Updates

I wonder who's still viewing my blog on a regular basis because I'M NOT! Ahhh, a sad truth. So, just like what Beautyegg has commented, I am not who I was anymore; as least when it comes to vocational choices. I've accepted an offer from a local elementary school and have become a first-grade teacher at a Chinese immersion program. Now I'm teaching part-time, having one class (25 students), and getting used to be around with so many kids for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. Since I am not a certified teacher yet, I'm going through Alternative Route for Licensure (ARL) Program to get my license. I am grateful for this opportunity though. Meanwhile, I'm finishing my work at Timpanogos as a choir and after-school teacher. Although I'll still be a part-time worker at the new school (and be on a hourly payroll for I don't know how long), the hourly wage is much more handsome than before. Yay for me.

So the Chinese immersion program I'm teaching is a 50(Chinese)-50(English) immersion. Kids go to the English classroom in the mornings and come to my classroom in the afternoons for a definitely-not-so-relaxing afternoon learning time. Why is that? I need to teach them Math in Chinese and I sympathize with them when they just don't get it at all. I used to try to figure out Algebra 1010 by reading textbook in English and almost earned myself a migraine. I'm trying hard to be a better teacher so that I can help them to learn and absorb knowledge better and faster. My prep. time now on average is 2 hours per day since I need to make so many visual aids and come up with "songs" to teach them new vocab. in a musical context. For example, I took the tune When we get together /當我們同在一起, and filled in the new vocab. I would like them to learn. The final product looks like something like this...

(Also helped by my colleague, Nancy)

爸爸穿黑色的褲子，

黑褲子，黑褲子，

爸爸穿黑色的褲子，

和白色的上衣。

他看起來可真帥，

他看起來可真帥，

爸爸穿黑色的褲子，

和白色的上衣。

Dad wears black pants,

black pants, black pants,

Dad wears black pants,

and white top/shirt.

He looks so handsome,

He looks so handsome,

Dad wears black pants,

and white top/shirt.

The logic behind is that they have learned the vocab. about family members and they are learning colors and clothing items. Therefore, I wove all of these elements into this tune. Fun practice and children love it!

Anyway, benefited from this new job, I am GOING BACK TO TAIWAN this summer again! I only will stay for 17 days and then need to rush back for a training. To make this trip efficient, I'm planning out a "gourmet" map - must-visit restaurants and eateries in Taiwan. Please provide me some info about it if you could, thanks!!!!

p.s. Dear beautyegg, I can't read your blog anymore! Please invite me to it, thanks!