The teachers here are very willing to help me with just about anything. I have been observed a lot of times and get a little more advice to think about everyday. Hopefully, it will really go well next week when I am back from my three day weekend for the Moon Festival and have my materials ready to go as well as a lesson plan related to what the students are learning that week. My school has taken very good care of me and I want to get better everyday so that I can return the favor by teaching my students to be more confident speakers. Sometimes I realize I've made things harder for myself than perhaps they should be, but I also know that once I say something I need to fulfill anything I say. The students are supposed to be going over greetings, introductions, and telephone numbers this next week. I'm trying to find a song or a video clip I can use in addition to teaching them to say more than "I'm fine, thanks. And you?" which is the standard answer you will receive if you ask students how they are.
I am not wholly comfortable taking photos at school, but I wish I could show you all what our school's opening ceremony is like. I've never seen anything like it at an American school. All the students and teachers came outside and assembled for announcements. They all had to face forward in lines and there was this large inflatable arch with dragons on top for the school year beginning in 2014. There was some singing too. Very different from my own experience of middle and high school.
Anyway, it's been tiring, but I don't feel it when I'm in the classroom for the most part. I just get in there and focus on the materials I need to cover and the information I need from them. I'm looking forward to going down the street and checking out this small area filled with calligraphy, brushes, carved gods, and jade jewelry. I found that they have a couple of places selling name chops in there and I really want one. If not for keeping track of my students participation and points, then at least for myself as a reminder of my time here. It would certainly be more unique than other things I might get here.