on!
Depending on when we get home, I may not post for a few days. I’ll update you all about the Typhoon then!