Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DC in Suwon]

I will be starting my first teaching position in Korea on January 12. It is an Elementary after school position.

Based on what I've read on here, January 12 will be after school Winter Camp, or something along those lines?

My main concerns/questions are:

1. Will I be expected to have lesson plans for my first day of class on Jan. 12?

2. If you believe I will need lesson plans, where/how should I start for an elementary school winter camp? Do these kids have zero knowledge of English?

3. I have read that some elementary teachers have no lesson plans at all. If that's the case, how do you organize your teaching to flow and gradually raise the level of English speaking/comprehension?

4. Honestly, I feel like I have an infinite amount of questions, probably like most new teachers in Korea. But if anyone can really just summarize or fill me in (maybe their own similar experience to mine) on what I should expect the first week of classes, I would GREATLY appreciate it.

Sorry if this has been asked numerous times, but I've had trouble really pinpointing answers without those threads turning into idiotic debates about who's teaching method is better. So if you feel like helping out someone who actually cares about teaching my future students, I thank you in advance!!

If you want, you can PM me.

Thanks again!

Dan

[DC in Suwon]

bumpin'

[esetters21]

The first thing that I would do is ask the school/recruiter or whoever you have contact with at this time if there is already a lesson plan or curriculum prepared for the camp.

[Jeff's Cigarettes]

After school program....

[maingman]

OP

keep warm !!

[schwa]

First class, the kids will be very curious about you. Invite them to ask you questions. Give simple answers & return the same questions to them (volunteers & random students). This will give you a good starting handle on what they already know & are capable of.

Relax, smile, speak slowly, clearly, & repetitively. The kids are naturally inclined to like a new teacher.

Keep it simple. Very easy vocab games can engage all or most of the students & allow the higher level kids to shine. Some might amaze you but keep the average & lower kids in mind too.

Korean kids love competition. Organize teams if you can & keep score of any & all contributions. A few kids are likely to dominate so insist sometimes on seeing "new hands" raised to answer. Its very helpful to get the better students prompting their lower level or shyer peers. Give the winning team some simple reward.

You'll catch the swing of things quick enough & figure out where & how to start building on the students' competencies.

Worry less about academic outcomes than establishing a nice rapport with the kids. In the long run they'll be more responsive to & learn best from a teacher they perceive as kind. Always appear in control (even if you dont know what you're doing). Sometimes you'll need to be firm, but dont get angry. Always be fair. Trust your instincts.

We all faced first classes once & had the same doubts & concerns you're asking about. Interacting with the kids should in fact be the easiest & most pleasant aspect of your work (I think most on this forum would agree). Fitting in smoothly with your boss & colleagues is the bigger challenge.

Best luck. Chances are you'll do fine.

[DC in Suwon]

[DC in Suwon]

[DC in Suwon]

Sorry.....this is my last bump. Just checking to see if anyone else has some answers.

thanks!

[schwa]

Your specific questions will remain unanswered because nobody knows. Every situation is different.

The die is cast. Try not to stress. Welcome to the fray!

[cruisemonkey]

[DC in Suwon]