Three out of the four classes I teach have already been at Bambini for at least six months. Most of their English knowledge comes from these earlier classes. One of the first phrases they are taught is “I am finished.” The students who speak very little English say this phrase ALL the time. At first I thought it was assuming because they know so very little English, yet, they know exactly what this phrase means in the correct context. However, after the first week of school I quickly grew tired of hearing this. The students say this whenever they think they are done, regardless of if they are or not. Also, when they say this it is always incredibly loud! There have been nights when I am falling asleep and this is all I hear in my head.
After three weeks of school I think I finally have all my books sorted out. It turns out the latest curriculum from last week is not actually what I am going to use after all. I had a good idea this was going to happen. Since my direct supervisor left, I was unsure of who to ask about curriculum. I decided I should just ask Gordon, one of the teachers in our rotation, because he has been here for over 2 years and seems to know better than anyone else what is going on. He quickly solved the problem for me and Casey, and we ended up rearranging who and what we are teaching. I am now in charge of phonics and reading comprehension, and Casey is in charge of writing and grammar. I never really understood why I wasn’t teaching phonics to start with, but every time I asked, I was given some crazy response. When we all finally sat down together and Gordon was allowed to have more control and say over the situation, the confusion finally ended.
Watching how Gordon responded to the situation and interacted with the directors, I learned more about Korean culture. Generally speaking you never question an elder, but sometimes being a foreigner, especially a male, you are allowed a little more leeway with this cultural practice. Since Gordon has been at the school for a few years, he is respected and knows how to correctly approach the situation. Because of this he ends up getting what he wants and needs. I am certain if I had gone to the director, my input would not have been appreciated or considered quite as much as Gordon’s was. This makes me incredibly grateful to be on his floor and working directly with him! The four of us 6 year old teachers(Toriann, Casey, Gordon and I) went out Friday after work and had a great time bonding over our crazy students and learning more about how to work around Korean culture to get what we want. It was also a great opportunity for us to get to know Gordon better, since Toriann, Casey and I hang out all the time. We went to a restaurant near school that has all you can drink Korean bear for 6,000 won (about $5.50) and quickly decided this should become a monthly ritual of the 2nd floor teachers. By the end of the evening we were all convinced we have the best floor and group of teachers!
Next week we go on our first monthly field trip. This one is to an art museum. We asked Gordon if there is a tour guide, and replied “no, this field trip pretty much is crap.” This is one aspect to Gordon I appreciate; he tells us the honest truth all the time. I guess we just walk around the museum with the students, I am not sure how much 6 year old children will be entertained by this activity. Luckily, I think Gordon and I are combining our classes and touring together, so he can lead my class by experience! Of course, teachers are not considered or asked where an appropriate field trip should be. Many of the school’s decision are based on how it will make the school appear, and not necessarily what is the best for students and teachers. I learned this week that the school I am at is in the top 5 of early childhood education schools in all of South Korea and its goal by the end of the year is to be the top school. I also learned that even though we feel things are crazy and disorganized, it is better than almost all other schools in South Korea. Every time I meet another foreign teacher and hear their stories, I am reminded of how grateful I am to be at Bambini.
My food adventure for the week included quail eggs! One of the dishes at lunch on Thursday was small, round, and brown. I asked my students what it was and they said egg. I had never seen an egg like this, so then I asked my new Korean helper, Liz, and she confirmed what the students said, egg. I tried it and it turned out to be really good. As I was eating these small hard boiled eggs, I began to wonder what bird these eggs came from. Liz could not tell me in English, so I asked after school and it turns out it was quail eggs. I can now say I enjoy quail eggs!
Toriann and Casey’s class already shared a Korean/English speaking helper, Angela, but I thought it was just because their classes did not speak English. Then, on Tuesday I was introduced to Liz by one of the Korean supervisors who does not speak English. After I was introduced to her, Liz was around and helping and I was confused. I asked Gordon who she was and he said, “O, did you not meet her yet?” I replied that I had, I just didn’t know why she was there. Gordon laughed and informed me she is the helper for our two classes. She is the one who makes the phone calls to the parents and basically helps out in any way we need her. She eats lunch with in my classroom because I only have 6 students and Gordon has 10. I love having Liz around and hope she is here for awhile. Many of the Korean teachers leave because the demands on them are so great. They are not allowed to leave until they are told everything is done for the day, regardless of what time it is. On St. Patrick’s Day Liz and Angela were going to meet up with us to celebrate, but they could not leave work until 9:30 when everything was done, so they never showed up. I feel bad because we leave at 5:00 since that is what it is stated in our contract, but yet they can’t leave until allowed to. Because of this, there is a very high turnover rate. In fact, Angela just quit and her last day was Friday. We were all sad by this because she was great with students, and great to work with. Gordon told us a few pointers of things to do to make our Korean helpers feel appreciated, including bringing in small gifts, like coffee, juices and candy. I will be bringing Liz something all the time, hopefully this will help her stay longer!
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