Kristine's first week of teaching break down

So one week down and only good things to report. As nervous as I (Kristine) was, I have really enjoyed getting to know all the kids so far. My biggest fear was remembering their names,  they can be quite long just to give you an example, one name could be Ratchaneekon Kransuang and imagine trying to remember 44 kids names with similar lengths. Luckily for me and all teachers most Thai students have nicknames which helps immensely. So once I got the list it was hard not to notice that some of the names were definitely chosen by the parents.

The ones that may stand out are Anfield which is the grounds where Liverpool F.C. play and are one of the four main teams supported in Thailand including Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Then I have a student called “Vodka”, hmmm I’ll say nothing and another called “Mixer” so it may make things easier to sit them beside each other :) You can see some more unusual names on the list.

The week is made up of Monday to Friday from 9-3.30. Each day I attend assembly, where the kids sing songs, pray and sing to the national anthem. I have been advised I only have to attend this for the first few weeks then I can relax and have a coffee in the teachers’ lounge while they do this, as most of it's in Thai and I cannot contribute too much. I start the day with the alphabet, the date and weather for the day and then into that week’s lesson. This week has been about holidays and next week will be about Loi Krathong, which is one of the biggest Festivals in Thailand and it is something we are looking forward to ourselves but we'll tell you more about it closer to the date.
The main lesson uses flash cards with pictures of ways of transport, such as car, bike, train, walk and plane and another set of card with destinations such as the mountains, the beach, the city and so on. Using a number of different games and songs I would introduce them to the new words and ask them where they went on their holidays and how they got there. Then putting the pictures on the ground I would have the kids run to the mode of transport they used and then run to the place they visited which they love. Any sort of physical activity mixed with learning is the best way to keep a 5/6 year olds attention.
After that they have a small break where they get milk and cookies or fruit. I was starving on my first day, as I had no time for breakfast but was blown away as each kid came up to me all doe eyed and offered me a cookie. After a few I was quite full, but out of politeness had to keep scoffing them down which helped by giving me a sugar rush, as one thing I've learned this week is you need a lot of energy to control 44 five year olds but I love it.
Once my morning lesson is complete I bring the kids to whatever additional class they have that day such as P.E, Computers (where they learn word and paint) and music class, I have asked if I can join in and learn to play keyboard and drums, so I may be part of Thailand’s next big rock band :-)

At 12 pm the assistants help the kids to get showered and changed into their pyjamas and they all take out there blankets and it’s time for lunch. As part of the contract I was over joyed to find out I get free lunch every day and it gives me a chance to try Thai food I've never heard of.
After lunch around 1 pm I read to them a bit as they fall asleep, usually an extract from war and peace... nah just kidding nursery rhymes mostly and once they are asleep the assistants watch them while the teacher's cross the road for some coffee for a well needed caffeine fix.
Then just before 3 they are woken and dressed and we spend the rest of the day recapping that morning’s lesson and a few more games. I have to say I think I have landed the dream job but it’s not for everyone, as young kids can be a handful but they are the cutest little people I have ever worked with and I come home every day looking forward to going back in the next day, compared to dreading it. I did like my old job working in an office but the job satisfaction from seeing young kids ask you questions in English that you have thought them a few days before is just amazing.

On Thursday morning I had gate duty, all teachers do it once a week and had to be there 1 hour before and after school to greet the parents at the gate and to be grilled on where I was from and why I am in Thailand. Another benefit is I have also made some really good connections , such as one child's father gave me his wife’s details, saying if I'm sick to go to her, as she is a doctor in the local hospital and she will take care of me and a few police officers have kids in the school so always good to have on your side.

Roll on next week. Stephen got offered weekend work which may lead to a full time job working 3 hours Saturday and Sunday teaching adults conversational English where he pretty much just has a chat with them for an hour and then gives them activities and is also working on some tutoring flyers, to get some work during the week. Just doing 3 hours a day you can make more than most schools pay but you don’t get a work visa, which means he would still have to do visa trips to Laos every 3 months but we can use that as mini break if needs be. The part time position will be a trial basis for a full time job with work visas from one of the wealthiest and well-connected woman in Khon Kaen, so a good contact to have. She introduced him already to 2 other directors who will have work coming up in the foreseeable future.

So it's the weekend and one week down im ready to celebrate with a deserved night out in town...