Well, yesterday at about 3:30pm we got an email about a workshop taking place this morning up near the airport and they would provide coverage for anyone that wanted to attend. I took a look at the title and it was "The Marriage of True Minds - Poetry, Music and Language Learning." I thought it sounded like something I could benefit from so I said I wanted to go. Turns out I was the only one interested (and now I have to tell everyone what I learned at a PD meeting) so I had to write up some sub plans for this morning and venture out across the city by myself. So this morning I woke up to a lovely thunderstorm outside. I wanted nothing more than to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head.....but I got up and got ready for this workshop. What I did not know is that taxis are extremely hard to find when it is raining. I walked around for 15 minutes trying to get a taxi. I finally got one and showed him the address of the hotel I had to go to. It is near the airport, which is on the complete opposite side of the city. I underestimated how long it would take to get there....it took nearly an hour. Luckily the workshop hadn't started yet so I didn't miss anything. The workshop itself was actually really good. It was all about how poetry is a tremendous learning tool for English and you can easily bring music into the mix as well. It was a great day. I love workshops and conferences.....does that make me a super nerd? I guess so....so be it ;) On the way home from the workshop I took some pictures of the sights. I came back to my apartment to get some things and grab lunch before heading to school for the afternoon. I felt like being adventurous and taking a motorbike taxi. It's the first time I've done it and it really wasn't bad. It was much cheaper than a cab and I didn't die....but I'm still splitting a cab each day with my friend and that's about the same price so for now I'll keep using a regular taxi. When I got to school I found out that the memo didn't quite get around that I was at professional development so HR took one of my leave days since I wasn't clocked in in the morning. I got that fixed, so I will still get paid for today. I also got reimbursed for the taxi this morning so I didn't have to pay for anything :) Then in the hall this teacher asks me "Hey Erica, have you ever taught English?" I was like "uhhhh.....nope!" The school is offering English lessons to the Vietnamese staff and they have two classes a week. One of the teachers is just too busy and has to quit doing it so they are looking for a replacement. I think I am going to do it! It will be a great experience for me, I might learn a little Vietnamese from them, I can get to know some of the staff a little better, and I'm sure administration will love to see me getting involved in everything. I hope I am not biting off more than I can chew. I am currently building the music program from virtually nothing so I do have my work cut out for me. I just want to take in any experiences I can. Having the experience of teaching English to adult beginners will look great on any resume.
I went to a kickboxing class today after school at a gym down the street from school. It was great! She totally kicked our butts! I haven't sweated that much since Tough Mudder! It felt good to be active and physical. I can tell that I'm going to gain weight quickly here (I'm already putting on some pounds) so this will be good if I can keep up with it. I'm definitely going to hurt tomorrow.....My arms cramped up really bad at the end from all the punching lol.
Well, I suppose that's the majority of what has been going on this week. Attached are some pictures. Yesterday I taught the kids the "Shake Your Sillies Out" song by Rafi during their weekly K-Y3 assembly and attached are some pictures from that as well.
Oh, I'm also learning that I really need to be stricter. I was too nice last week and now I'm paying for it. I had to get really tough with Y2 today....I made them line up outside and walk back in my room properly about 4 times, until they did it right. I need to tighten the reigns and be the "mean teacher" for a while and then relax. It's just hard because that isn't me. I'm not tough and strict. I like to be laid back and have fun and make music class fun....but I guess I need to be the mean one for now and then become more myself later. Gotta learn somehow, I guess! I'll get there....eventually. It's a learning experience!
Ok, I need to pass out now.....two more days until the weekend (thank God...this week has been rough).
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