Kate Teacher

Alexis nicely informed me that I haven’t written on this thing in awhile. So, I’ll just give a short update as I have to run off to school in a few minutes.

I’ve started teaching as of last Monday (30th of August) and have been kept really busy doing that. Last week was mainly introductions to the students, letting them get to know me, me figuring out the electronic equipment, eating lunch in the cafeteria (amazing food) etc. This week started “real” teaching, which is a work in progress. Monday was rough, Tuesday was better, and I think by Friday I might enjoy it. The only problem is my throat is killing me by the end of the day (I’ve been shouting at Middle Schoolers, A LOT).

I teach 4 classes a day – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at the Middle School (Grades 7-9) and Thursday, Friday at the High School (Grades 10 and 11). I have to be at school from 8:30-4:30 every day, which is nothing compared to the students. High School students are at school from 8:00 A.M. – 9:30 or 10:00 P.M., they have nine hours of classes a day and then mandatory student time. It sounds horrible.

The Middle School has a set curriculum that I have to teach to, so I’ve been busy reading their textbook and making lesson plans that incorporate the text book with some fun. I personally find the text book to be redundant and horrible. It is not cohesive & the actors they have for some of the videos make me laugh. I’m trying hard to make it a little fun for them.

The High School gave me free reign to do whatever I want as they want their students to have some fun during the day. My co-teachers told me as long as the students have fun & speak during class they don’t care what I teach them. So if you have any suggestions what 15 and 16 year old Korean kids want to learn about, please share them!

So, yeah, I’m keeping busy. I was at school until 9 P.M. last night as the school is preparing for the English Festival. I still have no idea what the English Festival is, but I was told I’m to help with it. Helping apparently means teaching the lyrics and choreographing a dance to “Summer Nights”. I’m just hoping I don’t have to perform with the students.

I met the other NET (Native English Teachers) in my city yesterday and all of us that live in the county are going out to dinner tonight to get to know each other. I’m looking forward to the break from my school-dinner-sleep routine that I’ve made.

That’s all for now, I have to be on my way. It isn’t a long walk, but I get distracted by stores I’ve never seen & things on the street.

Next time – my two Welcome dinners, Love Motel, and more about teaching.

Hope all is well!