Parent/Teacher Conferences

Oh it has been a long two days of conferences.  Out of my class of 14 students, 14 parents came to the conferences.  This is really unheard of in America for you to have 100 percent of your student's parents show up.  But of course in an International School parents are very concerned about their child's performance.  I am worn emotionally, because I care so much about the students and talking with their parents can be emotional, because parents care so much about their child.  All the translating for one conference is tiring, too.  My mind is spinning and I feel like I need to go into hibernation for the weekend.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Today I had a Chinese St. Patrick's Day.  St. Patrick's Day is actually my favorite holiday.  Most people don't know the true meaning behind St. Patrick's Day.  Patrick was an Irish man who freed the Irish people from the dominance of the Druid lord's and witches who forced human sacrifices from the people to appease the gods.  I hate evil and anything that sets itself up above the Most High.  I love any holiday that celebrates the end to human sacrifices.  I also love Irish/Scottish music as this is part of my culture.  The past three ST. Patrick's Days I have spent at the Mandolin Cafe listening to my old friend from Tacoma Youth Symphony days playing some dam good Scottish fiddling.  I was quite remorse not to hear him play again this year, but I was able to celebrate at an English pub here in Dongguan with some other teachers.  First place I've been in China where I was surrounded by white people instead of Asians.  Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all and praise the Most High for whom there is no need for any more blood sacrifices, for there is freedom under the Lamb.

Special Visit

One of my friends came to visit me-Amy.  I had actually never met her before, but was in contact through email with her.  She is teaching English and British Lit. up in the city I was at two and half years ago, Qinghuandoa.  She had two months off between semesters and was traveling around South East Asia.  On her way back up North she stopped in Dongguan for a visit.  It was so nice to meet her and have company. We were both home schooled growing up and had a lot in common.  She is the first teacher I have met who is interested in classical education fervently-teaching children the Socratic method of thought as well as Latin.  Studying Greek and Roman writers was one of my favorite subjects in college.  I want to learn more about that movement of education. She is so brave to have travelled around Vietnamn and Cambodia for two months.  It sounds like an amazing adventure.

A Party Party

About a month ago I attended my first Communist Party business party.  I went to represent my school along with some other teachers.  Our school is a business in the area, because it is a private school.  The entertainment was amazing.  Singing, dancing, kung-fu acrobatics.  When you entered and left the room people would clap for you.  It was quite the experience.  They also gave every guest a present.  I came home with some tea and two sweaters.

Teaching what am I doing?

This week has been very challenging.  I keep questioning if these students are really learning anything, especially when it comes to English and writing.  Teaching second language learners is so frustrating sometimes.  This week I've been a little harder on their grammar, punctuation, and spelling.  Realizing I only have three months left with them I see how far they still need to go.  Sometimes I can't believe I'm teaching such things as grammar, spelling and writing when this is definently not my strong point.  One professor in college thought I was such a terrible writer that she wouldn't consider me for a teaching assistant.  Anyways it's been a discouraging week, but today made up for it, inspite of my students' behavior.  We've been studying energy in science and today my students got to touch electricity.  That was so cool and they were having fun.  It was an electrifying day.

Chinese Phrases

So alot of people might think that living here in China I'm learning Chinese.  Well it is something I call taxi Chinese.  Basically survival speaking.  I know how to get in a taxi cab and tell him where to go, when to turn right or left or go straight ahead and when to stop.  Very important details. My Chinese is limited to basic needs for directions and shopping.  I'm not taking lessons, which I would love to do, but it is unrealistic this year as a first year teacher in a foreign country.  Maybe next year.  I have picked up phrases just by listening, such as "no problem, it's ok, what a beautiful day" and "walk slowly."  The last phrase really has me thinking, because many people use this phrase, manzo.  I think it means something deeper than just walk slowly.  It is filled with meaning to go through life slowly, making the most of every moment.  One of our own English phrases has this meaning.  Stop and smell the roses.  So often I'm in such a hurry.  Do this.  Do that.  Get there.  Finish that.  All of this hurry, scurry affects my brain and body.  I need to walk slow and enjoy being in the now. 

Photo Shoot

So yesterday I spent 6 hours in a photo shoot.  It was so much fun.  My girlfriend and I decided to do a photo shoot at this Chinese wedding photo place called Love Me Forever.  They dressed us in traditional costumes and  did our hair and makeup.  We were allowed to bring some of our own clothes, too.  Modeling is harder than I thought.  Holding poses and contorting your body requires alot of strength and control.  When I get the pics I'll post some.