My first day (again)

Today was my first day of officially having my own classes. I was up late last night working on lesson plans...I have to plan the Kindergarten out for the week and the middle school group for the month. Both are tough in their own ways.
The books we are using for the middle school class does not come with a teacher's guide. Well, they make one, but we haven't bought it. So, I have to make it up myself. Which actually for this group of kids isn't too bad. They have a pretty good grasp on English and are actually responsive in class. So I feel fortunate to have these kids. The only difficulty is planning out the lessons and being sure they are not too hard, not too easy, not too much info at once, and that we get through the whole book in 6 months. The parents will complain if I don't give them enough homework, but at the same time I don't want to give them too much. Today I think went pretty well, so that's good. The kids already kind of knew me because I'd observed a few of their classes in the past week. They read aloud and their pronunciation was pretty decent. And they did a good job explaining to each other the meanings of words in English.

But earlier in the day I had the Kindergarten. We're in the same area as the group I've been working with since I got here, but in a separate room. I've got 5 year olds (versus 6/7 yo in the other group). But the problem here is that there is only one. Of course he doesn't speak any English. And he's shy on top of that, even for the Korean teachers. I had a lesson plan worked out for him and sometimes he seemed somewhat engaged, but other times he just seemed bored. I feel bad for him, I know that it is not fun for him to be with an English-only speaking teacher all day and no one else to play with or talk to.
And it's hard to teach him. I had some game and song ideas but when there is only one kid it's really tough. Because with more than one, they can watch each other for cues or compete, or help each other, or even feel more comfortable! So I don't really know what to do with him. I think all this week is going to be kind of tough, but I'll keep trying. Maybe if we sing some songs or something? But like I said, he's shy. So I'm not sure how helpful that will be. It's really hard for me too to talk to, sing to, or play with a kid who is shy, speaks only Korean, and is bored. Bad combination. I will have to keep researching this problem. Anyone have any tips??

The good thing about Kindy today though is the girl who previously seemed to hate me was wondering why I wasn't working with them anymore. We all still had lunch together though and they were all happy to see me. They kept teaching me Korean words and cheering loudly whenever I repeated it. The girl even complimented me on my pronunciation. So, maybe she doesn't hate me after all! I guess making a kid cry a few times is a necessary evil.

2 of the kids in that class left today. They are returning home to Dubai. I'm not sure what the story is exactly but they live here only for the summer. They were kind of naughty but also gregarious and spoke English pretty well for that age. So, it will be a lot quieter now!

All week I have been talking to my two female coworkers about getting together one night and going out for dinner...I think tomorrow is finally the day that will work for everyone. So, hopefully we'll be going for a traditional Korean meal. Hannah was concerned I would have a hard time sitting on the floor, which is typical in many Korean restaurants, but I assured her I wouldn't mind. She asked me if i was able to sit cross-legged so I showed her I could, and she was impressed. She knows I have trouble on the kindergarten chairs all day with my long legs, so she worried about that. But I told her I want to try it, and to try whatever food they think I should. She said that maybe we will go somewhere we can get live octopus...they cut off the leg and you eat it while it's still moving. I was a bit horrified by that but like I told her, my motto while I'm here is to try everything at least once....if i have the guts.