Teaching in Thailand - an Introduction

As you may (or may not) know, this past week was the first week where we were at the school for all 5 days of the week and the kids were also there for all 5 days.  Needless to say it was an adjustment from the first three weeks here because we had not had a full week, never mind having kids there really.

This adjustment, of course, coincided with our need to adjust to teaching in a different country, with students who's first language is not English.  For those of you who do not know, I am teaching Physical Education, Swimming and (starting next Wednesday) Conversation.  This may sound like I am set up to coast but I am on a steep learning curve in terms of what the students know and don't know with respect to the content, in addition to figuring out how much English they actually understand.  For example, I am teaching all of the kindergarten levels (there are three) which contain students starting at 2.5 years old up to 5 years old.  These kids barely understand a word I am saying, so it is very difficult to play any games really.  Alternately, the P2 kids do understand me (more than others for sure) and they keep asking to play these games that I've never heard of.  This may be due to my lack of PE training, but I wonder if this always happens to new gym teachers at schools - they go in and the kids ask to play a game that was invented by their previous teacher so the new one has no idea how to play this game.  As it stands, I asked them to teach me what the rules were so that we could play.  It was interesting and I'm sure I'll use it again here.

Overall, the kids are great.  They are quite friendly and love to say hello to you in the hallway.  It was funny on Friday because I was not teaching due to ethics camp for the primary students so I actually got to wear my hair down and do my makeup.  I was going up the stairs and said hello to one of my students and he didn't recognize me without being covered in sweat/water and having my hair up or in a swim cap.  He needed me to show him the tattoo behind my ear before he knew who I was.

I was overwhelmed this week by the students' enthusiasm in the pool so that threw me for a loop - in addition to how much they already knew or didn't know about swimming.  As such, I felt a little frazzled.  This week I think I have a better handle on it and will be ready.  We'll see if I'm right...

I'll keep you posted on if they have eaten me alive yet.  555. For now, luv you all - Amanda