Green Plants!
Tonight I bought two little plants to add to my little home. It makes me so happy to have green living things in my daily life. I bought one plant that reminds me of my Mom... She always has great success growing these plants (sorry... don't know what they're called). Hopefully I have her luck! I also bought a pretty vine-ish plant... perhaps I will take pictures at some point. I purchased matching pink flower pots for them. Such joy brought to my home... all for less than 10,000 won!
Green Tea Anyone?
The art teacher at our school, surprised me with a beautifully wrapped traditional Korean tea set and floral green tea leaves on Monday. The package was so beautifully wrapped... I almost didn't want to open it. The accompanying letter:
I want you to feel the same way that I felt when you gave me a Bible book... I hope you to have a great, wonderful life in Korea!
The letter also included diagrams and directions for making green tea with the leaves. My favorite was step 3: "Enjoy green tea with your friends. " So guess what? I'm going to be having a little tea party at my place next weekend with her and a few other teachers. It will be marvelous!
I guess I should explain a little more... The art teacher started coming to our Bible study a couple of weeks ago. Her only previous knowledge concerning the Bible came from studying western paintings in college. She's been so curious to know more. When I printed off the first two chapters of John for her, she studied them so incredibly carefully and marked them up with all types of questions. We discussed her questions for at least 45 minutes last week during our sixth period prep... and would have probably talked longer, except she had to run to take care of her homeroom students! I brought a Korean/English Bible for her and she was SO overwhelmed. As a thank you, she gave me the tea set... definitely caught me off guard! It's exciting to see God working...
Small Groups Galore!
Tonight is my first night at home this week! Small groups, small groups, small groups! I've prayerfully decided that it's important to join a small group at Onnuri (OEM), the church I am attending. Pastor Eddie preached about "Growing Warmer Through Fellowship" this week, based on Acts 2:42-47. He mentioned how God designed us with the need and desire to be KNOWN by people. Quite interesting... considering the fact that I was really noticing the need for this in my own life last week (see a few blog posts back).
Anyway, I am ready to get INVOLVED... to settle in... to do more than warm a seat on Sundays. I'm eager to take part in small groups and fellowship. I'm still not for sure which small group I'll join, but I'm praying and searching...
Refreshed
My heart has been so refreshed this week with reminders of why I'm here and where I'm headed. Crystal Lewis' song I Will Go was so encouraging to me! I also finally bought a world map and it has brightened up my little home quite a bit - with color and the reminder of God's heart for the nations... and my responsibility to be praying! Also... I've just had some incredibly encouraging conversations at school... and God has reminded me over and over again this week that there truly is no greater JOY than knowing Him and making Him known!
A note for my Dad, in reference to the title:
I'm happy to report that I am continuing to grow as a teacher, though I am still quite green, being a first year teacher and all... I'm also trying to recycle faithfully. ;)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I Will Go
One of the teachers at my school shared this song with me today and I definitely listened to it three times in a row and was nearly in tears. Definitely a blessing, challenge, and encouragement...
I Will Go
~Crystal Lewis
~Crystal Lewis
...And he said "Come, and follow me
I'm calling you I want you to be
A fisherman to fish for those
Who are drowning in a scowling sea
A sea of loneliness and pain
Confusion, hurt, worry, shame
I'm holding out my hand
And yet they don't hear me call their name
I want you to be the one
To tell them that the Kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy
You've been given by the Son
Will you go
Wherever I lead
Be light in the dark
And be salt in the street
Will you go
No matter the cost
Will you live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
Will you go
I said Oh no, Lord not me
I'm not good enough to go you see
I mean what if they laugh or worse
Start throwing things and I get hurt
Besides that, what would I say
I think there's been a big mistake
Lord, please ask this of someone else
I can't go I'm too afraid
I want you to be the one
To tell them that the Kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy
You've been given by the Son
Will you go
Wherever I lead
Be light in the dark
And be salt in the street
Will you go
No matter the cost
Will you live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
Will you go
He said yes, some will cover their ears
And they will not want to hear
You must stand and say it still
Be brave my child and do not fear
For it is my words you'll speak
And I promise I will keep
You safe and sound within my will
I'm your strength when you're weak
I want you to be the one
To tell then that the Kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy
You've been given by the Son
I will go
Wherever You lead
Be light inthe dark
And be salt in the street
I will go
No matter the cost
I will live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
I will go
Wherever you lead
Be light in the dark
And be salt in the street
I will go
No matter the cost
I will live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
I will go
I will go
Here I am
Send me
I'm calling you I want you to be
A fisherman to fish for those
Who are drowning in a scowling sea
A sea of loneliness and pain
Confusion, hurt, worry, shame
I'm holding out my hand
And yet they don't hear me call their name
I want you to be the one
To tell them that the Kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy
You've been given by the Son
Will you go
Wherever I lead
Be light in the dark
And be salt in the street
Will you go
No matter the cost
Will you live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
Will you go
I said Oh no, Lord not me
I'm not good enough to go you see
I mean what if they laugh or worse
Start throwing things and I get hurt
Besides that, what would I say
I think there's been a big mistake
Lord, please ask this of someone else
I can't go I'm too afraid
I want you to be the one
To tell them that the Kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy
You've been given by the Son
Will you go
Wherever I lead
Be light in the dark
And be salt in the street
Will you go
No matter the cost
Will you live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
Will you go
He said yes, some will cover their ears
And they will not want to hear
You must stand and say it still
Be brave my child and do not fear
For it is my words you'll speak
And I promise I will keep
You safe and sound within my will
I'm your strength when you're weak
I want you to be the one
To tell then that the Kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy
You've been given by the Son
I will go
Wherever You lead
Be light inthe dark
And be salt in the street
I will go
No matter the cost
I will live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
I will go
Wherever you lead
Be light in the dark
And be salt in the street
I will go
No matter the cost
I will live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
I will go
I will go
Here I am
Send me
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Don't Beat Yourself Up!
God has been reminding me of His grace... and how I am in such desperate need of it, particularly the last couple of weeks. I get so frustrated with myself when I fall short... My Mom often tells me, "Don't beat yourself up, Holly!"
This week... I had an opportunity to share that phrase with my co-teacher.
A Big Problem...
Yesterday at lunch, Kim Yeong Chae/Anna, my main co-teacher informed me that there was a BIG problem... and it was concerning me. When I asked her what it was, she told me to finish eating and that she would tell me afterward. Then, the rest of my co-teachers proceeded to try to find out what the problem was - speaking in Korean, of course! I would like to tell you that I was feeling completely calm... but I was concerned... and frustrated that they were all talking about a problem directly concerning me without translating (and they all know English)!
Needless to say, I didn't eat a whole lot more and finished so that Anna would tell me what the problem was. She looked incredibly troubled (I had noticed earlier in the morning). She told me there was a problem with my "state of employment." Immediately, I thought she was going to tell me they could no longer afford to pay me... or maybe someone made an error with my paperwork... I had no idea! She (along with all of the other co-teachers) assured me that I wasn't losing my job [insert huge sigh of relief].
The problem was related to my paycheck (definitely a problem, but not nearly as big as Anna made it out to be). I noticed on the last payslip an error (a lesser amt. than I am supposed to be receiving since I completed my TESOL course this summer).
Failed Communication
To make a long story short... the SMOE failed to communicate to me (as well as my school and co-teacher and school district office) that a personal interview is required before a pay raise is given when the TESOL course is completed. After the personal interview, the pay raise will be given one month later. I didn't notice this error until this last paycheck because the month before I was paid for 5 weeks rather than 4, and didn't even think about the math difference.
S0, on my first day of school, when I handed in my TESOL certificate, my co-teacher faxed it to our school district office and we thought everything was taken care of. Anna did everything she thought she was supposed to do, as did I. However, when we noticed the error on my last paycheck, she called the SMOE and found out about the personal interview. When I talked to them yesterday after lunch, the woman on the phone informed me that I should have heard about it at orientation (it was not discussed... and we didn't receive anything in writing about it). Sometimes they just expect you to know their procedures... without telling you about them. Kind of frustrating...
Anyway, Anna was feeling SO bad... she didn't even eat her lunch. And she apologized profusely. She felt like it was her fault. I assured her that I was not angry with her... frustrated with the SMOE for their failure to communicate, but not with her at all! She's done so much for me and is doing her best. She had no way of knowing otherwise... but still felt responsible. That's when I asked her if she'd ever heard of the phrase, "Don't beat yourself up." She hadn't heard about it... but after explaining it to her, she said to me, "Your mom is a very wise woman." I could only nod in agreement.
Blessings
So... it's a bummer that the SMOE won't correct their mistake and reimburse me for the money they should have been paying all along. However, I am thankful that we were able to get the error taken care of quickly. It was definitely God's provision and timing that we found out yesterday - on October 31, the last day of the month. We were able to go to the office yesterday afternoon (my principal graciously allowed us to leave school early to take care of the problem) and took care of the personal interview, got the little stamp on my contract, and was promised a pay raise within a month. Had we waited until next week (November) to go... it would have taken a full extra month for the pay raise to kick in. Crazy, huh?
Also, I was encouraged and comforted by the fact that the Lord knows my needs better than I do. He's been SO incredibly faithful to provide what I need. And I will be fine until the pay raise comes. It would have been nice to save that extra money to pay for college loans, but I still have what I need to continue living life! I was truly amazed by the peace and calm I had when Anna informed me of the whole situation. The first thought that honestly came to my mind was... well, that's a disappointment, but nothing God can't handle. God has overwhelmed me with His provision in the past, He's providing now, and He'll provide in the future. I know that would not be my natural response... it's ONLY the Holy Spirit... which is pretty sweet.
It was also a nice opportunity to spend some extra time with Anna. We haven't had much time to chat recently, so it was nice to have some extra 1-on-1 time. I just wish she wouldn't have felt so terrible... it totally wasn't her fault at all. If only she understood...
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
This week... I had an opportunity to share that phrase with my co-teacher.
A Big Problem...
Yesterday at lunch, Kim Yeong Chae/Anna, my main co-teacher informed me that there was a BIG problem... and it was concerning me. When I asked her what it was, she told me to finish eating and that she would tell me afterward. Then, the rest of my co-teachers proceeded to try to find out what the problem was - speaking in Korean, of course! I would like to tell you that I was feeling completely calm... but I was concerned... and frustrated that they were all talking about a problem directly concerning me without translating (and they all know English)!
Needless to say, I didn't eat a whole lot more and finished so that Anna would tell me what the problem was. She looked incredibly troubled (I had noticed earlier in the morning). She told me there was a problem with my "state of employment." Immediately, I thought she was going to tell me they could no longer afford to pay me... or maybe someone made an error with my paperwork... I had no idea! She (along with all of the other co-teachers) assured me that I wasn't losing my job [insert huge sigh of relief].
The problem was related to my paycheck (definitely a problem, but not nearly as big as Anna made it out to be). I noticed on the last payslip an error (a lesser amt. than I am supposed to be receiving since I completed my TESOL course this summer).
Failed Communication
To make a long story short... the SMOE failed to communicate to me (as well as my school and co-teacher and school district office) that a personal interview is required before a pay raise is given when the TESOL course is completed. After the personal interview, the pay raise will be given one month later. I didn't notice this error until this last paycheck because the month before I was paid for 5 weeks rather than 4, and didn't even think about the math difference.
S0, on my first day of school, when I handed in my TESOL certificate, my co-teacher faxed it to our school district office and we thought everything was taken care of. Anna did everything she thought she was supposed to do, as did I. However, when we noticed the error on my last paycheck, she called the SMOE and found out about the personal interview. When I talked to them yesterday after lunch, the woman on the phone informed me that I should have heard about it at orientation (it was not discussed... and we didn't receive anything in writing about it). Sometimes they just expect you to know their procedures... without telling you about them. Kind of frustrating...
Anyway, Anna was feeling SO bad... she didn't even eat her lunch. And she apologized profusely. She felt like it was her fault. I assured her that I was not angry with her... frustrated with the SMOE for their failure to communicate, but not with her at all! She's done so much for me and is doing her best. She had no way of knowing otherwise... but still felt responsible. That's when I asked her if she'd ever heard of the phrase, "Don't beat yourself up." She hadn't heard about it... but after explaining it to her, she said to me, "Your mom is a very wise woman." I could only nod in agreement.
Blessings
So... it's a bummer that the SMOE won't correct their mistake and reimburse me for the money they should have been paying all along. However, I am thankful that we were able to get the error taken care of quickly. It was definitely God's provision and timing that we found out yesterday - on October 31, the last day of the month. We were able to go to the office yesterday afternoon (my principal graciously allowed us to leave school early to take care of the problem) and took care of the personal interview, got the little stamp on my contract, and was promised a pay raise within a month. Had we waited until next week (November) to go... it would have taken a full extra month for the pay raise to kick in. Crazy, huh?
Also, I was encouraged and comforted by the fact that the Lord knows my needs better than I do. He's been SO incredibly faithful to provide what I need. And I will be fine until the pay raise comes. It would have been nice to save that extra money to pay for college loans, but I still have what I need to continue living life! I was truly amazed by the peace and calm I had when Anna informed me of the whole situation. The first thought that honestly came to my mind was... well, that's a disappointment, but nothing God can't handle. God has overwhelmed me with His provision in the past, He's providing now, and He'll provide in the future. I know that would not be my natural response... it's ONLY the Holy Spirit... which is pretty sweet.
It was also a nice opportunity to spend some extra time with Anna. We haven't had much time to chat recently, so it was nice to have some extra 1-on-1 time. I just wish she wouldn't have felt so terrible... it totally wasn't her fault at all. If only she understood...
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Being Known...
This week, I realized that sometimes it's hard not to be KNOWN - truly KNOWN. When I was living at home and at Bethel, I felt KNOWN. There were so many people I could talk to/process life with me that really KNOW me - my heart, the way I process things, my family, my experiences, etc. I'm thankful that Sara's here... so thankful... and incredibly thankful for Skype. It's still different though... daily life circumstances and all... I can't fully explain it all. I am so incredibly thankful for where God has placed me, but sometimes it is hard to not be really known... to be misunderstood.
But... I've found great comfort in Psalm 139:
O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
But... I've found great comfort in Psalm 139:
O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise
(when I leave my apartment and come back home);
you perceive my thoughts from afar
(even when I can't fully formulate/express them).
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways
(even the silly, little things - like the way I like my coffee...).
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea [KOREA],
even there your hand will guide me
(just like He told me at the beginning of my journey here in Seoul),
your right hand will hold me fast
(can't be separated from His love).
I can't even begin to describe the comfort I've gained from this passage this week...
Another Random Post... Running out of creative titles, I'm afraid...
Monday Classes
My Monday classes went much better this week. Thanks to all who were praying! In fact, my classes went much better in general this week (which was good because there was so many other things going on this week for me)! My lesson was on Autumn... I told the students about apple-picking (one of my FAVORITE fall traditions) and how my mom makes amazing apple pie. We also played Autumn BINGO - which the students LOVED! Several classes actually wanted to keep playing after the bell rang. I cannot tell you what joy this brought to my heart!
A Dose of Homesickness
This week was kind of tough in many ways - unrelated to the classroom. I had a few instances that made me realize that I REALLY miss my family... I had such a GREAT summer at home with them... and am missing knowing what's going on... going to Emma's orchestra concerts... Caleb's football games (I hear he's practicing with the varsity now)... hearing Josh's stories, band concerts, preparations for the DR Trip... knowing how school is going for Zac... chatting with my parents just because... It's really been hitting me a little more recently. I'm so thankful for Skype. My parents and I have been able to stay in contact for the most part, which has been great. I enjoy hearing about my mom's stories from work concerning germ-reducing efforts. It's also really neat to compare our experiences working in middle schools. It's cool that we can share so much in common, even though our middle schools are thousands of miles away set in completely different cultures.
Yeah... some people go overseas to get away from their families... that's NOT why I'm here...
I LOVE YOU
Yes, many of my students (usually the boys) scream "Hi Teacher! I love you!" I've been trying to break them of this habit... but had a funny incident this week. I was walking to school one morning and one of the boys in my lowest level class was walking with his girlfriend (I've been told their QUITE serious). We chatted briefly and when we parted ways, he said, "Bye teacher, I love you!" I couldn't see him when he said this because there was a bush obstructing my view. However, I heard a loud SMACK and knew that his girlfriend did not appreciate his words. It made me chuckle...
The Hiding Place
Just finished reading Corrie Ten Boom's story, The Hiding Place. I highly recommend it for anyone that's looking for some good reading material. I still would like to sit down and process what I read a little more... but it's definitely been challenging me to trust the Lord, regardless of what the future may hold!
My After-School Class
I teach an after-school class on Mondays and Thursdays. On Monday, I made them popcorn just because. I told them it was because I like them (and I was hoping it would encourage them to be faithful in attendance). I also told them not to expect it every week... it was a good bonding experience though. I feel like they are MY kids. I'll take a picture of them soon and share them with you. I really enjoy spending time with them... they're great and they make me laugh so much.
Hot Chocolate, Checkers, & Emma...
This morning, after skyping with my lovely mother, I had a little date with Emmie. We sipped hot chocolate together, played checkers, and shared stories/asked questions between each move. It was marvelous! I miss that girl...
My Monday classes went much better this week. Thanks to all who were praying! In fact, my classes went much better in general this week (which was good because there was so many other things going on this week for me)! My lesson was on Autumn... I told the students about apple-picking (one of my FAVORITE fall traditions) and how my mom makes amazing apple pie. We also played Autumn BINGO - which the students LOVED! Several classes actually wanted to keep playing after the bell rang. I cannot tell you what joy this brought to my heart!
A Dose of Homesickness
This week was kind of tough in many ways - unrelated to the classroom. I had a few instances that made me realize that I REALLY miss my family... I had such a GREAT summer at home with them... and am missing knowing what's going on... going to Emma's orchestra concerts... Caleb's football games (I hear he's practicing with the varsity now)... hearing Josh's stories, band concerts, preparations for the DR Trip... knowing how school is going for Zac... chatting with my parents just because... It's really been hitting me a little more recently. I'm so thankful for Skype. My parents and I have been able to stay in contact for the most part, which has been great. I enjoy hearing about my mom's stories from work concerning germ-reducing efforts. It's also really neat to compare our experiences working in middle schools. It's cool that we can share so much in common, even though our middle schools are thousands of miles away set in completely different cultures.
Yeah... some people go overseas to get away from their families... that's NOT why I'm here...
I LOVE YOU
Yes, many of my students (usually the boys) scream "Hi Teacher! I love you!" I've been trying to break them of this habit... but had a funny incident this week. I was walking to school one morning and one of the boys in my lowest level class was walking with his girlfriend (I've been told their QUITE serious). We chatted briefly and when we parted ways, he said, "Bye teacher, I love you!" I couldn't see him when he said this because there was a bush obstructing my view. However, I heard a loud SMACK and knew that his girlfriend did not appreciate his words. It made me chuckle...
The Hiding Place
Just finished reading Corrie Ten Boom's story, The Hiding Place. I highly recommend it for anyone that's looking for some good reading material. I still would like to sit down and process what I read a little more... but it's definitely been challenging me to trust the Lord, regardless of what the future may hold!
My After-School Class
I teach an after-school class on Mondays and Thursdays. On Monday, I made them popcorn just because. I told them it was because I like them (and I was hoping it would encourage them to be faithful in attendance). I also told them not to expect it every week... it was a good bonding experience though. I feel like they are MY kids. I'll take a picture of them soon and share them with you. I really enjoy spending time with them... they're great and they make me laugh so much.
Hot Chocolate, Checkers, & Emma...
This morning, after skyping with my lovely mother, I had a little date with Emmie. We sipped hot chocolate together, played checkers, and shared stories/asked questions between each move. It was marvelous! I miss that girl...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
DISCIPLINE...
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
-Hebrews 12:1-13
Sunday, October 26, 2008
SPORTS DAY
Friday was our annual "Sports Day" at school. I guess it is comparable to a field day. In the morning, the students competed in several relay races. They were separated by class. I spent the whole morning in the office, doing lesson planning. It was much-needed and actually, quite relaxing. I also got to talk a little more with some of the teachers that I haven't had many conversations with up to this point. It continues to amaze me how many of them actually know English, yet are just too shy to speak to me! I love it when they finally do start speaking, though!
After a productive morning, I spent the afternoon enjoying the remaining festivities. Each of the second grade (8th grade) classes chose a theme and dressed up in costumes. We had the pleasure of witnessing a lovely parade.
Alice's homeroom students, class 2-10. According to this sign, it's the BEST class at Cheongryang (so I was told).
This is my (somewhat disturbing) Facebook friend again... it turns out he is also in Alice's homeroom. He was really embarrassed to dress up like a cheerleader with his class. He told me that his head was sick... otherwise he certainly would not have been wearing a skirt, nail polish, and make-up! Definitely made me laugh.
Parade pics
This group was from the "Zoo." Do you see the turtles, monkeys, and cheetas?
These are some of the third grade students performing an aerobic dance. I don't remember what song they were dancing too... probably something by the Wondergirls. Two of the boys in the front row here are in my after-school class. I was proud of them (and proud of myself for being able to pick them out)!
Teachers preparing to race their homeroom students. It was a sight to see, trust me! I loved every minute of it (as an observer of course)!!!
The exhibition room of the week. The students worked on several art, science, writing, and craft projects and had them displayed here. I'm realizing more and more that it is SO incredibly meaningful for me to see the creative side of my students - whether through looking at their projects, watching them perform aerobic dances, or cheering for sports relays. I LOVE seeing another side of them - besides bored/rambunctious students in desks in a classroom. Hmm...
After Sports Day, the principal took all of the teachers out to dinner for some Shabu Shabu to celebrate the end of Sports Day (it's a lot of extra work for the homeroom teachers). It was a fun way to end the week.
Sports Day was a lot of fun. I wish we had them more often! :)
Oh... I also spoke with my first parent at Sports Day. I am happy to report that it was not nearly as scary and intimidating as I would have expected. She was very kind and was excited to practice her English with me.
After a productive morning, I spent the afternoon enjoying the remaining festivities. Each of the second grade (8th grade) classes chose a theme and dressed up in costumes. We had the pleasure of witnessing a lovely parade.
Alice's homeroom students, class 2-10. According to this sign, it's the BEST class at Cheongryang (so I was told).
This is my (somewhat disturbing) Facebook friend again... it turns out he is also in Alice's homeroom. He was really embarrassed to dress up like a cheerleader with his class. He told me that his head was sick... otherwise he certainly would not have been wearing a skirt, nail polish, and make-up! Definitely made me laugh.
Parade pics
This group was from the "Zoo." Do you see the turtles, monkeys, and cheetas?
These are some of the third grade students performing an aerobic dance. I don't remember what song they were dancing too... probably something by the Wondergirls. Two of the boys in the front row here are in my after-school class. I was proud of them (and proud of myself for being able to pick them out)!
Teachers preparing to race their homeroom students. It was a sight to see, trust me! I loved every minute of it (as an observer of course)!!!
The exhibition room of the week. The students worked on several art, science, writing, and craft projects and had them displayed here. I'm realizing more and more that it is SO incredibly meaningful for me to see the creative side of my students - whether through looking at their projects, watching them perform aerobic dances, or cheering for sports relays. I LOVE seeing another side of them - besides bored/rambunctious students in desks in a classroom. Hmm...
After Sports Day, the principal took all of the teachers out to dinner for some Shabu Shabu to celebrate the end of Sports Day (it's a lot of extra work for the homeroom teachers). It was a fun way to end the week.
Sports Day was a lot of fun. I wish we had them more often! :)
Oh... I also spoke with my first parent at Sports Day. I am happy to report that it was not nearly as scary and intimidating as I would have expected. She was very kind and was excited to practice her English with me.
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