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...
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 :-)
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.
