Korean Job Discussion Forums

hexagonsun · Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Location: ROK

Yes, yes "do a search" you say. I did, but it lacked enlightenment.

I'll be coming over there for the first time soon and that's where some of the recruiters (multiple, I've read my Dave's) have been *trying* to push me by saying this is the time they hire. I've been resisting their efforts for the most part when I find out the school is rubbish. I wouldn't mind a mixed bag of kindy and elementry, but I fear of flying have way around the world and "things suddenly changed."

I would like know if it's as bad as people make it out to be or are those people simply not able to handle kids? I'm not sure I fall into that category yet.

Should I be paid more because I'm handling those little monsters all day?

If I were to teach kindy, what should the hours be (teaching opposed to prep) and what can I expect (important)?

I just need to know the pros and cons.

Thanks.

Biblethumper · Joined: 15 Dec 2007 Location: Busan, Korea

Actually kindergarten is the best age to teach.

Kindergarteners inherently respect authority, although they need a lot of firmness and tangible punishments and rewards to see that authority: candy, stickers, standing in the corner, being dragged to the Korean teacher. Once you establish yourself as their "father" or "mother" they will be like Santa's elves to you.

Kindergarteners inherently love adults. Express affection towards them and they will follow you anywhere. Also, they will not resent authority or instruction, because it comes from their parent-figure. They do not care if you are young, old, fat, tatooed, bearded, hideous, gay, Christian, New Zealander, black, white, kyopo.

Kindergarteners internalize your instruction the best. As the months pass you will notice real progress. Their pronunciation and grammar will actually improve. They do not have countless bad habits and Konglish expressions to unlearn.

Kindergarteners are not shy about singing, drama, silly games.

Kindergarteners will not argue with the foreign teacher about grammar, Korean culture, report card grades or curriculum.

Of course, some kindergarteners have retarded parents who have spoiled them into a truly reprobate state of rotteness: but even the most obtuse Korean co-teacher or supervisor will sympathize with you in those cases.

Snowmeow · Joined: 03 Oct 2005 Location: pc room

Good comments, Biblethumper!

isthisreally · Joined: 01 Sep 2007

Gotta agree. I love teaching the kindy kids. It requires more effort, but it's much more rewarding. Still I'd be wary about teaching the really young kids. At my school we have 5,6, and 7 year olds (Korean age) and I have taught the 5 years olds, but got it in my contract for next year that I will not be their primary teacher. They are difficult.

At my hagwon I also teach elementry school kids on MWF. My hours are
MWF - 10:10-7:30
TT - 10:10-2:35

There is a lunch break in there, I'm expected but not required to eat with the kids.

Bryan · Joined: 29 Oct 2007

Are you guys really worn out after you finish the day teaching kindies? Why is this?

hexagonsun · Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Location: ROK

This is some really great advice. I appreciate it a lot everyone...Hats off to Bible on this one. I was really debating this scenario, but I think for a first timer it might be a good decision. Plus I get to hang out with little kids all day and act like one too.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

gangpae · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Location: Busan

Excellent presentation Biblethumper!

I would add one more thing: be prepared to get in shape.
Teaching Kindies has to be one of the most physically grueling occupations bar none.

jackson7 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Location: Kim Jong Il's Future Fireball

I hope I am not hijacking (ah, eff it, I probably am...sorry) but I was wondering you Kindy teachers could point me in a good direction for curriculum and materials to teach 4,5,6, and 7 (K-age) year-olds. The pre-school I work in is not an English kindy, but have hired me on the side to provide some English instruction the past few months. We have been doing songs, them-based pictures and phonics, etc. Any good sources for songs, activities, etc.? Thanks so much!

hexagonsun · Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Location: ROK

Jackson:

I was doing a little research for curriculum myself. Check the section in Dave's called "Stuff for Teachers" then click on teacher forums or teaching materials. Helps a bit, but probably wont prepare you for the actual first day of teaching the kids.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

hari seldon · Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Location: Incheon

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

Paul_Zerzan · Joined: 26 Sep 2007

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

I teach kindy... Love it. Kids respect authority, they want to learn, and they genuinely love their teachers.

At that age, kids are kids. If you get along with western kids, you'll get along with Korean kids. I haven't noticed them being *that* different from the kids I taught back in the states.

Only if you really love kids, and you're good with them though. How upset do you get when a little one pukes on you? (Happened to me 2x in 6 months...) They're germy little buggers, so prepare a lot of hand sanitizer.

With the parents and co-teachers though... be prepared for them to be a bit more paranoid and strange than your typical westerners. I teach P.E. and have been told off several times for making the children too sweaty, because it messes up their hair. Kids must be washed and laundered (possibly including a change of clothes), before being sent home. Heaven forbid they get scratched or bruised, particularly on the face.