Weekends are exhausting. At least kind of.
Today I went to Lotte Mart on foot, walked around for a long while, and ended up leaving with all sorts of cool stuff. Including computer speakers and CD-Rs, excluding bedding.
I know, I know, I know. I went there for bedding. But anyone who knows me shouldn't be surprised by this at all.
The best thing was that they accepted my American credit card.
It's been pretty easy distributing my expenses over my different methods of bringing money so far; I brought traveler's checks, my debit card and my credit card. There's an ATM at a convenience store just down the street that will let me withdraw money from my bank account without a charge. There's still a bank charge, of course, but it's nice that the ATM doesn't double-dip. That was always a gripe of mine back home.
Joel and Tom came by this afternoon after my Lotte Mart adventure and we ordered a few pizzas from Domino's. Which is right by my place. Like, right next to it. To the point that I use it as a landmark if I'm venturing South of my place, around the Suribong intersection (large four-way intersection, lots of cars- I cross this to go to work or anywhere South of me, really). It was nice to kick it with them for a bit- we went back to Joel's to eat. Those two are characters, they really are... they picked up some toy guns from E-Mart and got into a few heated standoffs here and there, hilarious to watch. Joel's internet is hooked up, so he grabbed a subway map and threw it on my flash drive. We also watched Bruno from a streaming site and, oh man, anyone who hasn't seen it isn't missing much at all. We stopped about a fifth of the way through to save ourselves the headache.
Tom also showed me how to get hot water in my apartment. It's really easy- you just push the button to activate the thermostat and the hot water heater kicks on instantly. Everything's gas powered, so that's why there's just one button. No more frighteningly cold showers for me... now I have control over that aspect of my life once again. It's quite a nice thing to have control over. Trust me, you don't know what you got 'til it's gone.
What else... oh, I got my first lesson in Korean fashion today. When I went to Lotte Mart, I was immediately drawn to the men's formalwear department. It was easy to see because all of their ties are SHINY AS HELL. Seriously. Shiny. Glittery, almost. It's something else. I didn't buy one today, but I'm sure I'll end up back there at some point. Just don't laugh if you see me wearing a glittery, pastel pink tie. I know nobody will because I know I can pull it off. ;)
I also ran over to a local convenience store today. Went for more hangers, a clothes drying rack (because nobody really uses dryers over here) and a bunch of bottled water. That was fun to carry home. :P
Sounds like Tom and Joel will be stopping by tomorrow to take me to the nearest train station so I can buy a T-Money card for the public transit system. These cards are great- they're refillable transit cards that also give the bearer a discount on tickets, transfers and even taxi service. So if you ever forget to bring some money when you're heading out somewhere, it's no problem so long as you've brought your keys. Yeah, your keys. The card's really tiny to the point that it's an acceptable keychain or cell phone accessory.
Anyway, Joel tells me that there's a huge electronics store at the station two stops North of here. Huge. Keyboards, CD and Vinyl tables, guitars, speakers, you name it. I'd love to check it out tomorrow- I'm a little upset that I bought computer speakers today, but I do tend to jump the gun. I might just put them up on Craigslist - Seoul and see if I can get a decent bit back. I'll lose money, but so is the price of being reckless.
I'm also familiar with how to get to Seoul using the subway system thanks to Joel's map. North to Bupyeong (붑영), transfer to the Eastbound 1 line, take it to Seoul. No problem.
Now that I have a subway map, I'm really anxious for Global Gathering in September. Huge electronica festival held in multiple countries. And piss, I've missed the Jisan Valley Rock Festival which featured Basement Jaxx and Dieselboy... that was today. Son of the bitch. Best case scenario they both show at Global Gathering, I guess?
Damn it. I was excited about that. But it's probably more important that I get settled in and get everything together right now. By September I'll be more than prepared to venture off to wherever Global Gathering is being held. I'm way way way excited for it. You've no idea. Not only is it a huge electronica festival but I'm pretty certain that it'll be one of the most amazing days, if not the most amazing day, that I've ever lived. Excitement.
It's getting late here and I've had a long day. Going to poke around on Craigslist - Seoul for a bit, pay my Won and get to bed.
Bones.
-토맛
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
You Can't See The Lotte Mart From The Trees.
I'm at Lotte Mart on limited battery life. Free Wi-Fi, though.
Need to get some bedding- my bed is kind of stiff and has a small pillow, so.
I couldn't find this place until I checked on a map.
It's hard to see from the school because it's obscured by trees.
Anyway.
Pictures on their way at http://picasaweb.google.com/thefinalthom
Please take a look, thanks! :D
-Thom
Need to get some bedding- my bed is kind of stiff and has a small pillow, so.
I couldn't find this place until I checked on a map.
It's hard to see from the school because it's obscured by trees.
Anyway.
Pictures on their way at http://picasaweb.google.com/thefinalthom
Please take a look, thanks! :D
-Thom
...Great Teacher Thomas?
Teaching today was a snap. A breeze. No sweat.
Classes were anywhere from 70-80min, much longer than the 45min classes I was teaching yesterday. So how the blast did I manage to do so well today?
Not sure.
I only finished three of four lesson plans today, and one of them was shot to Hell when the students told me "teacher, teacher, teacher! we did already."
Those are the worst six words to hear from students. Aside from "give me detention, I don't care," I suppose. But I still managed to work things out and keep my students from landing themselves in detention while powering through a full unit in each class. So I'm sticking to the schedule that the higher-ups want me to stick to, which involves keeping the students well enough in order to get through the material.
They really love it when you tell them "If we can finish everything in class today, there's no homework. So please don't talk while I'm talking." The promise of one or two fewer pages of homework means a lot. My co-workers tell me that they're swamped with homework from public school, not to mention the homework they get from the other teachers in my school. So any little bit helps, right?
To further solidify my point, I handed out five reward pencils (five!) today and was actually told "good lesson, teacher" by one of the students. That and they actually did what I asked instead of sitting there and doodling.
I think it really helps that I have some beef with the public school system in 'merica. I never had any motivation to do my work. It was boring and the teachers didn't really get me into it- even the ones that tried really hard to get their students involved ended up dishing out more work than anyone could really handle unless they dropped all of their free time into studying. That makes it really hard to be motivated, you know?
Tom and Joel invited me to come out to Touchdown for pool tonight, but they got a call from one of their friends in the area who wanted to go to dinner with them, so Tom came to my door to explain the situation- he apologized a lot, which was crazy. But really considerate of him. It's just funny because I tried to pay the cab fare back from work today but they wouldn't have it. "Don't worry so much about trying to pay us back for every little thing. It's only $1.50." I told them I wanted to based on principle, and they liked the idea of that but still wouldn't take my money. Fair enough.
The weirdest possible thing that could happen is that I come home with an Australian accent, but who knows. Haha. I caught myself nearly telling Joel that one of my students was whinging about the possibility of detention... funny funny.
So instead of going out to play pool and drink soju, I decided to explore. Tonight I walked to the street I'd walk down for school, but went the other way instead. I managed to snap a few pretty choice pictures along the way. On top of that, I found a grocery store! It's not nearly as far from my place as Lotte Mart is, and doesn't have some of the stuff I need so I will need to hit Lotte Mart eventually, but it's nice to know that there's a grocery store so close to me. The walk is still a bit farther than I'm used to, so it was something else to walk back home with two huge bags filled with all sorts of things, but I managed.
One of the items I bought was a loaf of bread labelled "Happy Plus Toast." Everything here cheers me up and whittles away at the bit of homesickness I feel here and there, it's amazing.
I don't know that I'd call it homesickness, but... life in Denver really started picking up a few weeks before I left. I got to see a number of people I hadn't seen in a bit, started spending more time with old acquaintances and watched those relationships start to blossom into current friendships, I was given the chance to play a set (and offered a second chance) which made me really happy, and I finally came to understand the purpose, rhyme and reason of everything that's happened to me since last April. All of this stuff is important, but that was really the icing on the cake... that's really what made my coming to Korea feel like the start of a new chapter, because the previous chapter was concluded. Sense was made of everything that I'd dismissed as complete nonsense, complete madness. It's really an amazing thing that happened, and it all happened on the night before I was set to leave. So I guess it may not have happened if I didn't leave, but. Well. Like I said, life in Denver really started picking up a few weeks before I left. And I learned a lot about myself and my life in Denver during those few weeks.
It's okay, though. I've been listening to upbeat music, which always seems to keep my spirits up... and it seems like every little thing that I see here does the same. I walked by a pet accessory store and smiled the happiest little smile when I saw the dog leashes, all of that. I saw a dad give his son a piggyback ride. I went to a small bakery near the grocery store and got a sweetroll. I'm learning to appreciate the small things again due to the change of scenery- I'd become so accustomed to Denver that I forgot to appreciate the small things. I think it's an important part of being a happy and well-rounded person, to appreciate everything around you.
Like the two guys sitting behind me playing a soccer game against each other. Or the girl a few computers down rocking some Tetris. It feels like this huge picture is being painted for me, a picture that will become my life perspective when it's all finished. And I can already tell that it'll the loveliest picture I've ever laid eyes on.
Speaking of pictures! My Picasa photoblog will be up pretty soon. I gave my passport to one of the Korean teachers so that he could get my Alien Registration Card with it. He says it should take a week for processing. This means that I can spend some of my vacation getting things together- this means a handphone, bank account and, most importantly, internet at home. Then I'll be able to Skype and post pictures, video, all of that.
Okay, going to try to call my mom again.
Hopefully this time the international calling code I use doesn't get all pissy at me.
Take care,
-토맛
Classes were anywhere from 70-80min, much longer than the 45min classes I was teaching yesterday. So how the blast did I manage to do so well today?
Not sure.
I only finished three of four lesson plans today, and one of them was shot to Hell when the students told me "teacher, teacher, teacher! we did already."
Those are the worst six words to hear from students. Aside from "give me detention, I don't care," I suppose. But I still managed to work things out and keep my students from landing themselves in detention while powering through a full unit in each class. So I'm sticking to the schedule that the higher-ups want me to stick to, which involves keeping the students well enough in order to get through the material.
They really love it when you tell them "If we can finish everything in class today, there's no homework. So please don't talk while I'm talking." The promise of one or two fewer pages of homework means a lot. My co-workers tell me that they're swamped with homework from public school, not to mention the homework they get from the other teachers in my school. So any little bit helps, right?
To further solidify my point, I handed out five reward pencils (five!) today and was actually told "good lesson, teacher" by one of the students. That and they actually did what I asked instead of sitting there and doodling.
I think it really helps that I have some beef with the public school system in 'merica. I never had any motivation to do my work. It was boring and the teachers didn't really get me into it- even the ones that tried really hard to get their students involved ended up dishing out more work than anyone could really handle unless they dropped all of their free time into studying. That makes it really hard to be motivated, you know?
Tom and Joel invited me to come out to Touchdown for pool tonight, but they got a call from one of their friends in the area who wanted to go to dinner with them, so Tom came to my door to explain the situation- he apologized a lot, which was crazy. But really considerate of him. It's just funny because I tried to pay the cab fare back from work today but they wouldn't have it. "Don't worry so much about trying to pay us back for every little thing. It's only $1.50." I told them I wanted to based on principle, and they liked the idea of that but still wouldn't take my money. Fair enough.
The weirdest possible thing that could happen is that I come home with an Australian accent, but who knows. Haha. I caught myself nearly telling Joel that one of my students was whinging about the possibility of detention... funny funny.
So instead of going out to play pool and drink soju, I decided to explore. Tonight I walked to the street I'd walk down for school, but went the other way instead. I managed to snap a few pretty choice pictures along the way. On top of that, I found a grocery store! It's not nearly as far from my place as Lotte Mart is, and doesn't have some of the stuff I need so I will need to hit Lotte Mart eventually, but it's nice to know that there's a grocery store so close to me. The walk is still a bit farther than I'm used to, so it was something else to walk back home with two huge bags filled with all sorts of things, but I managed.
One of the items I bought was a loaf of bread labelled "Happy Plus Toast." Everything here cheers me up and whittles away at the bit of homesickness I feel here and there, it's amazing.
I don't know that I'd call it homesickness, but... life in Denver really started picking up a few weeks before I left. I got to see a number of people I hadn't seen in a bit, started spending more time with old acquaintances and watched those relationships start to blossom into current friendships, I was given the chance to play a set (and offered a second chance) which made me really happy, and I finally came to understand the purpose, rhyme and reason of everything that's happened to me since last April. All of this stuff is important, but that was really the icing on the cake... that's really what made my coming to Korea feel like the start of a new chapter, because the previous chapter was concluded. Sense was made of everything that I'd dismissed as complete nonsense, complete madness. It's really an amazing thing that happened, and it all happened on the night before I was set to leave. So I guess it may not have happened if I didn't leave, but. Well. Like I said, life in Denver really started picking up a few weeks before I left. And I learned a lot about myself and my life in Denver during those few weeks.
It's okay, though. I've been listening to upbeat music, which always seems to keep my spirits up... and it seems like every little thing that I see here does the same. I walked by a pet accessory store and smiled the happiest little smile when I saw the dog leashes, all of that. I saw a dad give his son a piggyback ride. I went to a small bakery near the grocery store and got a sweetroll. I'm learning to appreciate the small things again due to the change of scenery- I'd become so accustomed to Denver that I forgot to appreciate the small things. I think it's an important part of being a happy and well-rounded person, to appreciate everything around you.
Like the two guys sitting behind me playing a soccer game against each other. Or the girl a few computers down rocking some Tetris. It feels like this huge picture is being painted for me, a picture that will become my life perspective when it's all finished. And I can already tell that it'll the loveliest picture I've ever laid eyes on.
Speaking of pictures! My Picasa photoblog will be up pretty soon. I gave my passport to one of the Korean teachers so that he could get my Alien Registration Card with it. He says it should take a week for processing. This means that I can spend some of my vacation getting things together- this means a handphone, bank account and, most importantly, internet at home. Then I'll be able to Skype and post pictures, video, all of that.
Okay, going to try to call my mom again.
Hopefully this time the international calling code I use doesn't get all pissy at me.
Take care,
-토맛
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Quick Update Before Work
Hey, everyone.
Don't have much time before I have to head over to the school.
Probably going to cab it today- there's not much appeal in showing up to work sweating like you just ate three full bowls of kimchi.
I spent a lot of time looking at maps online last night and managed to find a place called Green Mart in the Hambakmaeul neighborhood. Still pretty sure I'm butchering the name of my neighborhood.
So today I managed to walk to this place and pick up some bowls, plates, milk, cereal... all that essential stuff. I'm pretty happy about it; it wasn't easy because some of the landmarks from the maps I was using have changed. For example: the church I was looking for on the corner? It's a bar/PC 방 now.
But yeah, I did manage to find Green Mart and it was pretty awesome. Small, sure, so I still need to stop at Lotte Mart (which I also found on my map) tonight after work. Assuming none of my co-workers have crazy Friday night plans.
Regarding work: I'm hoping that today will be easier. I think I have a good lead on which units the students are on, but I'm not entirely sure. I thought one of my classes was on the unit about the internet yesterday, but it turns out they were on the next unit which involved a bit of listening. Since I thought they were on the previous sans listening unit, I didn't bring a CD player. Made life hard.
We'll see, though. Once I go through this first week of classes I should know exactly where everyone is.
Alright- need to put on the final touches before work. Time to head back home, pick out a good tie, get my bag together and hail a cab (still so very excited that this is possible!) to school.
Words.
-토맛
Don't have much time before I have to head over to the school.
Probably going to cab it today- there's not much appeal in showing up to work sweating like you just ate three full bowls of kimchi.
I spent a lot of time looking at maps online last night and managed to find a place called Green Mart in the Hambakmaeul neighborhood. Still pretty sure I'm butchering the name of my neighborhood.
So today I managed to walk to this place and pick up some bowls, plates, milk, cereal... all that essential stuff. I'm pretty happy about it; it wasn't easy because some of the landmarks from the maps I was using have changed. For example: the church I was looking for on the corner? It's a bar/PC 방 now.
But yeah, I did manage to find Green Mart and it was pretty awesome. Small, sure, so I still need to stop at Lotte Mart (which I also found on my map) tonight after work. Assuming none of my co-workers have crazy Friday night plans.
Regarding work: I'm hoping that today will be easier. I think I have a good lead on which units the students are on, but I'm not entirely sure. I thought one of my classes was on the unit about the internet yesterday, but it turns out they were on the next unit which involved a bit of listening. Since I thought they were on the previous sans listening unit, I didn't bring a CD player. Made life hard.
We'll see, though. Once I go through this first week of classes I should know exactly where everyone is.
Alright- need to put on the final touches before work. Time to head back home, pick out a good tie, get my bag together and hail a cab (still so very excited that this is possible!) to school.
Words.
-토맛
Now erase name.
Today was my first day of classes.
Some went very well, some were harder.
It's true, the students like to try to test you by being total zombies in class.
Luckily, though, they weren't misbehaving too hard.
I tried having students switch off reading sentences from a paragraph in class, but a lot of the other students were talking. And since the students are already pretty shy about their English, they talk pretty quietly when speaking it.
This makes reading out loud exercises impossible.
So there's this student named Copy in my last class.
I love the name, it's awesome, he's probably my favourite.
But he's a bit of a chatterbox.
So I have this system- there are five rules. You break one, you get a warning. After your warning, which is your name written up on the board, you get three strikes. Three strikes means detention, son, and you don't want none of that 'cause your parents'll be mad pissed that they have to stay up until midnight to get your delinquent ass.
Rules:
1. Don't hit.
2. Don't cheat.
3. Don't be disruptive; raise your hand instead.
4. Don't throw things.
5. Don't say bad words.
After observing good behaviour, I start erasing names/marks. Messi and Luigi were being punks, they got their names on the board. But once they started reading quietly when asked, boom. Their names came off. Copy noticed this and started behaving well only to say 'now erase name' after doing so. Whatever motivates the students, honestly... as long as they're behaving and doing their work, I could care less if they like me or if they really care about the subject. I would prefer that they care, but let's face it... they're Middle School students, right on the cusp of complete and total apathy towards everything, everybody and every idea/concept ever. I know, I was there once.
Half of the classes, well, nobody knew what unit the students were on. This made it really hard to plan the lessons and, as a result, I accidentally relinquished control while trying to figure out what to do next. The second you stop talking and leave a lull in the classroom is the second they exploit your lack of confidence/foresight and go nuts. So the next week will be tough- until I know exactly where every class is in the books, I might have to wing it a bit. And winging anything with these students is met with some pretty rough consequences.
Once I get everything down to a science, though, well... I will have found the science. No problem.
Next step for me is getting through classes tomorrow, finding Lotte Mart (with maps!) and buying things I need. Like bowls. And detergent. Maybe a laundry basket. Eff, I should make a list tonight or tomorrow.
Let's see... oh! I did manage to walk to the school from home today, which I'm pretty proud of. It's usually easier for me to navigate long distances by car and short distances on foot, so I usually have trouble getting from point A to point B by walking alone. I have this route down pretty well though, and I can always hail a cab (I KNOW THIS IS FOREIGN TO DENVER BUT IT'S SO AMAZING) and get to where I need to go. If I'm going home, I say "Hambaekmeul," the name of my neighborhood. If I'm going to work, I show them a piece of paper one of my co-workers gave me. Which reminds me... Tom has the romanization of my address on paper- I need to get that from him and post it here so you lot can shower me with cards and money and adoration. Hahaha, I kid... but it'd be nice to have my address anyway, yeah?
Anyway, I better stop blogging and start looking at maps. Lotte Mart calls... maybe I can find my next favourite restaurant, too.
As always, guys... take care. You all mean a great deal to me.
-토맛
Some went very well, some were harder.
It's true, the students like to try to test you by being total zombies in class.
Luckily, though, they weren't misbehaving too hard.
I tried having students switch off reading sentences from a paragraph in class, but a lot of the other students were talking. And since the students are already pretty shy about their English, they talk pretty quietly when speaking it.
This makes reading out loud exercises impossible.
So there's this student named Copy in my last class.
I love the name, it's awesome, he's probably my favourite.
But he's a bit of a chatterbox.
So I have this system- there are five rules. You break one, you get a warning. After your warning, which is your name written up on the board, you get three strikes. Three strikes means detention, son, and you don't want none of that 'cause your parents'll be mad pissed that they have to stay up until midnight to get your delinquent ass.
Rules:
1. Don't hit.
2. Don't cheat.
3. Don't be disruptive; raise your hand instead.
4. Don't throw things.
5. Don't say bad words.
After observing good behaviour, I start erasing names/marks. Messi and Luigi were being punks, they got their names on the board. But once they started reading quietly when asked, boom. Their names came off. Copy noticed this and started behaving well only to say 'now erase name' after doing so. Whatever motivates the students, honestly... as long as they're behaving and doing their work, I could care less if they like me or if they really care about the subject. I would prefer that they care, but let's face it... they're Middle School students, right on the cusp of complete and total apathy towards everything, everybody and every idea/concept ever. I know, I was there once.
Half of the classes, well, nobody knew what unit the students were on. This made it really hard to plan the lessons and, as a result, I accidentally relinquished control while trying to figure out what to do next. The second you stop talking and leave a lull in the classroom is the second they exploit your lack of confidence/foresight and go nuts. So the next week will be tough- until I know exactly where every class is in the books, I might have to wing it a bit. And winging anything with these students is met with some pretty rough consequences.
Once I get everything down to a science, though, well... I will have found the science. No problem.
Next step for me is getting through classes tomorrow, finding Lotte Mart (with maps!) and buying things I need. Like bowls. And detergent. Maybe a laundry basket. Eff, I should make a list tonight or tomorrow.
Let's see... oh! I did manage to walk to the school from home today, which I'm pretty proud of. It's usually easier for me to navigate long distances by car and short distances on foot, so I usually have trouble getting from point A to point B by walking alone. I have this route down pretty well though, and I can always hail a cab (I KNOW THIS IS FOREIGN TO DENVER BUT IT'S SO AMAZING) and get to where I need to go. If I'm going home, I say "Hambaekmeul," the name of my neighborhood. If I'm going to work, I show them a piece of paper one of my co-workers gave me. Which reminds me... Tom has the romanization of my address on paper- I need to get that from him and post it here so you lot can shower me with cards and money and adoration. Hahaha, I kid... but it'd be nice to have my address anyway, yeah?
Anyway, I better stop blogging and start looking at maps. Lotte Mart calls... maybe I can find my next favourite restaurant, too.
As always, guys... take care. You all mean a great deal to me.
-토맛
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Doctors, Change and LET'S START A RIOT, A RIOT
So, doctors.
I went through my health test yesterday. It wasn't too bad overall, and actually moved very quickly. I was amazed how efficiently I was moved on from post to post, really. First it's weigh-in and height measurement, then blood pressure, then vision, then tell this guy that you've never had tuberculosis, then urine and blood test (they took five full test tubes of my blood), then dental.
We insisted on eating immediately after the health test due to, you know, blood loss. I wasn't able to eat anything or drink anything but water before the test, so there goes the Doubleshot... that combined with blood loss meant I was nearly passing out in the cab on the way home. Life on easy mode is boring, though- new challenges make me happy because I know that I can take them on head-on and come out on top.
I went to the health test with Evan, the second newest teacher. I guess he was teaching in France before he came to Korea, which is incredible. He's quite a nice guy and has a good head on his shoulders. I'm glad to be a part of such a diverse, intelligent and kind group.
So, change.
Yesterday I asked for my class schedule as today is my first day as a full-fledged teacher! I'll get to that later. When my schedule was presented to me, I noticed that my first class was at 1:00p... and I was like 'lol wut'. Well, starting today and going through until mid-August, our hours have changed. As a Middle School instructor, I'll be working 12-7p. This caused a bit of disorder among the staff- I mean, such a drastic change in hours with such little notice would understandably step on a few toes... I'm usually a creature of habit at the workplace (ask Mr. Wild, he knows), but a few curveballs here and there tend to keep me on my toes. I have a tendency to stagnate a little otherwise (once again, Mr. Wild knows). I also found out that my vacation will span from Jul 31 - Aug 4, at which point I should have the internets at home. This means Skype. :-]
So, LET'S START A RIOT, A RIOT.
I shadowed four of Joel's classes yesterday. The Middle School students tend to be a lot more withdrawn than the Elem. School students, but at some points can be absolutely uncontrollable. The last class of the night saw a restless group of students throwing all sorts of trash at another student, making a big mess... they also like to punch each other and flick each other in the forehead. I probably would've been hanged for this kind of behaviour in Middle School, or at least made to feel foolish by my classmates.
This has inspired me to rise to the challenge, though. I'm sure my students will be an unruly lot just like these ones were. The challenge is to prevent this through an intricate system of discipline and rewards. I'm still working on how I want to approach it, but I think I'll be able to bribe them with a game at the end of class (time allowing, still need to do some time management) should their 'class score' be high enough. I was in Middle School once- if you turn something into a game, students will be interested in playing it. I know I was.
I understand that I'm not supposed to build on curriculum too much. The books are there for a reason. But I would like to supplement them with things that will keep the students interested instead of 'okay, turn to page 32. listen to this. answer the questions. okay, page 33. read this. answer the questions.' I know that in public school, this kind of approach bored the crap out of me and, as a result, I didn't pay attention. I didn't do my homework. Hell, I didn't even go to class most of the time. Learning should be awesome, not a chore- it's amazing that any approach can suck the inherent awesome out of learning, honestly. Learning kicks ass!
So, my co-workers.
Everyone has been incredibly kind thus far. Everyone. I'm really enjoying their company as well as their help adjusting- Joel and Tom, the Aussies mentioned in previous posts, have been a blessing. Hell, without them I wouldn't know how to get to work or back home. They've covered cab fares, owned me at pool, given me advice... this is all stuff they don't need to do, not by a longshot. But they've helped me feel at home in a country I'm completely new to and I appreciate it more than they know or I can express.
That's it for now.
Until next time,
- 토맛
I went through my health test yesterday. It wasn't too bad overall, and actually moved very quickly. I was amazed how efficiently I was moved on from post to post, really. First it's weigh-in and height measurement, then blood pressure, then vision, then tell this guy that you've never had tuberculosis, then urine and blood test (they took five full test tubes of my blood), then dental.
We insisted on eating immediately after the health test due to, you know, blood loss. I wasn't able to eat anything or drink anything but water before the test, so there goes the Doubleshot... that combined with blood loss meant I was nearly passing out in the cab on the way home. Life on easy mode is boring, though- new challenges make me happy because I know that I can take them on head-on and come out on top.
I went to the health test with Evan, the second newest teacher. I guess he was teaching in France before he came to Korea, which is incredible. He's quite a nice guy and has a good head on his shoulders. I'm glad to be a part of such a diverse, intelligent and kind group.
So, change.
Yesterday I asked for my class schedule as today is my first day as a full-fledged teacher! I'll get to that later. When my schedule was presented to me, I noticed that my first class was at 1:00p... and I was like 'lol wut'. Well, starting today and going through until mid-August, our hours have changed. As a Middle School instructor, I'll be working 12-7p. This caused a bit of disorder among the staff- I mean, such a drastic change in hours with such little notice would understandably step on a few toes... I'm usually a creature of habit at the workplace (ask Mr. Wild, he knows), but a few curveballs here and there tend to keep me on my toes. I have a tendency to stagnate a little otherwise (once again, Mr. Wild knows). I also found out that my vacation will span from Jul 31 - Aug 4, at which point I should have the internets at home. This means Skype. :-]
So, LET'S START A RIOT, A RIOT.
I shadowed four of Joel's classes yesterday. The Middle School students tend to be a lot more withdrawn than the Elem. School students, but at some points can be absolutely uncontrollable. The last class of the night saw a restless group of students throwing all sorts of trash at another student, making a big mess... they also like to punch each other and flick each other in the forehead. I probably would've been hanged for this kind of behaviour in Middle School, or at least made to feel foolish by my classmates.
This has inspired me to rise to the challenge, though. I'm sure my students will be an unruly lot just like these ones were. The challenge is to prevent this through an intricate system of discipline and rewards. I'm still working on how I want to approach it, but I think I'll be able to bribe them with a game at the end of class (time allowing, still need to do some time management) should their 'class score' be high enough. I was in Middle School once- if you turn something into a game, students will be interested in playing it. I know I was.
I understand that I'm not supposed to build on curriculum too much. The books are there for a reason. But I would like to supplement them with things that will keep the students interested instead of 'okay, turn to page 32. listen to this. answer the questions. okay, page 33. read this. answer the questions.' I know that in public school, this kind of approach bored the crap out of me and, as a result, I didn't pay attention. I didn't do my homework. Hell, I didn't even go to class most of the time. Learning should be awesome, not a chore- it's amazing that any approach can suck the inherent awesome out of learning, honestly. Learning kicks ass!
So, my co-workers.
Everyone has been incredibly kind thus far. Everyone. I'm really enjoying their company as well as their help adjusting- Joel and Tom, the Aussies mentioned in previous posts, have been a blessing. Hell, without them I wouldn't know how to get to work or back home. They've covered cab fares, owned me at pool, given me advice... this is all stuff they don't need to do, not by a longshot. But they've helped me feel at home in a country I'm completely new to and I appreciate it more than they know or I can express.
That's it for now.
Until next time,
- 토맛
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Street Fighter, Soju and I Still Suck At Pool
My first day was interesting.
Way interesting.
I met all sorts of great people- we went out for galbi after school; galbi is a grilled pork dish with rice, hot pepper sauce... all sorts of stuff. The best part is that your party is seated around a grill and, well, you grill it yourself. Then you cut it up and toss the small chunks into whatever you see fit- kimchi (which is surprisingly pretty good and similarly suprisingly spicy), vegetables, hot pepper sauce, I repeat myself...
My co-workers saw it fit to crack open a bottle (or five) of soju. The stuff is actually pretty refreshing, with just enough bite to remind you that you're drinking booze. After that, we went over to TOUCHDOWN~! to play some pool. My two Aussie co-workers (and, coincidentally, the guys who live in the same building that I do) started drinking more and throwing money down on their pool games. I was not confident (or capable) enough to do the same.
Oh, one of the Aussies is named Tom. I can't believe it, I feel a little betrayed by fate... I'm the only one, damn it! Well, as a result (and a strong desire not to be called Tom/Thom 2, which seems to be pretty popular here), I've started going by Thomas. It's not pretty but I'll get used to it.
Let's see... what else. The classes should be interesting. I'll be teaching middle school students, so my schedule is 4p-11:30p. It's not so bad. Elementary teachers have to work every other Saturday also, so I'm pretty pleased- I'll want those Saturdays to go exploring.
What else... oh, next week is holiday! I know! I just got here and boom, it's time for a vacation. I won't gripe- I need the time to do a few essential things like figure out exactly how to get from home to the school, master Starcraft, get my internet and handphone services going, etc.
Today is health test day- rumour has it that they're going to draw about six needles full of blood from me. Sounds awesome, right? Considering how much I love needles? Yeah... great. But it is the first step to getting my Alien Registration Card, so it is important. Because I need that card to get a bank account, internet, handphone, you name it.
If only this were the least of my problems- I'm still trying to figure out how to get hot water from my shower, I need to buy groceries, and I've no idea what anyone's saying. It'll all come with time, though.
Wishing everyone back home the best,
토맛
P.S. Pictures should come soon. I've already found a number of things I want to revisit and get pictures of, but I won't post them until I have my own internet service up and running.
Way interesting.
I met all sorts of great people- we went out for galbi after school; galbi is a grilled pork dish with rice, hot pepper sauce... all sorts of stuff. The best part is that your party is seated around a grill and, well, you grill it yourself. Then you cut it up and toss the small chunks into whatever you see fit- kimchi (which is surprisingly pretty good and similarly suprisingly spicy), vegetables, hot pepper sauce, I repeat myself...
My co-workers saw it fit to crack open a bottle (or five) of soju. The stuff is actually pretty refreshing, with just enough bite to remind you that you're drinking booze. After that, we went over to TOUCHDOWN~! to play some pool. My two Aussie co-workers (and, coincidentally, the guys who live in the same building that I do) started drinking more and throwing money down on their pool games. I was not confident (or capable) enough to do the same.
Oh, one of the Aussies is named Tom. I can't believe it, I feel a little betrayed by fate... I'm the only one, damn it! Well, as a result (and a strong desire not to be called Tom/Thom 2, which seems to be pretty popular here), I've started going by Thomas. It's not pretty but I'll get used to it.
Let's see... what else. The classes should be interesting. I'll be teaching middle school students, so my schedule is 4p-11:30p. It's not so bad. Elementary teachers have to work every other Saturday also, so I'm pretty pleased- I'll want those Saturdays to go exploring.
What else... oh, next week is holiday! I know! I just got here and boom, it's time for a vacation. I won't gripe- I need the time to do a few essential things like figure out exactly how to get from home to the school, master Starcraft, get my internet and handphone services going, etc.
Today is health test day- rumour has it that they're going to draw about six needles full of blood from me. Sounds awesome, right? Considering how much I love needles? Yeah... great. But it is the first step to getting my Alien Registration Card, so it is important. Because I need that card to get a bank account, internet, handphone, you name it.
If only this were the least of my problems- I'm still trying to figure out how to get hot water from my shower, I need to buy groceries, and I've no idea what anyone's saying. It'll all come with time, though.
Wishing everyone back home the best,
토맛
P.S. Pictures should come soon. I've already found a number of things I want to revisit and get pictures of, but I won't post them until I have my own internet service up and running.
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