So since I started work I had just been "observing." I didn't have a work permit. Now before I arrived I was under the impression that I would begin working essentially the week or the week after. However it turned out that school wasn't even in session at the time so I wouldn't be able to do anything until it began.
Now when I say "observing" it is because in the morning originally I was with Jenny and Dasha. Dasha actually taught the class while Jenny and I observed each class. We kind of eased into participation. Jenny ended up stating she was bored and wanted more a challenge, which worked out well because Emily missed kindergarten. She was teaching there for about a month before we arrived.
Once this was realized it was sorted out that Dasha went back to the primary school to teach Emily's morning classes, and then her remaining classes. Jenny went to the primary school to sit in the main office like it was no one's business... because she wasn't allowed to observe in the classrooms. And Emily would come to the kindergarten in the morning, we would teach the four classes together, and then she would head back to the primary to teach her afternoon classes.
Needless to say it was a little extra busy for Emily and Dasha. With that all happening I was more or less teaching alone in the afternoon. However because I did not have a permit simply reading a story or going over a worksheet or vocabulary was not teaching. At this time I was in both K1 and K2 with Emily. Once I had my work permit one of us would stay with K1 and one with K2. I had gotten pretty close to the co-teacher in the red K1 class and kind of wanted to stay in K1, it seemed easier. But I knew that Emily was close with Nam and could tell that was where she preferred. So once I had my permit I hopped over to the K2 classes.
Once I actually had my work permit and could teach children I had another "what the hell was I thinking" moment. For the most part I had just been going to class, dancing with the kids, doing vocabulary and maybe playing a game. Now I had to do that but also come up with a plan and a way to test their knowledge. Crap!
This is when you have to go military mode and remember your training. Think back to lesson planning, what the kids need, what you can teach them and what is the easiest way for them to understand. But most importantly, I think, is to keep the kids interested. I have done the same lesson plan and seen it go over so smoothly in one class and then completely fail in the other. Sometimes it amazes me how different the reactions are.
Needless to say I try to write down a rough outline of a plan for each day, if nothing else each week. I also help make the worksheets that the kids do so it helps me see decide what they work on at home and when they are in class. I have to say it can be really hard and I only teach for 2.5 hours a day. Its pathetic for me even to complain. I can't tell you how much more I respect teachers. Also, I have gotten over my fear of talking in front of large crowds. The fact that they are below the age of 6, below 5 feet tall and their native language isn't mine only made that easier by a small percentage.
I do have to say when I can find the right groove and game and get the kids focused and see them succeed it fills my heart. Such pure joy and the pride of them knowing they learned something knew is so beautiful. So I've added some dorky pictures of me teaching to obviously get a chuckle and show that they actually do let me educate children. (These are just pictures from my K2 yellow class, I need to add some from K2 red class). I also included the gummy bear dance that the kids love to do... every day. ;)
