The Three R’s and America
So, I’ve been teaching a massive unit on recycling to my mid-level kids. Their ages are 11-14.
Some highlights:
Reading the Conversation Comic and acting out the superhero “The Recycler” with the kids.
“Hey guys! What’s the matter?”
“We wanted to go to the park but there is this big trash heap in the way!”
“Hmmm… Sounds like the Litter Bug…. This looks like a job for…..”
I dramatically exit the room at this point and come back in as I say….
“The RECYCLER! REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!”
Then all the kids exclaim….
“WOW! It’s the recycler!”
I also get to sing The Recycle Song with actions.
“R-E-C-Y-C-L-E! Earth is home to you and me! R-E-C-Y-C-L-E! Pick it up! Use it again”
I guarantee that many of you would pay money to see me to do this. And if you would, please come to Taiwan immediately.
I also asked my kids to brainstorm some things that could make out of old bottles, string, paper, etc. One kid named Peter was so excited to tell me what he thought of making from some old paper.
“TEACHER! TEACHER! I KNOW!”
“What Peter?”
“AN ANT! HAHAHAHA! So small!”
One of my other classes is doing a unit on America. Their reading book is about a Taiwanese boy who goes to live in Seattle with an American family. I have to ask them reading comprehension questions.
“What is different about America and Taiwan? How are the people different?”
“EYES!”
I open my eyes really wide and say, “LIKE THIS?”
“No, no! They are blue!”
“Well, some of them are but many people have eyes that are brown or black just like yours. American has many different kinds of pe… ”
*Blank stares*
“Nevermind… So, how is the food different?”
Anyway, overall, teaching is pretty great. It’s getting easier but I still spend a huge amount of time grading homework and quizzes. Oh, and I finally received my A.R.C. and I’m an official resident of Taiwan. I’ll get my national health insurance card soon as well. But that is all terribly boring. I will write again when I have something to say.
haha that sounds like it would be funny to watch.
And its really weird, every time I think of your website and come on it to check you have a new blog that same day. The last time I came on was September 11th and you had one that day then today I randomly think of this and come on and you have a new post.
Yeah, that is really weird! It’s like we are related or something!
HEIDI” I am so proud of you. Sounds like you are really learning a lot about teaching a language. I can relate to your stories because i used to sing to the kids and do all kinds of games with them. One of my teachers asked me if i would record the songs so she could learn them. My gosh, she actually thought i had a good singing voice. You know better dont you? I love you very much and miss you a lot. I wish you were here. i am finally getting the bathroom remodeled and i think it is going to turn out really nice. I look forward to your posts. I thought about you today and immediately went to check your blog. Thank you for having something new on it. Thank you, Love, Grandma
The picturres are spectacular…especially the one where there is a golden sheen to the city!!! The surroundings are beautiful — how green and lush, that must have been some hike you took! I’m glad to see that you’re adjusting, making friends, and exploring your surroundings. Interesting article came out on CNN re top fields to earn money — believe it or not, teaching English abroad!! So you’re on to something, Ms. Heidi. There’s a great demand for English teachers — Germany and South Korea pay the most. But first finish with Taiwan, then you can take your next step…..Be careful, Monkey!!! Love you lots, Always Your Aunt Martha
These pictures are just extraordinary — what beautiful children! especially the girls. Your writing is superb Heidi. I’m glad this experience is all being recorded thru your blog. I think this is the beginning of Heidi’s “motorcycle diaries.” Or should it be “scooter diaries?” Either way, I’m so glad to see that you’re enjoying that tremendous experience — living abroad has a way of truly humanizing you, doesn’t it? It forces you to find the most common denominator between you and your neighbor, right? And when communication is made and understanding ensues, what a wonderful feeling. I remember that feeling from my year abroad in Europe — much easier for me, obviously, because I knew the language. I know that your situation is quite a challenge, but therein lies the fun!!! Take care, sweetie, and watch out for the MONKEY!! Aunt Martha