Tag Archives: teaching
New Material
I’m teaching at an ESL summer camp for the next two weeks. This school is as poorly organized as a typical Chinese “English center”, which allows me to test my theory that I would absolutely love that life, if only … Continue reading
Catching On
One of my favorite things about teaching is watching my students catch on to something. These are honors kids in a digital time, so everyone has read the SparkNotes on Animal Farm and can recite on cue that it’s an … Continue reading
Chinese School After-Action Review
Chinese school is over for the semester. I’ve been teaching here for two years now, the longest time I’ve worked in one school. RACL is really a special place, I’m glad I could work here. I had the best class this semester, thanks to … Continue reading
Still Here
Perhaps I’ve mentioned this once or twice, but I was recently in Denver visiting my friends. And before that, I was at the Triangle games conference. I’m back working my usual shift in the restaurant now, with a refreshed appetite … Continue reading
By Any Other Name
I have a great class at Chinese school this year. Some of it is just luck. I’ve been incredibly fortunate this year not to have a single parent corner me before or after class to tell me how I should … Continue reading
Full of Win
My high-school students had the word fiasco on their vocab list today. I asked if anyone already knew the meaning, and they defined it as epic fail.
This Is Just How Caesar’s Legions Got Started
My morning before class started with sleeping through the alarm, and as always, rushing set off a series of other minor catastrophes. When I saw the No Left Turn – Train sign by Chapel Hill Road, I realized I’d have to teleport … Continue reading
Summer Camp
I’m in my hometown in New Jersey for a week, helping with Vacation Bible School at my dad’s church. I’ve gotten some surprised looks from different clients and co-workers when I said I’ll be out of town because I’m going … Continue reading
Kids Today!
On Saturday, I gave my students at Chinese school a writing assignment. They were asked to imagine that ten years have passed and they’ve become hugely successful in their chosen field. They’re so successful, in fact, that they’ve been invited … Continue reading
Be Prepared
I don’t mean to sound like a bitter old schoolmarm, but when did it become the teacher’s job to stop lessons to provide supplies? I remember forgetting my pen or pencil and asking to borrow one in whispers, hoping my … Continue reading
