Korean Job Discussion Forums

politica · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Location: Suwon-si

Last week was my first meeting with the advanced class at my public elementary school. My co-teacher prepared a Goldilocks and the Three Bears roleplay activity. I didn't care much for it and neither did the students. So, it is part of my job to create the lesson plans for the class, and we have no text book.

That being said, I thought I would do something creative! and interesting! and fun! this week. A student newscast with funny Oddly Enough stories (about a camel beauty pageant, etc.). Plan was for them to work on the newscast today and deliver it in front of the class tomorrow. Easy enough, right?

Wrong. My students now hate me. What I can't figure out is if the assignment really was too hard . . . or if they are just lacking initiative. I feel like the class really is bright, and several of the students have lived in the U.S., but I just can't figure out what their level is.

So here's my question- what sorts of things have you done with your advanced elementary class that have been successful? I'm looking for anything fun- can last 1/2 a period, or 3 periods, I don't care- and easy to explain. And I'm not a big fan of roleplay.

Help?

Thanks,
Politica

ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

Politica,

I can sympathize.....

I don't want to reinvent the wheel. Grab a coffee and sit down and read some of the 75 lessons (each more than just one lesson, really ideas for many lessons) I've expounded/desribed here.

http://eflclassroom.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=826870%3ATopic%3A10395

Lots that will help. all with instantly downloadable materials. Can't get more helpful than that. Not a lot of role playing....just a short sign up to the community.

PS. I'd try the Little Mole play I adapted from the book. Play the book in our video player.... here is the thread. Kids love this book and it is BIG in Korea. You'll be loved after this Smile

This play works wonders too....

http://eflclassroom.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=826870%3ATopic%3A10395

Cheers,

David
http://eflclassroom.ning.com

Becka · Joined: 28 Sep 2005

How many students do you have in the class? That'll influence which activities work and which ones don't, I think. Something that'll work for 5 students might not be so interesting for 20.

garykasparov · Joined: 27 May 2007

Goldilocks and the Three Bears roleplay activity Rolling Eyes

Your co-teacher is a dumbass. You will have allot of fun with your class, I'm sure of it.

gangpae · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Location: Busan

khyber · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Compunction Junction

Couple things:
1) Differentiate between students "not liking +complaining+ not learning" and "not liking+complaining". I found that sometimes, kids just bitch to be cool.
2) Don't let there opinion affect you TOO much. I think your idea sounds great. If your coteacher liked your idea too, then it's clearly a personality issue with students. It wouldn't have anything to do with your lesson plan/activity/behaviour schemes.

3) You've only had this class twice and you are already claiming the kids "hate" you? I don't mean to sound dismissive but doesn't that seem a BIT melodramatic? Give yourself at least a FEW meetings before you decide they hate you. And keep in mind that projecting that so soon will end up putting a mental barrier in place that isn't easy to remove.

4) Sometimes kids won't like lessons. If it's important to you that kids LIKE what you do in class, ask for their opinion and create your lessons with those things in mind. I'd suggest that you begin with asking questions like "what do you enjoy more talking/reading? Do you like being creative?" Don't ask them about specific lessons or activities; well, I mean, you can do that but that will only help you out on a case by case basis. If you ask broader questions, then you'll be able to frame your lessons so they can enjoy it more. If you find out they don't like being imaginative, then keep your ideas highly structured and spoon fed.

5) It's cool that you're asking for help but simply put, you should know a LOT more about your students than we do and our ideas won't necessarily be any better than something you can cook up.

Best of luck though.

creesschaef · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Location: Gyeonggi-do

Countrygirl · Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Location: in the classroom

What I do for my afterschool classes is on the first day I have them make a name page with their name written in bold letters and words describing themselves (mother, father, brother, pet rabbit; born in New York; like kimchi, rice and hamburgers; etc). Then I put the name page on the wall and I tell them that every time they do something well, they get a sticker. At the end of 2 months the person with the most stickers will get a prize and if the whole class gets a lot of stickers, there will be a movie day (and they can bring their own snacks) or game day.

I first tried this because I needed a way to remember 20 students names that I only see once a week. I've done this with 5 classes so far (only the special classes and camps) and they all love it. I train them to come in and open their books before class starts and they get a sticker. If someone does a presentation I ask questions. If they know they answer, they get a sticker. I also have them get into groups and do competitive word games and the winning groups get stickers. It also works in reverse...act badly and lose a sticker.

This is not a lesson plan, but it did help them to feel engaged in the class and make them excited to get their homework done, etc. Name pages also give you a chance for you to get to know them. Keep it simple and give it time; they'll come around.

(ps. I think your lesson might have failed because most Korean students don't like presenting in front of their peers especially in the beginning. After they figure out your style of teaching, they might enjoy doing this sort of lesson.)