Korean Job Discussion Forums

[daxdefranco]

Hi all

I've started a new job within the past month, and on the whole it's going as well as can be expected. Co-teachers, boss, etc are all kind and as helpful as they can be, although there's a bit of a language barrier and I'm the only foreigner. No worries about this.

I have about 90 kids all together aging from 2 to 6. The classes are going reasonably well with the exception of the two year olds. Most of them are still in diapers and some barely speak Korean nonetheless English - so class time with them is very difficult. I have two sessions with each class every week for 30 minutes at a time. One is a 'story-telling' class and it's fine as there's a lot to do with stories and associated coloring activities, etc.

The other class -gym (phys-ed)-, however, is proving far more difficult. I know it's only thirty mintues and it should be easy as kids just want to run around and given the choice that's what I would let them do. The first two weeks I chased them around the room or made them try to take a ball from me...easy, large motor skills while I spoke to them and gave them easy instructions "Sit down! Stand up!" etc etc...In the past week, the head teacher has scrutinized all of my classes much more, which, again is generally okay. But for the gym class I'm being asked to prepare 'better activities' and use it as a sort of structured teaching time. I've been in Korea long enough to know that you can smile and nod your way through most situations, but this doesn't seem like one of them.

This isn't a 'my evil hagwon' post, and I've not been threatened or otherwise mistreated, but I am wondering if such a thing as is being asked is even possible? I've looked through the teacher forums and haven't seen anything and all the other game/activity research I've done online has amounted to a pint of wank. Has anyone found themselves in this situation? Primary gym class for EFL students is a bit of a niche market it should seem....

Any help at all is appreciated!

[salgichawa]

[daxdefranco]

Ah, good call on TPR, I've heard of that before, but didn't make the connection for kids. I'll give it a try Thanks!

[ticktocktocktick]

Maybe a game of follow the leader? Say what you're doing as you move around

[Manuel_the_Bandito]

Two year olds!? What do they want, English potty training?

[daxdefranco]

[Goon-Yang]

2 year olds...that's how old my daughters are.

1) change activities a lot.
2) Download a show called Pocoyo. It's a British cartoon thingy( I know, but I'm not British) they'll love it.
3) Learn to change diapers:)

[The Sleeping Earth]

My god, who puts their kids into school at 2 years old? Is this a day care or a school you're working at?