Seoul_to

I've received a few emails and shout-outs concerning the post I wrote about classroom punishment. From what a few friends and family have written back, I get the impression that some of you think I'm a "battle axe" in the classroom. I guess I came off a little harsh. Didn't mean to though. I was just trying to point out the Corean style of punishing a child. I guess a little clarification is in order. For those of you that haven't seen me in a classroom with kids, I would tend to think that I really do have a ton of patience and generally am very pleasant as I conduct each lesson. The kids usually laugh and have a good time, doing whatever. Hell, I used to have the "at risk" kids request to come into my classes at home. That should say something, shouldn't it? However, we each have our little moments when one of the kids is being disruptive and stopping the lesson from flowing. Trust me, I give plenty of warnings. I almost always have written on the board, circled and X'd out, "No Corean!". After 3-4 subtle warnings while pointing to the board, yes, I do send whoever may be causing the problem to the corner. No, this is not usually my style. This is the Corean style, and it's what we're expected to do. It's shameful for the child, but within a min. or so, they quiet down and then they are allowed back to their seats. It may sound slightly mean to all of you, as this could never be done at home, but here it's common practice and no one blinks an eye at it. I've talked to some of my older kids too, and this is actually the lesser of two evils. In their regular schools, if they are really misbehaving, many of them have let me know of teachers striking their knuckles or their bumm with a stick. Reminds me of stories my mom and dad have told me of when they were a child. Now that I wouldn't do, even if it were expected. Hope that clarifies things a bit.

On a lighter note, when I first arrived here I was teaching a couple winter camps. The kids at the afternoon one were awesome. Mostly girls, but a couple boys also. They have been the coolest kids I've had so far. This is the same group of kids that threw me a surprise birthday party. I gave them my email address the last day and 3 or 4 of the girls still write me at least once a week. I thought I'd post one of the notes below.

Hi!
If I have enough time and you consent to, I want to go to your apartment.
Is it okay? I want to see you. And I want to see your apartment.
And if I go to your apartment, I want to go to your apartment with my English Winter Camp friends.(Sandy,Shelly,Lisa,Tina,Sarah...)
It is only my think.

BYE-BYE
from-Jessica

________________________________________

How sweet is that! Not bad English either.....guess the teacher must not have been that bad.....hehehe

Seoul_to_Soul
		~ Thursday, March 13, 2003 I've received a few emails and shout-outs concerning the post I wrote about classroom punishment. From what a few friends and family have written back, I get the impression that some of you think I'm a "battle axe" in the classroom. I guess I came off a little harsh. Didn't mean to though. I was just trying to point out the Corean style of punishing a child. I guess a little clarification is in order. For those of you that haven't seen me in a classroom with kids, I would tend to think that I really do have a ton of patience and generally am very pleasant as I conduct each lesson. The kids usually laugh and have a good time, doing whatever. Hell, I used to have the "at risk" kids request to come into my classes at home. That should say something, shouldn't it? However, we each have our little moments when one of the kids is being disruptive and stopping the lesson from flowing. Trust me, I give plenty of warnings. I almost always have written on the board, circled and X'd out, "No Corean!". After 3-4 subtle warnings while pointing to the board, yes, I do send whoever may be causing the problem to the corner. No, this is not usually my style. This is the Corean style, and it's what we're expected to do. It's shameful for the child, but within a min. or so, they quiet down and then they are allowed back to their seats. It may sound slightly mean to all of you, as this could never be done at home, but here it's common practice and no one blinks an eye at it. I've talked to some of my older kids too, and this is actually the lesser of two evils. In their regular schools, if they are really misbehaving, many of them have let me know of teachers striking their knuckles or their bumm with a stick. Reminds me of stories my mom and dad have told me of when they were a child. Now that I wouldn't do, even if it were expected. Hope that clarifies things a bit. On a lighter note, when I first arrived here I was teaching a couple winter camps. The kids at the afternoon one were awesome. Mostly girls, but a couple boys also. They have been the coolest kids I've had so far. This is the same group of kids that threw me a surprise birthday party. I gave them my email address the last day and 3 or 4 of the girls still write me at least once a week. I thought I'd post one of the notes below. Hi! If I have enough time and you consent to, I want to go to your apartment. Is it okay? I want to see you. And I want to see your apartment. And if I go to your apartment, I want to go to your apartment with my English Winter Camp friends.(Sandy,Shelly,Lisa,Tina,Sarah...) It is only my think. BYE-BYE from-Jessica ________________________________________ How sweet is that! Not bad English either.....guess the teacher must not have been that bad.....hehehe posted by ~B~ at 6:06 PM