Trying to make Fun with Kids > Stress of Teaching
Written by Bessie on Thursday, January 28, 2010 in Korea, Republic of
Feelin' annoyed
With 4 weeks left of the school year, I foolishly thought the hectic pace might calm down a bit. You know, review and wrap things up for the end of the year. Ha.Feelin' annoyed
Rather, this week I gave my students a 1.5 hour test. Then there's the weekly 20 word spelling test. They have to memorize 3 pop songs and a 15 minute play for graduation in February. Every week for homework, they read 3 books, write book reviews, and do about 3 hours of homework. I could go on and on. And these are just my kindergartners. They get two weeks of vacation a year, and each week, they're allowed 20 minutes of recess and 30 minutes of taekwondo. To say the least, the bar is set really high at private schools in Korea, and the pressure is on.
Our friend Luke makes comics about teaching in Korea, and this is about spot on.
I have to say though, I could easily go batty, and I'd have the company of many teachers here. Without the little moments that shine through of a kid doing something cute, I might fall entirely into the English speaking, robot making machine.
Luckily, my kids can be pretty sweet. They'll sit on my lap when I grade their papers or put princess stickers on me. Sometimes I get love notes too. Thank goodness.
I like the part where she tells me "Your very very pretty." Forget apples for the teacher, these kids want A++.
Any tips about fighting the stress?
Comments on "Trying to make Fun with Kids > Stress of Teaching"
Ya, but if they slept more then how are they going to study enough to get that job at Hyundai?
SO CUTE! It's the one thing I miss from teaching at a hagwon, really getting to know your kids and develop a relationship with them.
by Alex at January 28, 2010 08:28 AMMy elementary students are exhausted. They tend to go to bed around11:30. I go to bed then...they need more sleep!!!!!!