January 12, 2010

Yesterday was really hectic. Ella, Narelle, and I taught 2 first grade classes and one fourth grade class. It was fine but we were really stressed out by the time we got to the fourth grade class. The children are adorable though. They treat us like we're famous. Dozens of kids reaching out to shake hands with us, children waving from across the school screaming "HELLOO HELLOO HELLOO!!!", and after class they all want our autographs (no joke!). It's hysterical. It is interesting to see the difference between the different schools we're working at. At the primary school the teachers often leave their classrooms, so we show up to a room full of students with no adult in the room. The kids are really bright though...they try really hard to speak English, and I cannot believe their perfect handwriting and amazing ability to draw. I'm actually in shock about how smart and talented those kids are compared to the first graders back home. Education is taken very seriously and the Thai teachers are very strict. They literally smack the kids or hit them with canes or rulers when they misbehave. OH--the national park! Literally five minutes down the road their is a gorgeous park full of beautiful waterfalls and natural swimming pools. It is the perfect peaceful getaway.

Than Bok Khorani National Park

me, Ella, and Narelle being swarmed by some of our lovely first graders :)


one of the CRAZY fourth grade classes...haha