Trip to Pohang

Cherry Blossoms
This weekend I headed down to Pohang to visit Fred. It ended up being a long trip down there as I seemed to miss each train or bus by a few minutes. I left straight from work at 6:20 and I got there at 1:15am. On Saturday, we headed to the grocery store and stopped at an outside market along the way. This gave Fred a chance to practice his Korean as we bartered over prices. We then headed to a park in Pohang and hiked around for a while. We saw a few cherry blossom trees however I think most will be in bloom in a week or so. We met up with some other teachers for dinner.

On Sunday we went to this cherry blossom festival. One of Fred's students fathers told him about it. We were the only non-Koreans at the festival and we sure stuck out. This man came up to us and asked us where we were from then told us to follow him. He took us to this food tent and brought us tons of Korean food and drinks. He then brought us to the stage and put us in the reserved section in the second row. We had no idea what was going on on stage so when there was a pause in the show we slipped out. Again, there were very few cherry blossoms in bloom. We then headed to the bus station for my ticket home. We had a few hours to wait so we headed downtown. We got a pizza for lunch and saw one of Fred's K-2 students (4 year olds), Gordon. He was at the table behind us with his parents and little sister. He was very excited to see Fred. He has only been learning English for a few weeks so his English was not very good. His parents surprised us a paid for our pizza! We then headed back to the bus station and I headed back to Suji.

The Cherry Blossom Festival

Korean candy and treats at the outdoor market

LCI Field Trip

Yesterday morning all of the teachers hopped on the LCI buses when they arrived and we were off for a field trip. We went to a city two over and saw a puppet show. It was all in Korean but the kids seemed to love it. There were bubbles, lights and tons of characters for them to look at. We got back to LCI at 12:30, just in time for lunch. After lunch we had art time. Overall, it was a very easy day for Kinder. In the afternoon my elementary classes also seemed to fly by. It was a great Wednesday.

My old Kinder student, Jenny, with her new glasses

Annie, my cute little ball of terror, has her information written on her arm by her mother. I guess everyone knows that she is capable of running away.

Her Korean name and phone number

Nathan Teachers class and mine (front row) after the show

Simon and I on the bus

Update

Judy and I

A lot has happened since my last post. I am finally adjusted to my new classes, including Kinders. It is a big change to be teaching kids that are a year younger however it is very fun. I still get to see my old Kinders at school so I am swamped with hugs, letters and kisses each day. On Thursday I learned that it was the last day for one of my Kinder boys, Daniel. I am suppose to get a new girl this week. I really miss my old class! My afternoon classes have been going well. I am now teaching an upper level reading class which is very fun. I find myself having to remember that they understand me and I don't need to dumb down the lessons. Many of them have read books like 'Harry Potter' in English. They are in fourth grade and have about 5 or 6 years of English. Last week their vocab test had the words depriving, foisted, queasy and others. It is so much fun to have actual conversations with my students without having to adjust what I say to a lower level. It has also been an adjustment with the new teachers. The office and feel at LCI has greatly shifted however I think they are all adjusting well.

Annie and I

Fred came up to Seoul for the past two weekends. We saw a few tourist sites such as the War Museum and Memorial, Insadong art area, Itaweon foreign area and a few other things. It was so much fun to see him!

War Memorial

On Wednesday a few of us went to a bar and grill in Jukjeon, the city over, to celebrate St. Patricks Day. It was really nice to have American style food! After a few green beers, we called it a night.

Josh, Steve and I

Shauna, Christine and I

This weekend has been very laid back. It was nice to sleep in and relax. On Friday after work two coworkers and I headed to the nearest large city, Suwon, and went to a soccer game. It took about 15 minutes by cab to reach the stadium. The team plays at the Suwom World Cup Stadium and it was so cool. I had never been to a real soccer game before and I had a blast. We even bought a season pass so we can go to all of the home games. Suwon Bluewings won 2-1. After, we stayed up late and watched the Gophers game at 1:30am online. I was very sad to see them lose. The weather today finally feels like spring. About a week ago we has snow so it is a nice change. My mom arrives in Korea on April 2nd and I can't wait! It is going to be so much fun to have her here and to show her my life. My students, new and old, are also excited. Less than 2 weeks!

I am hoping for a smooth week at school. We are going on a field trip so that will be a nice change. This weekend I am going to head to Pohang to see Fred.

Twist and Shout

Young and Audrey are singing "Twist and Shout" which was the song that they sang for Festival

A new school year

On Wednesday we began our new school year at LCI. This meant that all of our classes were changed based upon our students changing levels. I had to say goodbye to my Kinder students. Last Friday was their last day with me. I walked into class and about 3 minutes into the day Jenny's eyes began to water and soon her head was in her hands. I asked her what was wrong and she told me, as she was balling, that she was very sad because it was her last day with London Teacher. This broke my heart and I began to cry. Soon all of my students were upset but I soon told them that it would be ok and that they needed to come and give me hugs everyday. I was so sad to say goodbye to them but I know that they will love having Steve as their teacher.

My new Kinder class has 4 girls (Audrey, Annie, Judy and Cheny) and 6 boys (Simon, Danny, Daniel, Johnson, Young and Tomas). They are a 6-2 class which means that they are 6 years old (5 years old USA standards) and in their second year of English. They are all very cute and little. It has been a hectic few days but they seem to be adjusting well. I am so excited to get to know them!

Daniel, Audrey, Annie, Simon and Young

Tomas, Judy (glasses), Cheny, Danny and Johnson

The girls, Audrey, Cheny, Judy and Annie

Annie: Cute but major trouble!!

Daniel

My afternoon classes have also changed. Everyday from 2:30-4:00 I teach 7 year olds who are in their third year of English. My class has 6 kids, Annie, Kelly, Carly, James, Daniel and Eric. They are pretty motivated and very funny. My MWF 4:00-6:20 class is my old 2:30-4:00 class. I was able to keep the same students as they moved up a level. They are a hilarious group of 3 girls and 5 boys. This is my favorite class! On TH I now teach a upper level reading class and my old MWF 4:00-6:20 class which I also kept as they moved up a level.

It has been a very busy but exciting week. I cannot wait to get to know my new students!

Jenny's Birthday

Today we celebrated Jenny's birthday. She showed up in a cute pink dress in honor of the day. Her parents brought a chocolate cake, fruit, cookies, orange juice, potato chips and of course fried chicken. It is very hard to believe that tomorrow is my last day teaching them before they move on as 7 year olds!

Cute little Jenny

A week full of craziness

This past Saturday we had our Festival event. All of the parents, along with endless other family members, came to watch our students in their end of the year production. I woke up that morning feeling so nervous for my students. We had been practicing for about 10 weeks and I wanted them to do well. It ended up going so smoothly! I arrived at the building where we were performing to be greeted by a few early students. Soon the others came and they were getting shuffled around by the Korean staff as they were putting on their costumes. My class was up second. First, we did our story called "The Magic Train Ride." Each student has a destination as they traveled along on the train. They each had on a costume that represented their destination. We went everywhere from outer space, to underwater to a land of cakes. They were a little confused about the microphones however they spoke loudly and very clearly. I felt so proud! After a fast costume change, we sang "Its a Small World." They has to wear these ridiculous flower costumes. They sang well and remember the whole dance! After, they sang two songs in Korean.

When the performances were over each teacher had to give a short speech on their class. It was very hard to sum up these past 7 months. As I was giving my speech it really hit me that I had to give up my class. I have grown to love these 10 wild and crazy 5 year olds and it is going to be so hard to see someone else teaching them! After the show, the parents were thrilled! They gave my 6 bouquets of flowers. They also gave me a book full of pictures and letters from my students. Each student wrote me a letter saying thank you for teaching them and telling me how much they love me and will miss me. Jenny wrote, "Hello! I am Jenny. I was happy you were my teacher but I am sad now. Why? We have to say goodbye. I will miss you. Be happy and healthy. I love you!" Lex wrote, "Hello Teacher. Thank you for teaching me. I shall never forget your kindness. I'm very very like you. Please remember me. A thousand thanks." I started to read it but I soon had to put it away so that I didn't cry right there on the spot! Jasmin's parents also gave me a great gift set full of lotion, facial cleanser and lip balm. They wrote me a letter saying, "We really appreciate your good instruction skill and warm love for Jasmin (and the other students.) Jasmin shows big jump in English ability. Everyday we have been surprised by her improvement. Thank you. Jasmin and ours will not forget your kindness as long as we live. London Teacher will be in Jasmins heart forever. Thank you very much." Each parent took tons of pictures and told me how much they enjoyed the show. My supervisor told me later that all of my parents told her how much they loved it!

This week has also been full of changes at LCI. 4 new teachers have arrived. They are observing classes this week before they start teaching next week. 2 are from MN, one is from Portland and 1 is from Arizona. We have also learned what classes we will be teaching for the new term, which starts on Monday. I have also learned that my classroom must change. As I said, my kinder class is changing. I am going to be teaching a 6-2 class which means that my kids will be 5 years old and in their 2nd year of English. They are currently at LCI so I know most of them. In the afternoons, 3 of my classes are changing and 2 are staying the same. I will no longer be teaching my newspaper class or my social studies class. They only book that I will be teaching is a reading book, at numerous levels. It will be interesting to get to know these new kids! One of the classes on Tuesday and Thursday is the highest level at LCI. I am very excited to teach them! I have also offically been asked to extend my contract. Lucy asked me today if I was interested in staying. She also asked if Fred would like to stay. We will see what happens!

It is very crazy to think that a new school year is beginning next week. I am excited to experience all of the changes at LCI however I am very sad to be saying goodbye to my Kinder students and 5 of my co-teachers. The next few weeks should be very interesting!

Daniel and Sean before "Magic Train Ride." All of my other students are in a line behind them.

Sarah and Jenny are ready to sing

Ready to sing

The head director, Lucy, and I


Pictures after the show
Lex, Samuel, me, Chelcy, Sean and Jasmin

Happy Birthday in Korean

Singing to Mini in Korean

Celebrating Mini's Birthday

On Wednesday we celebrated Mini's birthday. Her parents came by with tons of treats! To my, and the other teachers surprise, the treats were mainly western. We had delicious cookies, rice crispy treats, lots of fruit, Capri Sun juice bags and a chocolate cake. We all sang to her and watched her enjoy the day.

Mini and I

My class and I

This week has been pretty hectic due to Festival. We have all been busy preparing for this Saturdays event. I am very nervous for my kids. They do a great job in class and I hope that shows on Saturday!

Each day I write my kids names on the board with a face describing how they feel that day. They get stars for doing good things. Each day they fight over who gets to draw me. Today, this was Louie creation. Every other day I just get a face but today Louie went extreme.

Louie and I



Samuel and I

More Lunar New Year Pictures

View from the top of the mountain

Dried fish anyone??

Restaurants lining the fish market