"What Do You Like to Do?"

I will blog for the last two days, as I literally got home yesterday (Wednesday), and plopped down on my bed in exaggeration for how tired I was... and never got up again. That was at 5:30 pm. Therefore, I literally slept for 12 hours... I didn't even think that was possible, especially on a school night. 

Yesterday, Ari and I spent the day with seventh graders. We taught them other responses to "how are you?" besides "fine, thank you". They say that, but we don't think they actually know what it means. It is simply something they have been taught to say to greet us at the beginning of each class period. We then taught them how to ask, "what do you like to do?" and had them answer with, "I like to ________". They practiced each question/answer set with a partner as Ari and I went around the room checking their English. For most of the students, it was actually easier for them than with the eighth graders the first two days. We aren't sure why, but it may have something to do with their previous teachers, whether that is good or bad? We introduced the kids to charades, telephone, and hangman as well to practice their sentences, communication, and listening skills. A few of the kids really got into charades, and were willing to attempt some of the funniest things. One boy's sentence was, "I like to play baseball", and he hiked up his pants, pointed to left center, and gave the biggest imaginary swing of his life. It was hilarious. A boy today decided to make his sentence, "I like to moonwalk", and actually did it! Ari and I laughed hysterically, as did all of the students. Some of the girls came up afterwards and said that they loved my laugh... how funny!  

 For lunch, two of the Thai English teachers took us out to lunch at Mcdonalds... neither of them had ever had it before, so it was fun to see them attempt. First of all, they walked up to the drive through to order... We had to direct them towards the door. They then sat down, and we had to direct them to the register where you have to order. It was quite funny! They also cheated and didn't even order Mcdonalds food... they ordered the one Thai meal that the Mcdonalds offered... Ari and I had them each try a french fry for good measure. 

In the afternoon, we taught the same lesson and one of the classes begged their homeroom teacher to let us come back to them later that day... So we said yes, of course! We have to stay on their good sides ;) We thought we were just going to be there to help answer questions, etc., but nope! the teacher sat down in the back and told us to teach food and drink... so we attempted. Thankfully, Ari and I are both decently quick on our feet, and so it worked out great. We added on to our lesson from the morning, and had them work on, " I like to drink ___________" and "I don't like to drink _______". We played a variety of games for them as well. As semi-stressful as this was, it's almost something that education students should have to do in front of a class- no lesson plan, no talking about it before, just winging it! You never know when the technology is going to fail or you are going to attempt to teach something the kids already know.. This was seriously the best training in becoming a teacher I could have asked for! 

Some of the students asked us to take pictures and stuff like that again, which was fun for us. It's amazing how much the students enjoy our company and want to talk to us, even if it's just "hello!" from across the street. This is one of the biggest things I will miss when I have to come back to the US. Not only do the students like us, they want us to teach them things. How many American students do you know that admire their teachers that much? Very few, especially in the middle and high school settings. I love it! Today, a student gave Ari and I presents... like wrapped and everything... and we hadn't even taught her class yet! It was the sweetest thing ever!

After school, Arunrat and Auntie took me to an American grocery store where I was told to pick out things I like. I grabbed some deli meat, some crackers, cereal, and mac 'n cheese, just for those nights when I am on my own... they are nice to have. 

When we got home, like I said before, I literally passed out with my purse still on and everything... I was tired.

Oh, and today,
all teachers are supposed to wear orange because it is Udon Thani's color. Arunrat and Sirilak didn't tell us, so we didn't quite fit in today... as if we don't stand out enough. Next week though!

As for my night tonight? I just finished my dinner and am now simply waiting for it to be eight pm, which makes it 7 am back home and an acceptable time for some people to be awake. Markie's setting his alarm- whatta gem. 

Today, we were asked on more than one occasion if we will come back after our two months is up, and my response is always, "If I can convince a few people to come back with me!" That response is coming more and more true every single day- I adore Thailand!


Xoxo Kenzkeg