Oh boy! I am feeling so exhausted, but in a good way.
Today was a great experience for me, I got to observe how my cooperating teacher administers tests. Since the periods are broken up into thirty-five increments, the students only had thirty-five minutes to finish the whole test (three pages front and back). That's a lot of work! When we were walking around the class as students were working I noticed that a lot of students were making the same mistakes. It was frustrating because all I can technically do is remind them to check their work and re-read directions. This test was going over fruit (they have been working on identifying, counting, and describing fruit lately) and articles in English language and when to use them. I'm glad I got to help with the test. After that the students had math and a teaching moment occurred to me, for the students who hadn't finished the test by the time the math teacher came to the class, instead of collecting the test I would take the students who had not finished to my office with me and let them finish there. I understand this may upset the other teachers if they don't have all the students present in their class and I would try to find a meeting ground. I just know if I was one of those students, hearing "hurry up! Only 3 more minutes!" I would freak out and be completely stressed. I don't believe that's how testing should be. I think it should be more relaxed and a chance for the student to show what they truly know.
During math class I went around and helped students with their problems. Even though this is taught in Mandarin, I'm able to follow what's going on very easily. The teacher has been working on double digit addition and one double digit numbersubtracting a single digit number and they just transitioned from doing horizontal problem to vertical problems.
When this class was over, I had a chance to work on my student teaching papers because my students had back to back specialists until lunch time and then Dr. Ballou, myself, and another student teacher practiced the song we will sing in thanks on Friday. It is called Jasmine Flower and is really beautiful. We practiced for about a half an hour and then went to lunch. I stayed at the school for most of my lunch break because I really wanted to finish a lesson plan. My goal is to finish, sign, and turn is as many documents to Dr. Ballou before he leaves as possible! That way I can focus more on teaching and less on paper writing. Only logical right?
After my break I went to three Chinese classes in a row taught by different teachers. Just to clarify, I only go to my class, P1B, but other teachers come in and teacher different subjects. When I start taking over and teaching, I will be teaching Engligh Reading and Oral Development which will be really nice since I am doing my TPA in literacy.
At the end of the last Chinese class the teacher told me that I got to choose which students may receive a sticker as a reward for being good. I was really happy that I was given this authority and that I will be the one who chooses every class! I am really working on being stricter with the students (which is really awkward for me) but I think I am starting to see some response from them. I know it will take a while for me to have the whole class under my control, I just need them to know I am serious and they will listen to me. That probably sounds a little iron-fisted coming across but look at it from my perspective; these students are used to extremely strict teaching and then I come in with a United States education which is based on community building, being comfortable, and being gentler which is not, by any means, a bad thing, in this situation however, it means they will shrug my warm instruction off because they aren't used to it. Since they aren't used to warm teaching, I have to change my style so they will respond. Yesterday during my observation debrief, Dr. Ballou said something that has stuck with me: If the students aren't paying attention, it's the teachers fault. A good teacher has the students' attention and they are engaged. A poor teacher does not have the students' attention and does not realize that the lesson tanked. This experience is going to force me to change my teaching style so I gain control of the class. An example of how I've already changed it is instead of asking a student to put something away nicely I tell them sternly to put it away now and they do it, eventually. This will take time but I know this will be fine. Anyway, I can see that by giving me the power to choose which students should receive a sticker reward for their behavior shows the students that I do in fact have authority in the classroom. Dr. Ballou and I were pretty excited about that this afternoon.
That's what has been going on here. It's so much fun working with the students and the staff. Everyone is so pleasant!
Hope you have a good day! =]
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Day 10
And the teaching continues!
Today my teacher supply package arrived!! I was SO excited. I was worried it might not make it or might break on the way over (which it almost did!). In this box I had a lot of text books I've used throughout the education program, children's books I thought would be useful in the classroom, and random materials and supplies I wasn't sure I would find over here.
During period 1 today the director's assistant came up to me with two of the schools blue sports jackets since my roommate and I had expressed an interest in buying our own. I did not think they would arrive for another two days so that was exciting as well! They are so warm which is really nice. I find I am always cold over here, and apparently the other teachers noticed it too; my roommates cooperating teacher lent me some of her warm clothes to stay warm! I was so touched. Everyone at the school is unbelievably willing to give and help. This would not happen in the states. When we were having problems exchanging our money earlier last week, the director withdrew $5000 of her own money and loaned it to us so we could buy groceries. When we thanked her she said she was just doing her job. No, she has gone way above and beyond her required duties I am sure. We are so incredibly grateful for everything everyone at the school has done and are trying to think of an appropriate way to show that gratitude.
This morning, the students teachers had a discussion on what constructivism is so they understand what we have learned through out our education and what we will be implementing to the classroom. For student teaching we have to write a two page commentary on what was said during this discussion. It lasted about 45 minutes just talking about different strategies and what we are allowed to do. I found out I can rearrange the desks if I want to and I am allowed to bring the students to the floor for read alouds, but since they have never done that before I should teache the speicfic behavior I expect to see before I have them do it.
As my teaching continued, after lunch I co-taught a lesson with one of the English teachers. This lesson didn't go as well as I would have liked because he changed the lesson on me while I was teaching. I did get part of this on flim because I have to do a video critique for student teaching but I will upload the video for you. After the lesson was finally over, I debreiefed with my supervisor since he was doing an informal observation while I was teaching. During the debrief, he provided me with plenty of tips, tricks, and pointers to help me become an even better teacher. Some of his suggestions included "hands on top, means I stop", learning to be firmer with the students since they are used to extremely strict teaching and I am used to being warm and fuzzy, and using the Interactive Magic board as a tool for students who have been demonstrating good behavior to go up to when called on. We ended up talking for about an hour on different techniques and strategies I can use in the classroom to ensure success for both my students and me.
Something I have been noticing about the teachers here is that they don't have strong classroom management techniques. They have the right idea, and you can tell they want to control them, but they arn't going about it quite right. It's really friustrating to watch because I am not sure if they would like suggestions from us. On the other hand, when we do start teaching everyday and start implementing our management techniques, if/when they are successful, they will more than likely start to implement them as well.
After debriefing, I went to observe a class for the last period and then went back to my office (yes, I have an office... well a cubicle) and continued grading some worksheets the math teacher had given me earlier. I was happy to be able to help with something! When I finished the grading, I quickly typed up the summary of constructivism and had my cooperating teacher sign it so I could turn it in when I come back tomorrow.
Today my teacher supply package arrived!! I was SO excited. I was worried it might not make it or might break on the way over (which it almost did!). In this box I had a lot of text books I've used throughout the education program, children's books I thought would be useful in the classroom, and random materials and supplies I wasn't sure I would find over here.
During period 1 today the director's assistant came up to me with two of the schools blue sports jackets since my roommate and I had expressed an interest in buying our own. I did not think they would arrive for another two days so that was exciting as well! They are so warm which is really nice. I find I am always cold over here, and apparently the other teachers noticed it too; my roommates cooperating teacher lent me some of her warm clothes to stay warm! I was so touched. Everyone at the school is unbelievably willing to give and help. This would not happen in the states. When we were having problems exchanging our money earlier last week, the director withdrew $5000 of her own money and loaned it to us so we could buy groceries. When we thanked her she said she was just doing her job. No, she has gone way above and beyond her required duties I am sure. We are so incredibly grateful for everything everyone at the school has done and are trying to think of an appropriate way to show that gratitude.
This morning, the students teachers had a discussion on what constructivism is so they understand what we have learned through out our education and what we will be implementing to the classroom. For student teaching we have to write a two page commentary on what was said during this discussion. It lasted about 45 minutes just talking about different strategies and what we are allowed to do. I found out I can rearrange the desks if I want to and I am allowed to bring the students to the floor for read alouds, but since they have never done that before I should teache the speicfic behavior I expect to see before I have them do it.
As my teaching continued, after lunch I co-taught a lesson with one of the English teachers. This lesson didn't go as well as I would have liked because he changed the lesson on me while I was teaching. I did get part of this on flim because I have to do a video critique for student teaching but I will upload the video for you. After the lesson was finally over, I debreiefed with my supervisor since he was doing an informal observation while I was teaching. During the debrief, he provided me with plenty of tips, tricks, and pointers to help me become an even better teacher. Some of his suggestions included "hands on top, means I stop", learning to be firmer with the students since they are used to extremely strict teaching and I am used to being warm and fuzzy, and using the Interactive Magic board as a tool for students who have been demonstrating good behavior to go up to when called on. We ended up talking for about an hour on different techniques and strategies I can use in the classroom to ensure success for both my students and me.
Something I have been noticing about the teachers here is that they don't have strong classroom management techniques. They have the right idea, and you can tell they want to control them, but they arn't going about it quite right. It's really friustrating to watch because I am not sure if they would like suggestions from us. On the other hand, when we do start teaching everyday and start implementing our management techniques, if/when they are successful, they will more than likely start to implement them as well.
After debriefing, I went to observe a class for the last period and then went back to my office (yes, I have an office... well a cubicle) and continued grading some worksheets the math teacher had given me earlier. I was happy to be able to help with something! When I finished the grading, I quickly typed up the summary of constructivism and had my cooperating teacher sign it so I could turn it in when I come back tomorrow.
Day 9
Today marks the first day of my first FULL week of student teaching :)
As the classes progressed throughout the day, I was taking on more responsibilities and starting to find my authortive voice with the students. Granted I am not teaching full lessons yet, but I am still responsible for the students because they are my students. Eventually I will be teaching 100% of the my classes.
Today I turned in my Professional Growth Plan and got that off my plate which was great.
A lot of what I have been doing is just walking around the class while the teacher is instructing and helping to manage the students. Many of the students are quite squirly and, in my personal opinion, are testing me to see how I will react since I am new to them. I have found that taking objects away from them has worked because then they won't get off task with whatever they were playing with.
Something I would really like to do eventually is rearrange the desks so the students are in groups rather than in rows. I feel this would promote more thoughtful collaboration because students would be able to talk with each other where they are rather than having to move to be next to their peers.
Later in the afternoon, we met with the principals daughter who studied in Washington state for twenty years and speaks fluent English. Meeting with her helped us sort out some money issues. She said she would be able to help us figure out where to get the best rate for exchanging travelers checks which was good to know.
Living in Macau has been an enlightening experience. For example, it's made me realize that we may take things for granted in the United States, such as large hot water heaters. I hope to learn as much as I can about the community in which I live before I head home in four short months.
As the classes progressed throughout the day, I was taking on more responsibilities and starting to find my authortive voice with the students. Granted I am not teaching full lessons yet, but I am still responsible for the students because they are my students. Eventually I will be teaching 100% of the my classes.
Today I turned in my Professional Growth Plan and got that off my plate which was great.
A lot of what I have been doing is just walking around the class while the teacher is instructing and helping to manage the students. Many of the students are quite squirly and, in my personal opinion, are testing me to see how I will react since I am new to them. I have found that taking objects away from them has worked because then they won't get off task with whatever they were playing with.
Something I would really like to do eventually is rearrange the desks so the students are in groups rather than in rows. I feel this would promote more thoughtful collaboration because students would be able to talk with each other where they are rather than having to move to be next to their peers.
Later in the afternoon, we met with the principals daughter who studied in Washington state for twenty years and speaks fluent English. Meeting with her helped us sort out some money issues. She said she would be able to help us figure out where to get the best rate for exchanging travelers checks which was good to know.
Living in Macau has been an enlightening experience. For example, it's made me realize that we may take things for granted in the United States, such as large hot water heaters. I hope to learn as much as I can about the community in which I live before I head home in four short months.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Day 8
It's "Open Day"!
At 9:30 we all headed to the school to start welcoming parents. The school was beautifully decorated with student work. I was in charge of greeting parents who came up to the second floor and just be polite overall. At 10:30 the kindergarten classes went to the concert hall and performed their dances and songs. This was absolutely precious! These were the 3 and 4 year olds who were dancing and singing at this point. Later at 10:45 there was a Latin dance performance on the ground floor which was very neat. I'm glad I got to watch that. The students looked so dedicated to their work, it was very cool. After that there was another singing performance in the concert hall by the primary students; some of these students are in my class!
This segment started with three students doing a kung-fu dance with a fake sword and a pole as they were dressed in kimones. At the end of the performance I went up to one of my students to say hello and as I was leaving she gave me a hug and said "Goodbye Ms.Maddy" and introduced me to her dad which made me really happy. The kids in my class are so sweet! I'm going to love working with them.
Once Open Day was over, one of the teachers offered to take us to another Open Day at another school. We all thought this would be a great opportunity to see a different school in the area so we went with her. This school was also a government funded private school, however the students did not wear uniforms unlike at our school. Also, the smaller the classes are, the more money the government would give the shcool. I thought that was really smart! Especially since the government just took the cap off the size of classes back home.
When we got home, I fell asleep. I was cold, sore, and (as usual) exhausted. I tried to sleep for an hour but the construction next door kept me up. At least I got to lay down and jsut have some down time.
When I was finally rested, I got to work on my professional growth plan and finished that and emailed it to my field supervisor.
After finishing my school work, my roommate and I made our first home cooked meal in the apartment! We made penne pasta with broccoli and spinach, topped with olive oil, parmsean cheese, and alfredo sauce. It wasn't half bad! We ate dinner while watching Bennjamin Button on our TV now that we have access to the English channels =D. Ahh the simple pleasures in life! Being able to watch a show at the end of the day in definitely relaxing.
Enjoy your evening or morning depending where your are reading this from!
At 9:30 we all headed to the school to start welcoming parents. The school was beautifully decorated with student work. I was in charge of greeting parents who came up to the second floor and just be polite overall. At 10:30 the kindergarten classes went to the concert hall and performed their dances and songs. This was absolutely precious! These were the 3 and 4 year olds who were dancing and singing at this point. Later at 10:45 there was a Latin dance performance on the ground floor which was very neat. I'm glad I got to watch that. The students looked so dedicated to their work, it was very cool. After that there was another singing performance in the concert hall by the primary students; some of these students are in my class!
This segment started with three students doing a kung-fu dance with a fake sword and a pole as they were dressed in kimones. At the end of the performance I went up to one of my students to say hello and as I was leaving she gave me a hug and said "Goodbye Ms.Maddy" and introduced me to her dad which made me really happy. The kids in my class are so sweet! I'm going to love working with them.
Once Open Day was over, one of the teachers offered to take us to another Open Day at another school. We all thought this would be a great opportunity to see a different school in the area so we went with her. This school was also a government funded private school, however the students did not wear uniforms unlike at our school. Also, the smaller the classes are, the more money the government would give the shcool. I thought that was really smart! Especially since the government just took the cap off the size of classes back home.
When we got home, I fell asleep. I was cold, sore, and (as usual) exhausted. I tried to sleep for an hour but the construction next door kept me up. At least I got to lay down and jsut have some down time.
When I was finally rested, I got to work on my professional growth plan and finished that and emailed it to my field supervisor.
After finishing my school work, my roommate and I made our first home cooked meal in the apartment! We made penne pasta with broccoli and spinach, topped with olive oil, parmsean cheese, and alfredo sauce. It wasn't half bad! We ate dinner while watching Bennjamin Button on our TV now that we have access to the English channels =D. Ahh the simple pleasures in life! Being able to watch a show at the end of the day in definitely relaxing.
Enjoy your evening or morning depending where your are reading this from!
Day 7
Yay for Saturday!! I love sleeping in! I slept a total of 12 hours :) It was fantastic.
Once my roommate and I got motivated we went on a walk around the same parts of town I went to the day before. I really wanted to get over to the post office to mail letters but that was on the other part of town. I did get stamps though so that was good. The stamps were really expensive though. It cost $30 MOP for 5 stamps, but at least I got some!
On this walk I was sharing all the knowledge I acquired the day before which made me feel a little like a tour guide haha. It was really good for us to learn where everything is so we can go out later and know where we're going. I was planning on doing some student teaching work but it didn't work out that way. By the time we got home it was 6:30 and I just wanted to have dinner and go to bed. I was exhausted! Even though the air is too polluted to work out here, I am still getting my exercise in by walking everywhere which is good.
I'm hoping I can find a yoga studio or pool to go swimming. That would be fun.
Hope you all are having reading my posts! I'll post new pictures soon.
Once my roommate and I got motivated we went on a walk around the same parts of town I went to the day before. I really wanted to get over to the post office to mail letters but that was on the other part of town. I did get stamps though so that was good. The stamps were really expensive though. It cost $30 MOP for 5 stamps, but at least I got some!
On this walk I was sharing all the knowledge I acquired the day before which made me feel a little like a tour guide haha. It was really good for us to learn where everything is so we can go out later and know where we're going. I was planning on doing some student teaching work but it didn't work out that way. By the time we got home it was 6:30 and I just wanted to have dinner and go to bed. I was exhausted! Even though the air is too polluted to work out here, I am still getting my exercise in by walking everywhere which is good.
I'm hoping I can find a yoga studio or pool to go swimming. That would be fun.
Hope you all are having reading my posts! I'll post new pictures soon.
Day 6
Now that student teaching has officially begun I feel like I am really in control of what happens from here on out. On Friday when I was in the classroom I had the opportunity to observe the whole day. My students did not have a specialist that day so I was with them all day which was a great learning experience for me. Instead of simply observing on the sidelines, I started to participate by walking around and helping students, managing poor behavior, and answering questions. This was a little more difficult to do during the Chinese lessons but I was able to help out by making sure the students were on the right page in their work books.
During one of their English lessons, there was a student who was playing with his ruler by hitting it on the desk and not showing good listening behavior. To manage this I went up to the student and quietly said I would like you to either put the ruler away or give it to me. He said he did not want to give it to me so he put it away and I said that was fine. However, a few minutes later, he had it out again banging on the desk. Since I had already told him his choices, I went up to him and took his ruler away and said he may have it back at the end of the lesson and that he needs to pay attention. When the lesson was over I went up to the student and sat next to him. I gave him his ruler back and told him in the future I want him to show good listening behavior by keeping his things in his desk and to be respectful to the teacher. He said he understood and apologized to the teacher for not listening.
Later in the day the homeroom teacher handed back the students homework from the night before and told them that even though the directions had instructed students to color, majority of the class had not. She gave them the period to finish their work and then start on that nights homework. While students were working, she went around and checked to make sure the syntax was correct in each sentence because the work was going to be displayed on Sunday at the "Open Day". Open Day is similar to Open House where parents and families come to visit the school.
At the end of the school day, a fellow central student and I went on a walk around the old Portugese part of town and visited the casinos. They are Huge!! So beautiful! I was amazed. We stopped in a restraunt called Spice World to have dinner and that was amazing. I had lamb and was very pleased. On our way back we went by some old churches which were very beautiful. We ended up walking around for about 4 hours.
By the time I finally fingot home my eyes was so heavy! I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. It was a lot of fun to go exploring around the community I will be living in for the next few months.
During one of their English lessons, there was a student who was playing with his ruler by hitting it on the desk and not showing good listening behavior. To manage this I went up to the student and quietly said I would like you to either put the ruler away or give it to me. He said he did not want to give it to me so he put it away and I said that was fine. However, a few minutes later, he had it out again banging on the desk. Since I had already told him his choices, I went up to him and took his ruler away and said he may have it back at the end of the lesson and that he needs to pay attention. When the lesson was over I went up to the student and sat next to him. I gave him his ruler back and told him in the future I want him to show good listening behavior by keeping his things in his desk and to be respectful to the teacher. He said he understood and apologized to the teacher for not listening.
Later in the day the homeroom teacher handed back the students homework from the night before and told them that even though the directions had instructed students to color, majority of the class had not. She gave them the period to finish their work and then start on that nights homework. While students were working, she went around and checked to make sure the syntax was correct in each sentence because the work was going to be displayed on Sunday at the "Open Day". Open Day is similar to Open House where parents and families come to visit the school.
At the end of the school day, a fellow central student and I went on a walk around the old Portugese part of town and visited the casinos. They are Huge!! So beautiful! I was amazed. We stopped in a restraunt called Spice World to have dinner and that was amazing. I had lamb and was very pleased. On our way back we went by some old churches which were very beautiful. We ended up walking around for about 4 hours.
By the time I finally fingot home my eyes was so heavy! I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. It was a lot of fun to go exploring around the community I will be living in for the next few months.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Day 5
First day of student teaching!!
Oh boy! Here we go!
After our meeting with Dr. Ballou we learned that our school day would go from 8am to 5pm, as it does for the rest of the teachers. However, in comparison to western schools, the teaches have an hour and a half lunch break instead of just forty minutes and have the choice to eat at school or go home to eat. I plan on taking advantage of this time and using it to plan some of my lessons and work on the TPA.
When Thursday rolled around my roommate and I got to the school at 8am and went to our respective classrooms where we would talk with the students as they get settled. The first thing I noticed when I walked into my classroom was a YouTube video of a piano solo playing. I loved this! It was so calming and warm to listen to.
In my classroom, my teacher introduced me and had the students stand up one by one, say their name, and something they can do (i.e. skip, dance, sing, or read). Before the teacher, Miss Sam, introduced me to the students, she gave them a three minutes warning to get to their desks and begin their bell work. I liked this because this was very similar to how we have learned to teach at CWU. When the students are sitting at desks they must have their feet flat on the floor, back straight, and arms folded on the desk. If they are talking or are sitting in the incorrect posture, they will lose a check mark. I am still trying to understand they full purpose of the check system, I know it is supposed to promote an intrinsic motivation to sit the correct way but I don't yet get what the check does. During the three minute warning students bring their homework and pile on the front desk of each row. There are five rows with an extra desk in front of each which are designated for homework-no students sit in them.
Once the homeroom teacher got the students started on their reading with a student leader at the front of the class, she left and a new teacher came into start them on their Chinese lesson. Even though I could not understand what was being said, I could tell that the teacher was preparing the students for a spelling test. I could tell this was happening because she would say a Chinese word and have the students say it back to her and did this with a few words then had the students get out a piece of paper-- the paper they use for Chinese is very different than lined paper we are used to in the United States. Once each student had a piece of paper she wrote numbers 1-10 on the chalk board and then said a word out loud, included it in a sentence, and then repeated the word again.
While they were working on the spelling test, I had a chance to really notice the classroom. This room is an extremely literate rich environment! On the back wall there are pieces of student work in English and Chinese which are hung. There are banners in English and Chinese to promote bilingualism. In each of the lessons the students are encourages to participate in oral reading. There are two chalkboards to write on and a magic interactive board. For those of you who know what a smart board is, this is 100x better than a smart board! It can do everything! We had a tutorial on how to use one the other day and I was at complete awe at all they can do. Also in the classroom, there are multiple windows and curtains with images of the ocean floor which were open to allow light to come in.
Something I noticed about the student in the class was that they were very excited to come to up to the board to show what they know. During the Chinese lesson, the teacher would write a character and then have a student come to the board and circle the incorrect part and rewrite it correctly.
After this period the teacher had the students stand, bow and say something in Chinese before they can be dismissed for their 10 minute break.
At the end of the break, a different Chinese lesson took place. In this Chinese lesson there seemed to be a lot of "repeat after me" and correcting characters on the board. Later the students did a clapping pattern with the teacher which I am assuming was to promote phonological awareness. At the end of this period the students did a Chinese sing along before they were dismissed.
During the break, the student teachers and Dr. Ballou met and figured out that we could go on a walking tour with the director at 3pm. Until 3, a lot of us were working on our student teaching papers and helping out in the classroom.
On the walking tour we found where the pharmacy was and got an ice pack, went to the money exchange with no success =[, found a store similar to the dollar store where we could buy cheap watches, and then came back to the school. When we came back parents were picking up their children and we had been told by the director to not approach them until our cooperating teacher says it is ok in order to 'save face'. This is a really important value so I was a little shocked with one of my students tried to introduce me to her dad. I just politely smiled and said hello so it wouldn't seem like I'm being too pushy.
Getting the chance to walk around and have an informative tour of where everything is was really great! I'm really glad we did that (though my feet hurt afterwards).
After getting to see how the teachers manage each of the classes I am really excited to get in there and start teaching!
Oh boy! Here we go!
After our meeting with Dr. Ballou we learned that our school day would go from 8am to 5pm, as it does for the rest of the teachers. However, in comparison to western schools, the teaches have an hour and a half lunch break instead of just forty minutes and have the choice to eat at school or go home to eat. I plan on taking advantage of this time and using it to plan some of my lessons and work on the TPA.
When Thursday rolled around my roommate and I got to the school at 8am and went to our respective classrooms where we would talk with the students as they get settled. The first thing I noticed when I walked into my classroom was a YouTube video of a piano solo playing. I loved this! It was so calming and warm to listen to.
In my classroom, my teacher introduced me and had the students stand up one by one, say their name, and something they can do (i.e. skip, dance, sing, or read). Before the teacher, Miss Sam, introduced me to the students, she gave them a three minutes warning to get to their desks and begin their bell work. I liked this because this was very similar to how we have learned to teach at CWU. When the students are sitting at desks they must have their feet flat on the floor, back straight, and arms folded on the desk. If they are talking or are sitting in the incorrect posture, they will lose a check mark. I am still trying to understand they full purpose of the check system, I know it is supposed to promote an intrinsic motivation to sit the correct way but I don't yet get what the check does. During the three minute warning students bring their homework and pile on the front desk of each row. There are five rows with an extra desk in front of each which are designated for homework-no students sit in them.
Once the homeroom teacher got the students started on their reading with a student leader at the front of the class, she left and a new teacher came into start them on their Chinese lesson. Even though I could not understand what was being said, I could tell that the teacher was preparing the students for a spelling test. I could tell this was happening because she would say a Chinese word and have the students say it back to her and did this with a few words then had the students get out a piece of paper-- the paper they use for Chinese is very different than lined paper we are used to in the United States. Once each student had a piece of paper she wrote numbers 1-10 on the chalk board and then said a word out loud, included it in a sentence, and then repeated the word again.
While they were working on the spelling test, I had a chance to really notice the classroom. This room is an extremely literate rich environment! On the back wall there are pieces of student work in English and Chinese which are hung. There are banners in English and Chinese to promote bilingualism. In each of the lessons the students are encourages to participate in oral reading. There are two chalkboards to write on and a magic interactive board. For those of you who know what a smart board is, this is 100x better than a smart board! It can do everything! We had a tutorial on how to use one the other day and I was at complete awe at all they can do. Also in the classroom, there are multiple windows and curtains with images of the ocean floor which were open to allow light to come in.
Something I noticed about the student in the class was that they were very excited to come to up to the board to show what they know. During the Chinese lesson, the teacher would write a character and then have a student come to the board and circle the incorrect part and rewrite it correctly.
After this period the teacher had the students stand, bow and say something in Chinese before they can be dismissed for their 10 minute break.
At the end of the break, a different Chinese lesson took place. In this Chinese lesson there seemed to be a lot of "repeat after me" and correcting characters on the board. Later the students did a clapping pattern with the teacher which I am assuming was to promote phonological awareness. At the end of this period the students did a Chinese sing along before they were dismissed.
During the break, the student teachers and Dr. Ballou met and figured out that we could go on a walking tour with the director at 3pm. Until 3, a lot of us were working on our student teaching papers and helping out in the classroom.
On the walking tour we found where the pharmacy was and got an ice pack, went to the money exchange with no success =[, found a store similar to the dollar store where we could buy cheap watches, and then came back to the school. When we came back parents were picking up their children and we had been told by the director to not approach them until our cooperating teacher says it is ok in order to 'save face'. This is a really important value so I was a little shocked with one of my students tried to introduce me to her dad. I just politely smiled and said hello so it wouldn't seem like I'm being too pushy.
Getting the chance to walk around and have an informative tour of where everything is was really great! I'm really glad we did that (though my feet hurt afterwards).
After getting to see how the teachers manage each of the classes I am really excited to get in there and start teaching!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Pictures!
I know you have all been waiting for this post!
Sorry it has taken me so long, I have been very busy (and exhausted!)
Sorry it has taken me so long, I have been very busy (and exhausted!)
There was [good] coffee at the Taipei airport! After sitting on a plane for 14 hours, this was very exciting!
This is what you see upon entering the school. It is goregous.
More of the foyer. There is a very large map of the world on the floor. I love this because it shwos various animals that are associated with different parts of the world.
It is a very tall building! Including the ground floor there are five floors, however only four of them are in use at the moment.
Police cars look very different here than back home. I thought this was cute.
My roommate Lindsie in the Park right next to our apartment. This is set up like a zen sanctuary. It is goregous.
It has many walk ways that go over ponds.
And a tample where people can pray if they so choose.
The main room beyond the foyer. Their decorations from Chinese New Year are still up.
Pictures of what is happening around the school.
Playground outside which students can play on during their 10 minutes breaks. Notice the buildings around the school? They are extremely tall. The one I live in has 38 floors.
This building is right across the street from the playground.
One of the kindergarten classes! Oh so cute!
A poem written in Chinese by the principal about protection for the school and peace.
A music hall for concerts and performances. There is an "Open Day" (open house) this sunday (Feb 26) where students will dance, sing, and play paino.
I am completely awed at the size of this performance room.
Welcome board outside the library!
The Hou Kong Middle School library.
The black board on the wall is called an Interactive Magic Board. Those of you who are familar with Smart Boards, this is 100x better! We had a tutorial with one of the tech guys today and it is fantastic! I want to bring one (or ten) home with me! They do everything pretty much.
The book selection..
more books..
Student made decorations from Chinese New Year in the Main Room
Student work is frequently posted around the schoool. I think this is one great way to create a sense of community and support.
more student work
A little dollhouse students can play in/around
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| There is a room filled with painos for paino practice! This is wonderful! |
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| The dance room |
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| Behind the school there is a garden where the students can plant plants after school. |
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| Tangerine plant |
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| Pomegranets |
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| More oranges |
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| What a lovely temple inside the garden |
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| There are rows of plants with labels in Chinese and English |
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| Another row of plants |
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| A lovely mosaic next to the plants |
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| Such a beautiful pond in the garder |
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| Little koi fish :) |
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| Another view of the pond |
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| Some palm trees in the garden |
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| My students getting ready for their school day |
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| Welcome to P1B! |
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| One of the Kindergarten classes "choo-chooing" through the school. How cute! |
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| A group of my students enjoying their break |
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| Student work is displayed at the back of the room |
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| Two of my students Vanessa and Ines (in-esh) |
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| A close up of student work displayed on the back wall |
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| My cooperating teacher, Ms. Sam, giving tick marks to students who are showing they are ready to begin. |
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| My Class |
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| My class from the back |
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| More kindergarteners |
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| A close up of the Chinese work displayed on the back wall |
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| One of the bulletins in the back |
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| More student work |
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| More student work |
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| Their math lesson |
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| SO cute! |
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| I think its adorable how the younger ones hold hands wherever they go :) |
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| Students watering the plants after school |
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