Britta Teacher

Teaching elementary general classes is a a lot of work! I have to give a shout out to all my friends and family who do this, because it takes so much planning and patience. My first day of solo teaching was a little rough, but as this week has continued my teaching has become better. I am not sure why but I do very well with classroom management and discipline of 6 year olds. I am even able to get the rowdy class to sit quietly and listen to my lessons. Also, the vice director at my school watched me teach a couple classes and told me that my discipline was very good. :)

Today we went on our monthly field trip that the entire school takes. We visited Gimhae traditional village, which is home to some traditional Korean homes. There we explored the homes, a museum, and made rice cakes.

Here are two students mashing the rice to make cakes.

The students had a blast walking around the village and especially helping to smash the rice for the rice cakes. I really enjoyed taking the students outside of the classroom, because then I get to see them relax and just enjoy themselves.

Wednesday night two female teachers at my school threw a ladies night get together. We had wine, cheese, bruschetta, and edamame beans. It was so nice to just hang out with some ladies and enjoy each others company. I was also able to meet 4 other ladies who teach at another private school. Slowly but surely my friend circle is expanding here and it is exciting!! I had volunteered to bring dessert for us but was stumped on what to make since we don't have ovens in our apartments. After googling a few things I came across a recipe for apple crisp in the microwave. Granted it wasn't super "crisp" but it tasted like fall and home. Yum!

This weekend I have a 5 day break from school for the Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok. Since I have only been here 2 weeks it didn't leave me much time to plan. However, I plan to do some more decorating in my apartment, exploring Changwon, and hiking. I was told there are many great hiking trails around the city so on Sunday I am going to hike with another American teacher and hopefully get some great pictures taken.

This transition to life as a foreigner has proved to be more mentally difficult than I expected, but everyday God continues to bring new things into my life that make me happy to be here!

Here is the Lions class I teach. They are 6 year olds.

Happy Chuseok!

Britta