Teaching English

You know by now that I teach English to 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th graders at one of the Thai schools here in Mae Sot.  You also know that this was a frustrating assignment for me until a friend helped fix my attitude.  Since then, I’ve had a lot of fun with it though I still doubt my effectiveness.  My classes today went pretty well.  I taught the 4^th graders from the book; they’re learning “can” and “can’t” and what can do what.  Can a tiger fly?  No, a tiger can’t fly.  Can you wash the dishes?  Heck no, I did them yesterday.  We also talked about sports they play, and I am proud that all my 4^th graders now want to be hockey players.  =)  Fifth grade was tougher…their book is hung up on food, and it’s really kind of boring.  We slogged through this odd exercise telling them how to make a tuna sandwich…really?  But it did give me the chance to teach some shapes (something gets cut into squares in the recipe) and different eating utensils and dishes (stuff gets mixed in a bowl).  Then, we went outside and pointed out stuff in the schoolyard and parking area, and I think they liked that. We mixed it up between natural things like plants, leaves, rocks, dirt and sand, and (of course) car parts.  My timing was perfect, too – we settled back into the classroom, did our “Thank you Teacher” and “see you next week” rituals, and the hour was up.   Then another teacher rolled on up into the room and ruined everything.  The way my caveman self understood it:  No 6^th grade this week, stay here for another hour.  Anyone who has to listen to me for two hours is bound to be miserable, but we made it through talking about numbers and clothing, and not once did I whack my noggin on this low-hanging cage for a television, the way I have done TWICE in previous weeks.  I’m a slow learner.  Anyway, it ended well, and several kids wanted my autograph in their little lesson books.  Ha!

There’s no school next Thursday.  I’m going to miss them.  Strange how things turn around, isn't it?

After a great lunch with the other teachers at school,  I rounded out the day with painting at the new infant care home til about 8, then a quick visit with Su Su and then to Casa Mia for a ridiculous beef burger and fries.  More painting tomorrow.

Thank you for your prayers!