So, its day six of Haerbin, and im currently sitting in the teachers office at my school preparing for my second lesson of the week. I say preparing, I've been told that a textbook is on it's way in the next hour or so for me to build a lesson plan around. Even after only one lesson I have learnt quite a bit and already some of the myths about chinese students have been eradicated. Firstly, the idea that they are quiet, obedient and are not used to an interactive lesson appears to be, with my first class anyway, completely false. As I was showing the class props from England, Terry was attempting to stab Maggie with an england flag, Jay and Tom where fighting over a postcard of Tower bridge, Jade was chomping her way through a picture of the Queen and Moon seemed to be entertaining the others with his air guitar to the Beatles music.
However, whilst my first lesson wasn't easy, infact far from easy, I definitely wasn't expecting it to be. After all, this is only my first week of practical teaching. And, even after only one lesson I have made alterations to future lesson plans. After Judy fell asleep on her desk 15 minutes into Tuesdays lesson I have learnt that I need to begin with upbeat games and activities, or if you like; "warmers". I also need to include about 20 different activities for a 100 minute lesson - so that the lesson has a quick pace, constantly chopping and changing and keeping the students on their toes. I also need to be stricter and not let the presence of 13 8 year olds scare the crap out of me. Easier said than done.
Whilst I am banging on about the changes I need to make I can 100% gurantee that I will go into today's lesson and Terry will attempt to beat up Maggie, Jay and Tom will start a fight and Judy will fall asleep. However, HOPEFULLY over time I will get a bit more confident, perhaps a bit more assertive and the lessons will become a bit easier. Oh, how I hope so.
At the moment I think it's fair to say that everyones in the same boat and the best thing is to hear other peoples horror stories, not only to help you prepare for the next lesson but as reassurance that your not the only one!
Happy teaching :)
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Haha - love some of the random chinglish you get knocking around... even in text books!
Hope you manage to lay down the law in your classes - can't have these young whippersnappers chomping through pictures of the queen! What would her majesty say?! If you're looking for ideas of games and activities you might want to check out this group: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/groups/59-Teaching-ideas-materials and also chat to Emma, who's a really experienced teacher: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/emmafoers/
Good luck and keep us posted on progress!
Ha! Sounds like a good book, don't worry you will see vast improvements in your teaching ven in the next few classes...being threw in at the deep end is always the best way to learn!
p.s. Was just told the page of the textbook I will need to teach from today. The story is this:
"My parents say' lets celebrate your tooth! We drive to the beach. I throw my tooth in the water. I ask for a gold tooth and I am happy."
Who writes this stuff?!?
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