I drafted sample lesson plans on Monday and Tuesday, and watched classes in the Language Center during the afternoon. There is a common stereotype of Chinese students that they are much more disciplined, hard-working, and respectful of their elders than their American peers. That image for me was destroyed within seconds of walking into a TESS classroom. The Chinese kids I observed were squirrelly, cliquey, loud, moody, and ultra-competitive - after all, regardless of cultural norms, they are still kids. Luckily, they are also unbelievable cute.
Jaris teaching parts of the body in what may soon be my classroom (!)
After reassuring myself that my 5-day introduction to teaching would ease me smoothly into the teaching experience, I was approached by Steve this morning with an unforeseen request (demand?): there will be several new classes tonight that don't yet have teachers, and he needs someone to fill in. So in two days I have graduated from mediocre first attempts at lesson planning to standing in front of classroom, playing the role of teacher. I am hoping I can put on a guise of confidence... or at least not pee my pants in front of a classroom of 4th graders. I can't help but think of all the times my mom pressured me to do something out of my comfort zone to "build character" - this experience is definitely going to be a chart-topper. (I hope you're proud!!)
Yet despite my apprehension I am pretty excited - after all, this is what I traveled several thousand miles to do. Besides, it makes the demo introductory lesson I'll be giving the other teachers on Friday morning seem like a cake-walk in comparison. Not to mention, if nothing else it may give me an exciting addition to my blog... :)
Jaris teaching parts of the body in what may soon be my classroom (!)Yet despite my apprehension I am pretty excited - after all, this is what I traveled several thousand miles to do. Besides, it makes the demo introductory lesson I'll be giving the other teachers on Friday morning seem like a cake-walk in comparison. Not to mention, if nothing else it may give me an exciting addition to my blog... :)
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On a completely unrelated note, when I was leaving to go for a run on Sunday morning (recuperation after watching the disappointing ending to the Badger game with a fellow teacher from OSU) I realized I left my iPod, keys, and small wallet on the bus home from Yangshuo. Luckily everything that disappeared was readily replaceable, and the process of losing them was fast and painless - no show-downs like my European muggings! Still, for those of you who had high hopes for me in my new hemisphere, I can assure you I have not lost my magic touch.
6 comments:
Hi Amber, I am glad to see you have such a good attitude about losing your things. No use crying over spilled milk and all. Maybe if you leave enough useful items around the city you won't need to get mugged!
Love,
Aunt Gail
Ok Amber, if I could teach college students economics having been given zero guidance, except the instruction to teach Macro or Micro or some econometrics, believe me you can do this with no problems. My classes had people as big as me and some even bigger, and I not only managed but really learned to enjoy it! So you can manage smaller 4th graders and love it in the end (i hope). The one advice given in these situations is: show no fear. Also (am channeling my inner Palin here) talk authoritatively and you will do well. look forward to hear what actually happened.
Hugs,
Lullit
I second what Lullit said - I also taught people bigger than me, and not just bigger but smarter, funnier and in every other way superior, but in my classroom I was THE LAW and my word was gospel truth. OK, not really - but honestly there's nothing to worry about - just tell then what you know, observe carefully and see if they're getting it, get as much feedback from them as they're able to give and revise where necessary. In other words, lather, rinse, repeat. You'll get the hang of it quickly!
Zai Jian!
Amber,
I think when I was talking about doing things outside ones comfort zone, I was trying to get Ross to make a phone call. Most of what you do is outside my comfort zone so I may have overdone that bit of advice. Anyway, I know you'll be great at teaching, but it may take a bit of practice. Have fun and say prayers for them. That's what keeps me going.
Love you,
Mom
Ironic, while your taking a step forward to teach outside of your comfort zone, I took one backwards and became a freshman outside of mine. I'm impressed with your attitude though and it sounds like you're doing well. Tomorrow I'll pretend you're dancing next to me as I'm playing back to humanities.
Hey Amber,
I am really enjoying hearing about the experiences of a fellow friend living outside their comfort zone. I have kind of felt like that the whole time I have been here, but I get a little more comfortable with each passing day. I'm sure we'll have lots of fun character-building stories to share upon our returns.
Matt
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