Snow!

It finally snowed here in Gangseo. I've watched about a dozen Christmas movies and have been listening to all the classics at work, obviously trying to get into the gist of things. So, the snow really helped with that.

It's kinda crazy, the differences between teaching rules in the states and rules in the US. We have a Christmas tree up in our front lobby, which would never fly back home. We go out and drink with our student's parents, yep, that wouldn't fly either. Students try to stick their fingers up teachers' butts to surprise them, and well, that shouldn't fly anywhere.

I keep tripping myself up by saying the word Christmas, instead of holiday, but then I realize that it doesn't matter so much here. I know that some of my teacher friends back home can't even be photographed with a beer, let alone admit they drink. It's like I'm living in opposite land over here. It doesn't seem to have a dramatic role on the children though. The kids are super smart, well behaved, and so respectful. Maybe the US has it all wrong...

I've definitely found my niche when it comes to my teaching style. I love telling them stories and making them believe they're true. Even the older kids seem to buy it. I push the arts and crafts even though it's not a part of the curriculum. It's just great to tell a story and see them all staring back at me, all big eyed and actually paying attention.

Granted there are the bad days. There are LOTS of those. The amount of ground we're supposed to cover for each class is ridiculous. I'm always telling the students how bad I feel for them, because they are pushed way too hard. But hey, stories and craft time isn't whats churning out the mass amounts of doctors, lawyers, and suits from this country.

Hope the snow keeps up. Would love to pelt some kids with snowballs right when they walk in the door. Heart warming...

C