Week #2

Week number 2 is here, and I feel much more relaxed than I did last week. The teachers that are in my class are wonderful and continue to refresh me and inspire me to be a better teacher. I can tell from talking with them that they work hard and put in long hours for their students.

Today, we talked about our family trees. It was interesting to learn that the Chinese have very specific vocabulary words for different members of their family. Where we might just have one word to describe an Aunt, they have about 4-8 words to describe the specific Aunt.

This week-end, I went to the Great Wall and to the Ming tomb with the other North American teachers and about a third of our students. It was neat to spend the day with our Chinese teachers. They were very helpful and translated for us when our guide only spoke chinese.

Today, I am in charge of preparing the Valentine's Day culture event. I think it will be fun, and I am trying to be a little bit creative (it's a stretch.)

I still have some concerns--I often compare my teaching to the other teachers here and find my skills lacking. I know that this is just a matter of having low confidence. I appreciate your thoughts on this matter. Some skeletons stay the same no matter which country you are living in. Other than that, I am loving every minute of being here. I enjoy meeting with the Chinese teachers, and want to spend my extra time talking with them. My class has invited me to help them learn a special dance from their region. It is beautiful--I have one day to figure out the steps.

I must go prepare for Valentine's Day!! Hugs and kisses my friends and family.