Teachers are powerful leaders.

In one of my earlier posts I said that I was a good teacher. I take that back. Well actually, I'd like to rephrase it. I think I have the ability to genuinely understand the heart of another person, and this makes it easier for me recognize what they're motivated by, thus teach them. But I could always be a better teacher. It's just one of those skills that can never be perfected, only strengthened. I have definitely improved as a teacher during my stay so far, and I hope to continue doing so throughout my life. Korea has put me to the test because I have to teach when I don't know the language at all. (I know a little more now, but it's still not enough to actually use during my teaching unless I'm disciplining the kids.)

So how does someone become a better teacher anyways? For one, there's spending time making a good lesson plan. If you're a teacher, I sincerely doubt that spending 20 minutes on a lesson plan will create the most effective lesson. The more time you take to plan a lesson, and create materials, the better your lesson will be. So even if you can create an amazing lesson in 20 minutes, it'll probably be even more valuable if you spent 40 minutes on it. ;)

Other than the more obvious "work harder" advice which goes for all skills, having an open mind is really important. If students are putting in the effort, don't blame them for not understanding a concept. Be flexible in your methods of teaching, and have patience. Be able to take criticism, but be confident in what works for you. All teachers are different. Don't limit your view of teaching as something that's a personal skill you take pride in, but a skill that can be utilized for the "greater good" (end purpose which is passing on knowledge). So that means, help other teachers, and share your ideas with others. What has worked? What hasn't worked? I love talking to other teachers about lesson plans honestly. 8) Teachers are powerful leaders.

Not sure if I've mentioned this yet, but in my free time I've been volunteering to teach soldiers, and it's been great! In Korea, males are required to complete 2 years of military service (usually during the university age) and they are placed in different branches. It's not uncommon to see soldiers walking around everywhere in Korea. (No worries, I usually don't see them carrying guns.) At first, I was a bit awed by this and stare at the military trucks. But now I'm completely unfazed. I've even forgotten that this isn't as common of a sight in the States. So the students I teach in particular, are placed in the police department and completing police officer duty. Since I'm doing this voluntarily, they're really flexible with my schedule, and I usually teach around 2 hours per week. Teaching adults is so different, and very fun! The games I can play are more complex and I can actually be a part of them as well. We've played games such as hot seat, alibi, taboo, charades, tongue twisters etc. I teach them about grammar, pronunciation, and help them speak English more "naturally". It mostly serves as a conversation class, and sometimes it feels like I'm just hanging out with my friends.

I honestly don't know who I like teaching better at this point. Kids, or adults. On one hand, I can teach the kids a variety of material and have tons of fun with them. And on the other hand, adults don't need disciplining. They're in class because they want to be. That makes a huge difference.

Well I have to go plan my Halloween lessons for tomorrow now. :) We're going to have some spOoOoky fun! Hopefully, I feel motivated enough to write here more often. I've realized that I can't document every part of my journey, so you'll have to settle for my momentary thoughts.

I hope that you're having a happy week!
Love,
Anisha

Sports Day

This is the view from my office at Jangyang Elementary.

Sports Day at Jangyang Elementary school was tons of fun! The students, parents, and teachers got to compete in fun games and sports. :) My favorite was definitely the baton races. It was truly a wonderful experience for everyone! And it brought a sense of unity to the school. What I loved seeing the most was the sportsmanship displayed amongst the students. After a game was finished I saw the winners hug the losers, and at the end of the day the whole student body helped clean up and put the chairs back in the school. I saw little second graders carrying their chair back into their classrooms! And if a student was struggling, an older student would come to their rescue. It was so heartwarming to see, and I think the world could learn a lot from this culture.

D'oh! :3

These two ladies always sit with me during lunch, and try to get me to take more kimchi. :P

Coordinated dance!

A game is in session. Hi Jinbo Teacher!

From left to right: The principal, and the vice principal! They are playing rock paper scissors.

4th grade cuties!

3rd grade sweetheart! :3 

Go Joon Ik! Wave that flag!

Ahhh! Faster!

Two (adorable) troublemakers from my 5th grade. :) Two peas in a pod!

Fighting!

I talked to quite a number of my students, and we'd have an English conversation. I would make sure to use language that they had learned in class, and it was the cutest thing ever to see their parents behind them swelling up with pride!!!! :') It was also funny and nice to hear random students shout "Anisha Teacher, I love you!!" 

I had the day off, but I'm so glad I went and got to witness such a bright and friendly event. I hope I get to see more while I'm here!

Teaching!

I love my students!

I just wanted to start my post off with saying that. Teaching is not the easiest thing. It's been one of the most challenging parts of being here. But it's also the reason I'm here, and it's the most rewarding experience I've had while in Korea. I teach English to kids grades 4-6, Monday-Friday in both curriculum and after school classes. I also do teacher training once a week, so I can help the teachers improve their English skills.

While I don't see myself teaching for life, it's something that I can unabashedly say that I'm good at. Everyday is different, so I look forward to learning something new and it's a skill that I can develop. During my first week, I didn't really know what to expect! I was pretty nervous and had to remind myself that they were just kids! And not little monsters. Well, most of them. :) Over the course of two months I have had kids tear their textbook, slam doors, yell, talk back to my co-teacher, and I had a fight break out in my 4th grade classroom. I'm not fazed by any of it, but I do need to learn how to become better at classroom management. I still need to perfect my reward system because I would like to have 100% control over the classroom. Putting classroom management aside, the kids are really adorable and charming. In South Korea, kids are required to clean their classrooms and take care of their schools, which teaches them a great deal of responsibility. Everyday I see kids mopping the hallways, and cleaning the bathrooms. After the students finish their meals in the cafeteria they go to their homeroom teacher so she can check that they finished their food before they put their tray away. Bowing is also emphasized as a form of respect, so when I walk past a student or another teacher, we usually bow our heads at one another. As I walk down the halls I'm greeted with kids saying "hello!" and I am still welcomed by that everyday! "Hi teacher! How's it going?" I love it when they use language that they learned in my class. :)

Lesson on "directions". Kids are in teams, and one is blindfolded
while the other has to direct their partner to the end! In English of course. :)

My 5th & 6th grade after school class. We did a lesson on St Patrick's Day,
where we made a rainbow attached to a pot of gold. Each student got to write their wish on the pot. 

My favorite part about teaching is my afterschool class, which I do twice a week because I get to be creative and do whatever lesson I want! So we have loads of fun learning English. Curriculum is a bit more restricted because I have to teach by the textbook, but I still try to think of fun activities to replace the boring ones. :P

Let me know if you have any particular questions about teaching kids English in Korea! :)

- Anisha