Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Joltz]

Hey guys,
I am a new teacher working for Gepik in a middle school. So far I've been told that my first week will only be for preparation of lesson plans. I will teach each class once a week and I have a reading/listening workbook that I am to use one week and the next week is a free lesson. I am finding a lot of helpful material online, but I'm still a little worried. What should my free lesson look like? Are they going to expect something structured, or can it really be as simple as finding an interesting and engaging game for the children to play? I have a first lesson that is an introduction about me, it's only about 9 slides long and then I intend to use the rest of the time to go around the class and ask students their name and something about themselves. Should all my lessons be like that? A slide presentation first then class participation? Also for my contract it says I still have to work on vacation days, any ideas as to what I'll be doing? Will I still have to work 40 hrs a week on the vacation times? And does anyone know where I can find the schedule for public school time off? I know this is a lot. I just don't want to ask my coteacher too many questions, she's really busy and I don't want her to think I'm a nuisance.

[shostahoosier]

You can find the answer to these questions and many more with help from Mr. Search.

If Dave's isn't working, then use "searcheslcafe.com"

Generally speaking though, some of your questions depend on your school. Are you your school's first native teacher? Can you contact the old one to see how things were done? You might even be able to find a lesson plan book from the previous person. Than can help give you an idea of how things were done.

Dont stress yourself out though.

[yourboychris]

If I were you, I would first write down all the questions you have and then invite one of your co-teachers for coffee/dinner. I'm sure they will be happy to answer your questions then!

[Weigookin74]

[TheUrbanMyth]

[SonomaJoe]

I have a few free lessons but with monthly themes. This month's theme is family unity.

I am being encouraged to think of American movies, TV, and songs that would be age appropriate. I am showing a few Disney songs first, just to get their interest in learning English motivated. I found some clips on Youtube in English and English subtitles.

I'm also thinking They Might Be Giants songs, any number of games and activities, and anything about American holidays they want me to bring up and talk about. St. Patrick's Day is coming up and I am scrambling to come up with something there. I want to give them something, but alas, no St. Paddy's merch.

I'm new too, but I learned while getting my TEFL that literally anything can be turned into an English lesson. It's just a matter of finding something that really fits and sticks in their minds.

[Seoulman69]

For the free class do the following:

Prepare a script of a conversation between two people exchanging the following information: name, nationality, age, and hobbies.
Go through the script with the students working on pronunciation.
Put the students into pairs and have them practice the conversation with each other.
Finally have the students come up to the front of the class and recite the conversation they have just learnt. If they do well give them some type of a prize (usually candy).

This works in a couple of ways. It allows the students to practice with each other which eliminates the stress of speaking directly to a native speaker. If there are parents or other teachers they get to see the end result which is the kids speaking English. Everyone's a winner.

[DanseurVertical]