Where Have I Been?

Actually I haven’t been anywhere; just “Monitoring and Adjusting”!  Did I date myself?

Not only am I learning to become an Elementary school teacher after 21 years of secondary (7 – 12), but I am also learning to give instructions, directions, and explanations to children who do not speak English.  Their English is; however, much better than my Mandarin.

I teach in a “School within a School”  it is called an English Village and it incorporates the use of scenario classrooms.  I see my students once each week; grades 2 – 4 for 4 weeks, and grades 5 & 6 for 3 weeks.  Just when I learn their names (English names); it is time for them to move on to the next scenario.  It is extremely easy to become attached to them; and I understand (fully) how someone can teach at this grade level for two to three (or more) decades.  I hope my photos are visible, because I have some great things to share.  We don’t have custodians in our school; the children clean (everything), and it is remarkable.

My days are very long; 8 – 5 (everyday); but I have 24 (40 minute) class periods, and the rest is office time.  Only one holiday between August and February.  So PLEEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEE be so thankful for ALL the wonderful days that we have off at home, and the short days of less than 9 hours.

I make (almost) weekly visits to Chaiyi, in the Southern part of Taiwan, unless the weather is bad.  It seems that the Typhoons are just naturally drawn to that area.  It doesn’t get cold there, so perhaps that why I like it more than Taipei.  Taipei is a big city with all the amenities of home, but that doesn’t stop me from missing home, family, friends, colleagues, and my students.  My very best to all readers.

And wake up REFRESHED

I keep wondering; what’s wrong with power-napping?  I can’t seem to find an acceptable answer, except perhaps; “NOTHING” is wrong with it.  After lunch each day my esteemed colleagues turn off the lights and put their heads on their desks and take a half hour nap.  After nap time they work just as they did when they first arrived at school.  I understand that this is not just a school-wide practice, but rather; nation-wide, and while our children have not yet returned (until Monday 8/30), they, along with their teachers will nap each day after lunch.  How very refreshing. Big Yawn!  I’m getting a little sleepy, better put my head down before the time is up.

HELP

You’re standing in the middle of “WHERE?” The corner of “SOMEBODY COME GET ME!” Suddenly you realize that you are NOT just around the corner from home.  I’ve stood at this intersection before, but each incident is a new experience; not necessarily treated with the same cures. 

   Down to my last 200NT dollars and the bank could not take my US currency; bills are too old; Benjamin Franklin’s head isn’t big enough.  With 7 of those little head guys; I’m in a panic.  Who wants to be over 8000 miles from home with NO money.  200NT dollars is about $6.00 (yeah that is six) US dollars.  Luckily my colleague thought to go to a larger (international) bank.  Got my NT dollars, so now I can eat dinner and buy more time for my Taiwan cell phone.

   Don’t be afraid to ask questions; check things out; get directions.  I’m beginning to feel this “globalization” very strongly.  People actually WANT to help, and to take pictures with me.

Getting Started

I’ve taken a trip to Ylan, about 45 miles north of Taipei City on the Pacific Coast ( through about 21 kilometers of mountain tnnnels). It was awesome to see the Pacific from this side.
Students return to school on August 30; everything else is orientation and pre-school-year prep. What a wonderful place this is. Penglai Elementary school has an English Wonderland, I will post more as the year progresses. There is a night market outside the school, so I can buy my dinner on my way home (7 minute walk from school). I’ll post pictures as soon as I learn how on this site.

Taipei’s humidity

You wear this like a layer of clothes, and keep moving and just do your very best to adjust

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