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Mom's English class

 
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weso1



Joined: 26 Aug 2010

PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:37 pm    Post subject: Mom's English class Reply with quote

My school is going to teach one class for moms as a promotion. I want it to be fun. I was thinking about teaching them phrases for home. Or have them make a "honey do list", stuff like "take out the trash", "clean your room", "stop watching soccer and drinking beer and help me cook dinner."

Also, maybe some useful phrases for traveling.

Thoughts?
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PigeonFart



Joined: 27 Apr 2006

PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I like that idea about giving them phrases that they can use on their kids (take out the trash). They'll like that.
Phrases for their husbands would be funny but not so useful. They might actually use your expressions on their kids though, so that will go down well.

As for the level of the mother's english, it should be fairly basic but good enough to teach simple phrases. The mothers with good english will be more likely to attend that class. The mothers with bad english probably won't bother coming.
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The Floating World



Joined: 01 Oct 2011
Location: Here

PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My thoughts, based on having done it once would be - do not do it.

Think you're already under intense scrutiny and your smallest flaws and mannerisms up for criticism?

Under the ajuma's eyes any tiny little thing they concieve as being not to their liking will make it's way to your boss' ear, probably exaggerated and blown out of context and proportion.

They will be crocodiles with kindly smiles....
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nathanrutledge



Joined: 01 May 2008
Location: Marakesh

PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I disagree with TFW.

If you're on your game, you'll be fine. Really, you have to consider who you are teaching. Most mothers are going to be older, 30's and 40's and their English level will be really low. Really, you can teach them the same thing you teach your students.

Lots of mothers here have no job - they are homemakers, and getting out of the house is always a welcome change of pace. They'll probably be low level, but really friendly, and unlike the children, they'll be willing to try new things. The whole stigma of speaking well or not isn't really their problem.

As others said, teaching them useful phrases to use on their children is good. Also, teaching them phrases and words that they can use to interact with foreigners is a big one - how to give directions, recommend things, etc. All my adult classes have wanted to know that kind of stuff. They feel really embarrassed when they are around town and a foreigner asks them for help and they can't answer.

This is a really good opportunity for you. You can meet the mothers, which means that the kids behavior will improve. You'll get invited to lunch/dinner with them at some point. If there is ever any trouble, they'll be on your side.

Now, the caveat is, as I said at the beginning, you MUST be on your game. If you run a bad lesson, they'll assume that your class with their kids is like that and then it all falls apart. But, in my experience, mothers classes are good, and they are usually eager to learn and participate, and they are fairly forgiving.
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The Floating World



Joined: 01 Oct 2011
Location: Here

PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 2:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ever taught Korean Mum's Nathan?

I did once and they even managed to complain about the way I stood, amongst many other trivial things.
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Mr. Peabody



Joined: 24 Sep 2010
Location: here

PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Floating World wrote:
Ever taught Korean Mum's Nathan?

I did once and they even managed to complain about the way I stood, amongst many other trivial things.


Nathan is spot on.

@TFW - I've done it and was showered with gifts, lunches after class and propositions for private teaching and blind dates.

Like Nathan said, if you got game, Mums classes are a goldmine.
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The Floating World



Joined: 01 Oct 2011
Location: Here

PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Typical dave's. One guy who thinks he has 'game' gets lucky and thus assumes the other guy who didn't get lucky in the hakwan lotto must have 'no game.'

it's liek the hakwan monkeys who do pictionary and bingo all day and think they're shite hot teachers when really the only reason they have a job is the kids don't complain because they play games all day.

Oh wait, in korea that is 'having game' lol.

My apologies, you're spot on!
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Mr. Peabody



Joined: 24 Sep 2010
Location: here

PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 12:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Floating World wrote:

My apologies, you're spot on!

Apology accepted. Razz

Why do mothers join these classes? Mostly because they're bored and want to expand their social circles. Another reason is to see what their kid's teachers are like and how they conduct themselves in a classroom. If you can relate to the moms, understand their motives for being there and design activities that address these motives, you'll be successful.

I wouldn't recommend bingo and pictionary, but TFW has a good point about keeping them entertained.

I taught 3 different groups of mothers and had lots of fun with them. But that was back when I was a hagwon monkey. These days I'm a uni monkey. I still dance, just not as much. Laughing
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I-am-me



Joined: 21 Feb 2006
Location: Hermit Kingdom

PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 7:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had a lingerie class. They all came dressed in their favorites and I taught them phrases like, "do me", "more,more", "take me", and several other expletives. It was a blast! You should try that. Laughing
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swinewho



Joined: 17 Aug 2009

PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 9:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Now, the caveat is, as I said at the beginning, you MUST be on your game. If you run a bad lesson, they'll assume that your class with their kids is like that and then it all falls apart. But, in my experience, mothers classes are good, and they are usually eager to learn and participate, and they are fairly forgiving.


Spot on!

It's a great way to get brownie points from your school as well! Very Happy

Ask them what they want to study - that's what i do, you will prob get a blank 'your a teacher, you tell me look' - but it's worth asking.

If their English is poor and your Korean is bad, just ask a Korean co-teacher to ask them for you!

Avoid using childrens work book with them though! It easier in the long run if you make your own lesons, then you can tailor the material to their interests and ability + it shows you have made an effort!

Be organised, ARRIVE BEFORE THEM, have a kettle boiling, coppeeeee ect ect
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happiness



Joined: 04 Sep 2010

PostPosted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dress with a fresh pressed shirt (dry clean it)
and shined shoes and such.

Ive taught that class a few times, and these ajummas will notice that!

have them repeat alot of expressions, dont give them too much, and give them a list, something to take home (vocabulary). keep it out of the culture territory. they mostly have to think of being a good KOREAN wife, so dont tell them too much about your countries housewives etc.
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Swampfox10mm



Joined: 24 Mar 2011

PostPosted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You could have A LOT of fun with it and turn it into a "how to date a foreigner on the side while your husband is out late drinking at the room salons" class. Laughing

In all seriousness though, this class sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Why not try to meet with a few of them beforehand and find out what THEY are interested in learning?
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