Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mayorgc]

I'm with gepik and my regular schedule with the co-teachers are fine. but for after school classes, I just met my 3rd graders, there is about 15 of them and I don't think they understand a single word I say. I'm gonna be flying solo with these kids and all i've got is the manual, the cd and the kids have their work books. the level of english varies widely with these kids. some can obviously understand english, while others won't even make a sound. (possibly due to shyness).


I spent the first class giving them english names and playing hang man, but I was still 5 minutes short. I also know that i can't continue playing hangman forever.

I speak zero korean, so do i just proceed with my lessons and hope for the best? will i get in trouble if these kids don't learn anything? I've been searching this site for activities and games for a while now, but i don't think the kids will be able to understand some of these activities.

[KYC]

I taught K-6th graders with no Korean teachers last year. Was it difficult? HELL yes. Did I cry? On few occasions..never in front of the kids though. Did I come to grow fond of them? very much so. I even miss the little rugrats.

I now teach 2 afterschool classes. One class contains 30 first through third graders. MOST of them understand zero English. They understand when I'm angry though

Just do your best and teach whoever wants to learn/listen. Take command of the class though. I coteach 22 of my classes and I never discipline in these classes. I am very easy going and rarely raise my voice. But in the afterschool classes or when I have to teach by myself, I'm a total hard ass and the kids are very afraid of me.

[Gimpokid]

I feel ya dude. I teach after school for Gepik with no book and no co-teacher.

Work with what ya got...that's all you can do. Somethings are universal. Signs, crafts, general Vocab, crosswords, word search, coloring page, movies, story time, practice writing. We're not frickin Helen Keller, put in as much effort as the school does...I doubt they'll have a problem with anything you do if they got the balls to maroon you like that.

[mayorgc]

thanks, I was really starting to get freaked out about it.

but another question, am i going to have to write report cards or evaluate these kids??

[peppermint]

put them in teams, and make sure there's a mix of high and low level students on each team, that way the kids that understand can explain to the ones that don't. Reward teamwork.

Games involving matching words to pictures worked well with my kids. I started out saying the word and having them find the picture, later I'd show the picture and have them write or tell me the word. When possible, don't just tell kids what something is, show them.

[Bibbitybop]

The real answer is: Nothing.

Study up on your contract, handbook (if you have one, it explains duties) and Korean law.

You are probably an "assistant teacher," even if you have a Masters in Education. You are probably not a licensed teacher in Korea and therefore must have a licensed Korean co-teacher with you at all times.

So if they can't provide you with one, don't go into the classroom.

This is playing hardball, but it's not your job to deal with incompetent schools.

[Gimpokid]

[Socks]

You newbies are really useless..

back 4~5 years ago - we use to teach grade 1~6 (in the Public schools) with no korean co-teachers and 35~40 students per classroom..

we all handled it no problems..


geez - the idiots they are sending over these days...

[njp6]

Socks, you have a bad day? The OP is only asking for advice.

I play bingo with my third graders. We study easy things; food, animals, and so on. I then write all the vocab on the board and put the corresponding flashcard next to the word. Next, handout the bingo cards and have the students write one word in each square. Then, go to each student and play rock, scissors, paper (this extends the game so it doesn't just end in 30 seconds). If the student wins, they choose a square and repeat the core dialog, like: "I like bananas." Everybody crosses bananas off their bingo cards. Don't be afraid if things like this are a train wreck the first time. It usually takes a few times for students to get things down.

Model everything you do. Also get a reward system in place; stamps for prizes and things like that. Songs and chants with motions and dances are great. Youtube is your friend.

[Bibbitybop]

[Gimpokid]

[peppermint]

[Socks]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[Fishead soup]

For Gods sake please don't play hangman.

Do a google search of Andrew Finch. He written some of the best materials for Korean students

Also check out Bogglesworld.
Deoubels site