Korean Job Discussion Forums

[happygirl]

Tomorrow will be the last class with a big group of my kids Each day there is a different group so I'll be saying goodbyes over the next 5 class days.

We talked last week about the fact that I'm going back to Texas for the summer and won't be returning to their school. I took pictures at the beginning of the year and again last week. We are going to have a slideshow of the kids and some other cool pics I've taken this year.

I know Koreans tend to get upset if you cry in public. But there's no way I'm going to get through the next 5 class days without an entire roll of tissue. There are a number of girls who are going to be right there with me too.

What have you done on those last days to keep it light and leave the kids with a positive experience. I want our last class together to be fun. Have any ideas?

[canuckistan]

Have a party. Bring cake, treats, drinks etc.
Along with a party we had a spelling bee with prizes to give out. Things like pencil cases etc. We handed out a big list of words 48 hrs beforehand so the lower level kids had a chance to win something too.
The Korean teachers had the kids write us goodbye cards/notes. I still have them.

[Qinella]

I just said bye, I'll miss them, etc. One of the little 3rd graders didn't realize I was leaving (he's kind of a space cadet) and burst into tears when he found out. I picked him up but tears are contagious so I put him down pretty fast.

Had a few kids with soggy eyes. One girl that really seemed to need a father figure in her life wouldn't make eye contact with me all day, or say goodbye. Mostly, though, I think the kids didn't really care. Okay... next!

Canuckistan's ideas are cool.

[JennyJJ]

Yes, best not to get emotional in front of the kids. Make it a happy occasion for them. I shed a few tears on parting and privately in the bathroom, my boss and his wife were very emotional, tears and hugs. I do miss them all.

[cruisemonkey]

I go through this every week.

My last 'class' is a party, and then the (student) tears start to flow after closing ceremony... hug them and forget about them (if you can)... you will always remember the truly exceptional.

[Son Deureo!]

For me, the hardest kids to say goodbye to were the older (middle school), advanced kids, as they could not be distracted by snacks, treats, or games, and they had been trying so hard while I was with them that they genuinely had a hard time seeing me go. There were only four of them, so we got to know each other pretty well. They were just sad and depressed for the whole hour I had with them.

Man, that was hard. I miss those kids.

[ddeubel]

Ain't no easy way. Just be yourself and do the party thing/small presents to kinda soften the atmosphere....

That's the hardest thing about teaching, the treadmill of people you form deep and meaningful relationships with, that just keep rolling past - in and out of your life.

I good teacher prostitutes themself.

DD

[Milwaukiedave]

When I left my school in Daegu, I didn't tell my K class until the last day. They had a test and I was worried they'd be more stressed if I told them before the test.

Two of the girls broke down crying, which was difficult. One of them emailed me a month later and asked me to come back.

I agree, be yourself and throw a party for the kids. Make that last day a memorable one.

[mindmetoo]

It's sad. And the kids are sad. And they'll cry and tell you there will never be another teacher as good and they'll never forget you. And then tomorrow they forget all about you as they tuck into a game of Kart Rider.

Don't panic

[Juregen]

[John Henry]

I say "Next week is my last week!"

The kids say, "Assahhh!!"

I say, "Yes, Assahhh!!"

Then I give them crosswords andcandy.

[Dan The Chainsawman]

It wasn't hard to say good bye, but it was very difficult to come back to the school to get some paperwork straightened out. The kids mobbed me and I had to practically fight my way out of the building. Apparently my replacement was a rousing success.

[Apple Scruff]

Swear a lot and take off your shirt.

[rothkowitz]

"Now get out and never darken my door again"

Then slip out the back with whatever stationary and coffee sachets you can pilfer.

[Corporal]

Whoever said that (if you're working in a typical hagwon) most of the kids don't care was right. Sure, a few of them have gotten attached to you. But let a week go by and they'll be over it. A few of them will give you presents, write you notes, etc., and that's sweet and everything. Some of them will be excited that you're leaving because they think something better is going to replace you. Most of them...yeah. Their foreign English teacher whom they probably only see for a couple of hours a week is not very high on their list of life-influencing individuals.