It's about time I write a little bit about what takes up many hours of my days here in Phuket- kids. I have 25 of them.
A few years ago, as a Christmas present to myself, I purchased a course to be certified to teach English. I knew I wanted to travel for longer amounts of time, and the bills would not take into account the fact that I am off enjoying myself in foreign lands. Alas, teaching seemed to be a way to maintain my adult responsibilities, while meandering around new places and spaces. Fast forward a few years, and here I am...teaching.
Me and Jenna interviewed via skype, and were on a plane about two weeks later. The age of my kids is 6 and 7. They are in school for about 10 hours a day, and are little Energizer bunnies- they keep going and going. Sometimes when I'm in the front of the room, I'll just look around, and see their eyes drift across the room, while their legs can't stop wiggling. Any frown from frustrations I have from lack of attention turn into a smirk because I am reminded they're kids. I try my best, and they try their best. We're starting to get into a groove, and have good days and bad.
I've learned "Ben 10" is a BIG deal. He is on backpacks, hats, and pencil boxes.
My class is obsessed with having the sharpest pencil possible at all times. The bigger the sharpener, the more popular you are in class.
Kids can be best friends, then make each other cry, and then be back to being best friends after a 10 minute break.
This is just a small sample of what I am learning from these little ones.
Here are some of the faces I am greeted with as 'Teacher Amber in P1 Yellow':
Meet Us- he's goofy, clumsy, smiley, and I squeeze those cheeks every morning.
Here you have Matthew- he is quiet, understands more than you would initially think, and draws intricate pirate ships.
Annnnd Becca. She is has such a little person. We talk about South Park, Family Guy, and Micheal Jackson. Oh yeah, she also takes hip hop classes, and shows me her moves.
That's all for now. Teacher is tired, and needs some rest.
