Matthias checking out the kiwis that grow around here.
Teaching in China has been a really interesting experience. The students are great, and although I get frustrated trying to manage a class of 70+ students, trying to motivate them when all they really care about is studying for their next exam, and trying to keep the chalk dust out of my computer (and my lungs), I think it's been pretty rewarding so far. I suppose I'm learning more than my students, and exhausting as it is, by the time I get to the 14th rendition of my lesson plan, I think I'm pretty darn good at it.
All of the English teachers on Teacher's Day in September
But enough about me - what can I say about my students? They're marvelous, but it's hard to get to know them when I see about 1,500 of them just once a week. Most are shy when it comes to speaking English. I know they can read and comprehend at a pretty high level (judging from their English textbook and exam papers), but when I speak to them, the majority just stare, say "sorry, I don't know," or "yes" despite the question. Sometimes there's a breakthrough, though, and I get them to laugh about something I said (or just laugh at me!) Then there are a handful who have had the benefit of extra English instruction (small group workshops during spring or summer break) so they can communicate pretty well and are probably just bored in my classes. The students are most interested in learning about western culture - they're dying to know what American students their age do (wish I knew so I could tell them!) And they love to sing! This week we sang Jingle Bells as a warm-up activity, which was fun. But I'm saving the best for last: next month I'll teach them a Michael Jackson song - something at least one student asks for every week. Speaking of the most famous MJ in China (Michael Jordan probably a close second) I've got to say I've developed a new appreciation for the King of Pop while I've been here. But we'll see if I still feel that way after 18 sessions of teaching a lesson plan based on MJ's "You are not Alone."
Class 12, Grade 1
Matthias and I made a few trips to Xi'an over the past couple of months, where we were able to buy some western comfort food for our kitchen, including butter and cheese, which have had the unfortunate effect of reversing the weight loss I experienced after getting here, but also made us feel a bit more comfy. We planned to make some additional side trips, but between a snow storm one weekend, and seperate bouts of the flu (the normal/seasonal kind), we never made it. I still have intentions to visit a nearby temple in January. Hopefully we'll be able to make it.
School campus after the snow in November
Our last trip to Xi'an was particularly special, as we met Matthias' cousin Katja and her friend Simon there for Christmas. It was a blast. We braved the cold and rode bikes along the city wall (something I always wanted to do but could never convince Matthias!), visited the great Mosque (another thing Matthias wouldn't have done without the peer pressure) and ate some amazing Beijing Duck. It was fantastic! And now I can look forward to New Year's in Xi'an. Our school actually has a day off for New Year's (or what they call the Solar New Year.) We're leaving for Xi'an tomorrow afternoon (New Year's Eve) and will meet some other Buckland teachers there, including Katie, who shares my birthday. And I'm betting that Xi'an is one place that doesn't actually close down on the second of January! Yay!
Riding on the Xi'an city wall with Katja and Simon
More photos online at Picasa:
November Photos
December Photos
Zàijiàn! (see you!)
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