Finally this week is over. Though I'm quickly coming to the realization that I've got multiple tests and quizzes this coming week, so it won't be as much of a weekend as I had originally hoped for. Oh well, at least no big homeworks or projects due- I'd rather study than do busy work.
Today I started as a teaching assistant for an english second language class, and it was really fun! Betsy and I just let them ask us questions to work on their English, and I think it was for some other assignment, though we weren't told what it was. They asked us all sorts of stuff from what our favorite color was to what we wanted to do after college. Then we could ask them any questions we had. It was actually really fun getting to know them! Next Friday we're going back to play games with the kids in the class-- we're thinking Pictionary and Scrabble for fun while also helping them with English. It should be fun!
It's really just nice being able to talk to kids from foreign countries when it's OK to say "What? I didn't understand you" and to help them with their English barriers, when it's so common in the business school to just act like you understand what they're saying to avoid awkward situations. It doesn't help them at all, and it does not facilitate better communication by any means. As the teacher, Betsy's Aunt, said, "They come to study in America, and it doesn't do them any good if they don't get to interact well with Americans and learn to speak English.... they're usually so isolated and this gives them a good opportunity!" It almost reminded me of going to France, where we all spoke pretty good French and yet got ignored and responded to like we were "Stupid Americans who couldn't speak the language." I think Betsy and I are learning from the situation just as much as they are!
A lot of the people in the class had already done undergrad, and one woman was even 37, from Korea, with a four year old daughter. I really just enjoyed getting to know them and I think the semester with them will be great experience!
Tonight, Kelly and I went to John and Betsy's and watched "The Orphan". It's still even scarier than the first time I saw it, and I don't think it will ever get any better. SO MESSED UP! But such a good movie. The children actors/actresses in it were amazing! Anyways- hopefully tomorrow I'll at least have some pictures for you. I hope you're all having a good weekend! Anyone doing anything fun?!
Today I started as a teaching assistant for an english second language class, and it was really fun! Betsy and I just let them ask us questions to work on their English, and I think it was for some other assignment, though we weren't told what it was. They asked us all sorts of stuff from what our favorite color was to what we wanted to do after college. Then we could ask them any questions we had. It was actually really fun getting to know them! Next Friday we're going back to play games with the kids in the class-- we're thinking Pictionary and Scrabble for fun while also helping them with English. It should be fun!
It's really just nice being able to talk to kids from foreign countries when it's OK to say "What? I didn't understand you" and to help them with their English barriers, when it's so common in the business school to just act like you understand what they're saying to avoid awkward situations. It doesn't help them at all, and it does not facilitate better communication by any means. As the teacher, Betsy's Aunt, said, "They come to study in America, and it doesn't do them any good if they don't get to interact well with Americans and learn to speak English.... they're usually so isolated and this gives them a good opportunity!" It almost reminded me of going to France, where we all spoke pretty good French and yet got ignored and responded to like we were "Stupid Americans who couldn't speak the language." I think Betsy and I are learning from the situation just as much as they are!
A lot of the people in the class had already done undergrad, and one woman was even 37, from Korea, with a four year old daughter. I really just enjoyed getting to know them and I think the semester with them will be great experience!
Tonight, Kelly and I went to John and Betsy's and watched "The Orphan". It's still even scarier than the first time I saw it, and I don't think it will ever get any better. SO MESSED UP! But such a good movie. The children actors/actresses in it were amazing! Anyways- hopefully tomorrow I'll at least have some pictures for you. I hope you're all having a good weekend! Anyone doing anything fun?!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for stopping by- I always love hearing from you xoxo