Job Discussion Forums

[kev7161]

First let me say, I like my school. I like my kids. I like the hours I keep. I like the pay. I like the location. Okay, disclaimer over.

My "co-teacher" (she's the supposed "head teacher" of my class. She teaches one Chinese lesson a day and then, basically, babysits the kids when I'm not around) told me today she thought the kids should have more fun in my classes. More fun? Let's see, today alone we learned a new song with dance movements. We had a spelling "bee" in English class and the winning team members all got stickers (they love stickers). While individual kids came up to read their story to me (another sticker if they read well), everyone had two coloring sheets (Christmas-themed) to "work" on - which I provided from a coloring book my aunt recently sent from America. Yesterday, we spent a whole period practicing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (little do they know I have a copy of the 1964 DVD on its way right now and we'll be watching it upon arrival - yesterday I read the storybook of Rudolph to them - - they loved it!). Between classes today (and most every day), many of the kids come to me because they know they will get a hug or a funny face or a couple minutes of my time for silly stuff. Yesterday was my day for recess and we spent 25 minutes outside after lunch. Today was my co-teacher's turn for recess but, darn, she had another one of those pesky meetings so, no recess for the kids. They ran up and down the halls instead. Wheeee! For art class last week, we made Santa Mobiles using construction paper and cotton I provided. I'll bet NO other class is even into Christmas like our class is (and will be throughout December). The kids loved making those, by the way. They're hanging all over our classroom right now. Today was a student's birthday, so I did what I always do with birthdays: decorated his desk with balloons, provided him with a Nestle chocolate milk, and made sure to recognize him with "Happy Birthday" song during morning calendar.

Yes, we do have study times throughout the day: Math, reading, spelling, vocabulary, etc. I teach the kids four periods every day. My first grade class is currently excelling at 2nd grade level math. Many are reading (somewhat) fluently with simple passages I provide. Their spoken English is not there yet, but their comprehension skills are quite good and I see improvement from most every week. My principal applauds me and other teachers come to observe my lessons frequently. As many of you may know, 1st graders (in China and elsewhere) can easily get out of hand if allowed. Often I can be spontaneous, but I usually schedule in "fun time" (songs, art, music and movement) so I know I'm giving them a balance. I don't know if it's "fun" for them, but they also go off to music class 4X a week and PE 2X a week.

"The kids are too boring," is what she also said to me (I didn't bother correcting her with the word "bored"). My reply is that maybe, just maybe, the kids shouldn't be scheduled to be in our tiny little classroom for TWELVE HOURS A DAY! I'd be going out of my freakin' gourd if I was enclosed like they are!

Okay, I'm done ranting. But she just really got my goat today.

[superdave01]

well looks like you may have to start wearing big clown shoes and a red foam nose to classes now.....it's your coworker who is the one that is bored, not the students.....have you tried the pull my finger routine on her yet? bet the kids will love that one.

[pancakes]

There have been a couple of times someone has said something as stupid as that to me. I recommend nodding, saying "OK", and completely forgetting they ever existed. You're doing great work by the sounds of it, so ignore the stupid comment and keep on keeping on.

[andyscott84]

I know that if I were a young Chinese student and doing those sorts of activities in class, I would really look forward to it.

It sounds like a lot of fun. Perhaps adding some fireworks to the routine will get her off your back.

[Babala]

Kev,
Sounds like just plain jealousy on her part. The kids probably praise you to the other teachers and now her nose has gotten out of joint. Sounds like you are doing great, just ignore her

[kev7161]

[vikdk]

balls - sorry thats wasn't swearing - I gota small red nose made out of a ping pong ball held in place by elastic (I use for circus lessons) - ohh its made red by covering it in sticky red paper - you want bigger noses then you need bigger balls

[Roger]

She seems to be one of those CHinese "teachers" that assume only herself can "teach", while you are here to entertain!
And when they realise - in spite of themselves - that you actually do both simultaneously they turn yellow with envy!

[kev7161]

Not meaning to beat the dead horse (and my co-teacher is generally pretty nice, really) - -

When asked why she doesn't sing or play games or have the students move around during her Chinese classes, her excuse was because she only teaches one class per day and there's not enough time (suggesting other first grade classes get more than one lesson per day?). I've observed her classes. It's not like she's strict or anything, but the kids dutifully sit there and do their chanting and sit up straight writing their Chinese characters. The kids are usually well-behaved for her (they are for me too, but just wilder at times) and seem interested, but . . . ???

[erinyes]

[klaus]

don't you think rudolph the rednose reindeer and all this christmas nonsense might be just a touch irrelevant where chinese kids are concerned?

no wonder the powers that be are complaining. you could try teaching them something.

[Henry_Cowell]

[kev7161]

Apparently "Klaus" (funny name for someone blasting all this "Christmas nonsense") misread my initial post. First off, my school is having a Christmas program later in the month and most classes have been tasked with providing a Christmas-themed performance. So, in that regards, no, teaching them "Rudolph . . . " is not a waste of time. As a matter of fact, teaching small children songs, rhymes, and chants goes a long way into helping them remember their English. Not only do my kids sing along to the songs, but they learn how to read the song as well. They learn about rhythm and how to work with others in a cooperative way by singing together. How many first graders do YOU know, Klaus, that even know and can say the word "reindeer" and what one looks like (cartoon or otherwise)?

How much time do we spend in our busy 5-day week practicing "Rudolph"? Two 40-minute periods. The rest of MY time is devoted to teaching them Math, Spelling, Reading, Science, Social Studies, and Art. Maybe you think, Klaus, that the Art is a waste of time and we shouldn't do that either? My kids get 7 math lessons a week and 9 English lessons. They also get other subjects 2X a week (including PE and Music). What exactly do you think I should spend more time on if I were to do away with all this "Christmas nonsense"? Bah! humbug, indeed!

(I love when we get new posters on this forum and all the can manage is tired little "arguments" like this - - do they truly have nothing substantial to contribute?)

[Babala]

Hey Kev, I sang Rudolph when I was in grade one and look at me now, I am the English teacher

[vikdk]

maybe the cynic could say - If Rudolph's first langauge was English, and he got rid of those darn horns - he to could be an English teacher in China