english contest
sometimes i wonder if korean hagwons sit around dreaming up ways that they can make kids have nervous breakdowns at the tender age of 7?after piling on a ridiculous amount of exams and homework, they dreamed up the English Contest... a deal where kids have to 'amgee' or memorize and recite an entire english storybook in front of their peers. the prize? yet another contest where they face the best from every class. ultimately they win a pretty sweet deal -- a bike or inline skates, but is it worth the stomachaches and pre-aged wrinkles in their foreheads?
i thought not. so i threw in a bit of Twister and movie-watching after they'd performed. trenton meanwhile thought it best to add a spelling test to the kids' agenda; i think he's siding with the hagwans. anyway, it was a treat to watch him perform with his tiny kindergarteners, who had to put on a performance of The Gingerbread Man (instead of memorizing the story).
well, we're off to costco now to buy some beef (after going without for 6 months). it'll be a treat to have tacos tonight. thank you to all who have shown their support through email and prayers for our current situation; we love you so very much.
posted by kanadians in korea at 6:36 PM
6 Comments:
hey Guys!
you both sounds like GREAT teachers. So nice telling stories with your students...but oh yes...stress is always all around in Korea especially with students. sounds like you add a nice balance to make the load lighter. just like your personalities and the laughter you give make life so much nicer by being around you!
Love you guys! have Fun making tacos. Eat one for me....ah...soon and very soon.
Take care,
Sacha
ummm i mean sound like great teachers...guess Korea's making my vocab and writing oh so much better;)
I remember when my mother would make me write short stories in cursive at the age of 5. I also had to learn my times tables up to 12x12 when I was 5.
I look back now and laugh. It really didn't matter if I learned that at the age of 5 or the proper elementary age. It was just the Korean way.
Mmmm...tacos. Oh the joys of the little things we take for granted. So, from your post, I was wondering if you have to do lesson plans, or if everything is provided for you? I have a friend teaching in England, and all his plans are made for him and he has very little say in what he wants to do. I was wondering if its the same for you?
Thanks for the birthday email and call. We were snowboarding in Jasper this weekend. Things are busy, job is good, missing you guys and praying for you.
Love you both.
Em,
So great to read your post. I feel sad for these students who face this much pressure at such a young age. However, I am sure they enjoyed the game of twister--great idea, and a great stress reliever:) I am sure your students love you!
Trent's little ones look so cute:) How does he like teaching students that young?
I hope you enjoyed the tacos. I am still praying for your mom.
love you,
Mel
Hey you guys!
I feel like 'long time - no blog comment' from me! Sorry for the lag! Hey I have one question, what is a hagwon? Just wondering... =)
hope you are doing well, I keep praying for you guys... and I pray too that you'll both be able to spend some good time together, solid time, making the memories to last through the couple months you'll be apart, you know, it won't be long =)
Love you both!
A.
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