Job Discussion Forums

[Veganette]

I'm one of the odd ones--I LOVE teaching kindergarten students. I would be happiest teaching full-time kindergarten--only kindergarten. Though, I guess I could probably convince myself to teach older students, such as first graders, as well.

What I'd really be interested in is an all-day kindergarten program, if such a thing is available. I prefer long kindergarten classes...not something like a bunch of 30 minute classes strung together with different kids in each class. If an all-day kindergarten class were not possible, then I'd like something like, two kindergarten classes, each 2-3 hours long, 5 days a week.

Am I only dreaming or is this a possiblity? Oh, if it matters, I have a BA in English and 8 years overseas teaching experience. I have LOADS of materials, storybooks, supplements, etc. for teaching kindy kids. In fact, I have over 300 storybooks that would be going with me (but they range in levels from very basic to chapter books).

I think I know what I'd be getting into...at least a little. I teach Korean kindergarteners right now. And I love them. But, I think it might be easier to be vegan in Thailand...at least, from what I've heard, there is a better variety of things like fresh fruit.

I positively do not want to teach adults whatsoever. I'd prefer not to teach anyone over the age of 10 or so. The little ones are the most fun.

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Yes, absolutely!


There are loads of job offers for teachers who enjoy teaching kids.

With a BA in English & 8 years experience, you're also qualified

to apply at the better schools - and bypass the TEFL Mills.


Fresh fruits and veggies are plentiful & cheap.

It's one of the best things about Thailand.

Based on what you've written above,

I think you'd enjoy it here.





a few links to whet your vegan appetite:


http://www.happycow.net/asia/thailand/

http://vegetarian.information.in.th/

http://asiarecipe.com/thailand.html

http://www.ivu.org/vct/

[Veganette]

Kent,

Thank you SO MUCH for replying! I was starting to get worried that this board was a little dead or my posts were too newbyish. If I do end up in Thailand and you need a suitcase full of kimchi, let me know! Not sure what else Korea has to offer.

Well, I realize that it's much too early to apply, considering that my current contract isn't up until April of NEXT year, but I'd love to hear something about the "better" schools. Names? Websites? Anything?

--tries to keep desperately hopeful tone to a minimum--

I really like planning ahead. I have over a year left here and I intend to plan and prepare for Thailand during that time. Right now, I'm only about 60% sure I'll go to Thailand...I mean, it's more than a year and a lot can happen in that time...Korea COULD suddenly start stocking a wide variety of good quality fruits and veggies at reasonable prices. --rolls eyes at self-- But in any case, I want to start all the research now.

Is it possible to learn some basic Thai off of books and tapes? And do you have any you'd recommend?

Have you ever taught in Korea? Could you tell me about any differences between Korean kids and Thai kids? I do know about the Don't Touch Their Heads thing. I often touch my kids' heads and hair, so I'll start working on that right now. Is there anything else you can think of?

Anyone?

THANK YOU!!

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Anyong ha sayo!


Yes; I taught at Sogang (SLP) in Chonju for a year.


re: kids

Imho, they're pretty much the same everywhere.

You take the naughty ones with the good -

and pray they don't pee on you.


re: language resources

Thai is a tonal language with its own alphabet -

meaning it's not easy to learn how to read & write it,

but picking up a few basics in spoken Thai is rather easy,

as long as you stick to the transliteration.


If you click on The Master Index Thailand sticky post

located at the top of this forum, and then scroll

down to the very bottom, you'll find the

LEARN THAI ONLINE links in FAQ 12.


Many of them have audio files,

and they are all free to use!


re: schools

It wouldn't hurt to start browsing the TEFL in THAILAND category

in Part II of the Index - just to get a feel for who's offering what.

[robitusson]

This school emplys full-time kindergarten teachers.

http://www.tpg.ac.th/tsep/

[Veganette]

Is kindergarten new for them? They make no mention of it in their website.

Ah, wait, is "Anuban" Thai for kindergarten?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

^ Yes !






~

[Veganette]

hahahahaha~ Well, I've just learned my FIRST Thai word.

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Here are a couple more:


Mattayom = high school

and Prathom = primary.


The Thai Educational system isn't identical to western systems

but the above 3 words are fairly common in job adverts,

so I wanted to share that.


Hope it helps !

[Veganette]

Thank you!

Wait...not identical....then, how old are the kids generally when they are in kindergarten?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Anuban is the same

as our kindergarten.


Here's a more detailed list

for your viewing pleasure:


อนุบาล = kindergarten anuban

ประถมศึกษา or ประถม = primary prathom

ประถมต้น = grades 1-4 = prathom ton

ประถมปลาย = grades 5-6 = prathom blai

มัธยมศึกษา or มัธยม = secondary (a.k.a. high school) mattayom

มัธยมต้น = grades 7-9 = mattayom ton

มัธยมปลาย = grades 10-12 = mattayom blai

[hails]

I'm the same as you, want to teach kindy and young kids. Not sure why, it just appeals. What part of Thailand do you want to live in? I'm moving over next month...