Thailand Tuk Tuk
On Monday, June 11, 2012 I entered my first class ever as a teacher. There were about 30 2nd year students in this English Speaking/Listening class. I used an icebreaker I found online.
I brought a deck of cards to class. I shuffled them and then placed them out on a desk. A student would come up and pick a card. Whatever number he/she picked is the amount of things he/she would have to say about their self. The student held a microphone while talking. Once the student finished, the student would then pass the microphone to a student of their choice. Most of the students really enjoyed this part because they were able to pick on a friend they did or did not like. I was really surprised by some of the
Thai Street Food
responses. It was a good way to gauge personalities and knowledge of English. With jacks, queens, and kings being equal to 10 most students had to say 10 things to their slight dismay. During teacher orientation in Bangkok, I learned that Thai students are generally shy and it is key to create an atmosphere of activity and involvement.
Some responses from my students:
“I have 21 cats.”
“I am Mr. Cool.”
“I love Justin Beiber”
“I used to be a white man before I came here.”
“I want to dance with you.”
“In the future I want to be a god.”
“I want 2 boyfriends.”
“My favorite subject is English”
Kasetsart University(http://kps.ku.ac.th/eng/) has a focus on agriculture, nature and English. When I first applied to the Teach in Thailand program I thought I would want to work in downtown Bangkok.
Thailand Monks during Visakha Bucha Day
However, I think Kasetsart will turn out to be a great fit for me. It has a plethora of nature trails and plenty of athletic facilities. It boasts an Olympic size pool, basketball courts, gym, golf course, running trails, and about 5 lakes. The students seem very eager to learn and often hang out after class or in my office to practice their English. I look forward to an energetic class environment. If you have any lesson plan ideas please let me know. Thank you Shannon and Gloria for the great ideas so far.
Below are a few photos from my experience so far:
The Laundry Mat Chair
Washer
Dryer
Oklahoma City Thurder beating the Spurs made the sports front page.
Speaking at a Thai Teacher Training Session
Saxophone in Market
Are those washers high efficiency? 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration to dare something different! I wonder who is learning more, you or the students?
-Crystal Marie
Yes. You can only use the detergent with “he” on the bottle. Otherwise it may mess up the washer.
LOL.
“I used to be a white man before I came here.”
HILARIOUS!
Looks like you’re making out alright over there man. Good stuff. Looking forward to hearing more about the experience.
Awesome post, keep them coming. We are living vicariously through you right now!
Glad you’re enjoying yourself! That washer and dryer combo is no joke huh?
It sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful and life-changing experience
Good Stuff bro!!! Glad to see all is well!!
I love the pictures. How does the food taste? Soooo on the plane whenever we get the green light :-))
One word: AMAZING!!!!!! And I also have to say, you are senmingly much braver than u was with that food!! Lol, don’t think I would have tried that! J/k! Lol, but ummmmm about that washing situation, that’s deep! You are really get the true THAI experience, you’re gonna be soo amazed at your outlook on things and the broadening of your horizons more so when you came back!! Keep the blogs coming!
Awesome! That food looks great. Stay blessed!
Hey there, glad for the update. Can’t wait to read more. Gottah love foreign washers and dryers they keep you humbled and appreciative. Will catch up with you later.
WOW! Love to hear about your “world” now! We are proud of you!!!
go dubois !!!
DuBois, these photos touch my heart and express so much that I cannot express. This cultural habitat seems to be agreeable on both sides. The laundry chair allows for prayer and meditation, the fish looks delicious and the man playing the alto saxophone warms your heart and mine. Keeping the faith, always with love and peace, mom
You make me want to take a hiatus and teach….
America is the only nation where extended vacations are frowned upon. Check out this article on the subject
http://articles.cnn.com/2011-05-23/travel/vacation.in.america_1_vacation-germans-long-holiday?_s=PM:TRAVEL
21 CATs!!!! Good Lord!!!!