Christmas for Teachers
Written by Kyle on Friday, May 15, 2009 in Korea, Republic of
Feelin' normal
Three weeks ago there was Children's Day (which is B.S. if you ask me...every day is children's day). Two weeks ago there was Parents' Day (a combination of Mother's and Father's Days). Finally, last week, there was the day to top them all: Teacher's Day.Feelin' normal
Just like a lot of non-religious based holidays, I'm sure that Teacher's Day has it's roots in getting people to buy more stuff. If so, it certainly worked. Throughout the day, we were each given various gifts from our students, ranging from soap to hand-made wooden make-up boxes. I was expecting a card with some half-assed "Happy Teacher's Day" written into it, but even the cards had thoughtful sentiments in them:
This was to another teacher, Sarah, but it is an awesome example
Here's a note that was given to Brian, a co-worker of ours:
Of course, Bessie got one, too, from one of her students:
I love you so much is a little wierd, but nice.
No notes wrere given to me, but I'm not a kindergarten homeroom teacher like the other teachers and because most of my kids probably can't get their finger out of their nose long enough to write. Just kidding...love you, kids!
Anyway, to celebrate our bounty of gifts, we had a little gift opening session at our apartment with the other teachers, X-Mas style: everybody opens one present at a time and I make them hold it up for a picture. I would have made everyone say a heart-felt "Thank You", but it was too fun to make sarcastic remarks instead. Check out some of the booty the teachers received:
Either jam or skin lotion; brightly colored slippers
A bottle of wine; some crystal wine glasses ("lead free")
A bottle of wine and some clinique products; 3 sets of dress socks
A hat and some green tea & broccoli body wash. Tim was super happy to get them.
Hand-made soaps
Bessie also got some kitchen ware (left) and a traditional Korean make-up box (right)
Comments on "Christmas for Teachers"
Ok. You get my soap that smells like fresh pepper. It might work for you as your dogs are likely to lick you all day.
Are teachers in Korea really allowed to hit the students or is it a scare tactic from the parents?
The gifts are so cute,especially the make-up box given to Bessie. Enjoy!
It's normal here for teachers to hit the teachers. In english schools, foreigners are not allowed to hit the students, but it's normal for the Korean teachers - wild huh!? It makes it harder to get the naughty kids to listen to us, because the Korean teachers scare them a lot more, obviously...
We do however threaten to send the bad students to our supervisor, and when they get sent, they are yelled at (sometimes very harshly), punished with writing lines or staring at the wall, and sometimes hit. Yes, our supervisor has a stick that she hits the kids with when they're really bad. Another Korean teacher waves a ruler at, and I think hits, bad kids to get them in line. (Back 40 years ago students were slapped and sometimes hit with pool cues we've been told, so they're getting less severe!)
From what I've heard, our school seems to be a lot nicer to kids then other schools. On the other hand, it makes it a little more rowdy, too. I've seem to hit a good stride of finding rewards and punishments for kids; while I want to hit some of the kids, there's no way I could do it.
Really precious. Remember, it is the thought that counts! Really fun por ustedes tambian. (For those of you who don't recognize Spanish, this just my attempt to use what little Spanish I know.) Most exciting is your recognition that teaching is the most difficult and poorly paid profession. What a wonderful opportunity this year is providing. Keep having fun! BTW, I love your new furniture.
I think it's a super sweet thing that they give us presents. In a book about Korea it talks about it's Confucianism background, and that they really respect teachers. I think Teacher's Day definitely has its roots in that, and should be better celebrated around the world!!
Our apartment is really coming together & having people over made it great!
Over the thirty years that I taught, I received many gifts for Christmas.....but NEVER wine! What an enlightened country! American gifts from children always were heavy on Avon products, handkerchiefs, mugs, scatter pins (especially Christmas trees!), and dishtowels, with homemade cookies/candy ranked as my personal favorite. From our "generous" school district, we usually received a one pound box of Fannie Mae candy for 30 people to share and one 4" potted pointsettia plunked down on our faculty room table. Teacher's Day in Korea.....what a great idea! The personal notes from your students were the best!
Yeah, they take their gift giving pretty serious here, and all the stores have really nice gift wrapping. It puts the appreciation people show teachers in the States to shame! I mentioned this in a comment to Susan, but I really think it's the Confucianism, that says to respect teachers, because they really do it!
For some odd reason the kids who make you want to start drinking, usually gave the wine.
at our school we had teacher WEEK. we got gifts from the school every day that week plus from some of the kids. it was pretty awesome. candles were a popular item. i didnt care cuz who doesnt love a scented candle?
That's really nice! A whole week rocks. Look at all the teachers in our family now! :)
How awesome! Now, I knew you guys would be great teachers, but for some reason I feel the need to apologize as I never once thought to celebrate your greatness by giving you brocolli body wash. Maybe when you get back to the states I will have something wonderful for you like, oh I dont know, turnip foot scrub or lima bean facial mask.
Mmmm...turnip foot scrub.
Sorry not to have responded sooner...even though keeping up. (Special on TV about the new "city" of Songdo)...anyways, it seems as if many of the "gifts" centered upon soap and/or other body lotions...is this suggestive of the culture? Hopefully there are no hidden messages in this approach (!)
How delightful! And the love-note you received from Amy is precious, Bessie! Straight from the heart, that one. :)
that's really awesome... any holiday that includes gifts of wine and soap is okay with me.
by the other kyle at May 20, 2009 12:33 AM