Teaching...

So, as much as I have been whining (which I'm sorry about), I also have some good stories to share from school. Teaching 2500 students give me many opportunities for interesting interactions. Because I am teaching freshman, and most of them have never spoken to a native english speaker before, I'm taking it slow. The first day with each class is simply spent doing introductions. I have each student stand and tell me their name, age, and something about them. After that, I let them ask me questions. Both of these activities lead to some hilarious situations. I let each student choose their English name and didn't correct anyone if they chose something that wasn't really a name. I figure if they want that to be their name, who am I to say it's not okay. This can lead to some VERY interesting choices.

I think my favorite was a young girl who stood up and, in rather good english, told me her name is Howard. It took all of me not to laugh...but the students didn't laugh either. They really don't know what is right or wrong. I've also had many boys choose names such as Susan, Katie, Sarah, Summer, Grace and Joy. The seasons and positive words make sense, but the other names are just funny. Also, the NBA is super popular here, so I have a lot of boys who pick some form of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Tracy McGrady. I've even had a few Michael Jacksons, and Obamas. Usually the kids laugh at those, because they actually recognize them. It doesn't bother me though, I just have to get used to referring to students as James Bond, or Car, or Winter.

When I open the floor so they can ask me questions, I'm usually asked where I'm from (no one has heard of Madison, Wisconsin), how old I am, and if I have a boyfriend. Talk about a constant reminder of being single! When I say I don't have a boyfriend the students usually ask why, and tell me that I'm beautiful. It's flattering at first, but it's kind of weird to have kids stand up everyday and tell you that they think you are the most beautiful person in the world. I try to brush past it, but I'm not sure what I'll do when I come home and don't hear it everyday! Only kidding!

Because I'm teaching every single freshman class on a 3-week rotation, I have the opportunity to be flexible with my lessons. I'm excited to teach American music, and slang. I really just want my kids to be more comfortable speaking, even if the conversation is limited. They just need to build up the confidence. Laura and I are heading to Beijing in a week with another teacher we met in Nanjing. I'm so excited to see the Great Wall and I'm sure there will be many pictures to post after that! I'm trying to get all of my pictures up now but we're STILL waiting on internet, so it's been a struggle...I still have hope we'll get it soon, and Laura and I even sent an email to our agency asking to speed up the process. Let's see if we can work the Chinese system a little bit to our benefit!!! Wish us luck!!!