Week in Review

This week was a week of testing, grading, reviewing,and practicing. It was the last week of the camp. Students were tested on their new English comprehension skills in American culture, writing, math, science, and history. Once the two days of testing were through, we hurried to have the papers graded. Then, we reviewed each student's performance overall and wrote candid and extensive reviews on each of them. This week I've also realized that I'll miss these kids a ton.

Over the last week or so I've also learned a bit more Korean. My instruction comes from some of the best teachers around: 5th graders! I've learned how to say "Be quiet!" and "Stop doing that!" and "No hitting!" and "I'm sorry." Somehow hearing me learn and try to say these words and sounds that they do so easily makes them really motivated to listen closer when we're talking in English. It's crazy how children have sophisticated learning skills by craving a learning dialogue. They want to teach in order to learn. And it makes perfect sense.

On Monday and Tuesday each of my classes will be performing on a mock "American Idol" show where they will sing in a huge auditorium...in English. I'm the show host of their production and together we show their parents how much English the've learned in the Delicious English Camp. There's a video in store, so I'll post it when I get a copy.

As for today, it's Sunday. Beautiful Sunday. My only day off each week. However, starting on Tuesday at 5:00pm, I'll be on a different agenda. First of all, the recruiting company is taking the 4 of us to dinner and paying us (we get paid in the end) and once that's done I'll be on the road for Seoul.

Starting in Seoul, I'll be staying at a "Hanok" (meaning traditional home) in Seoul for at least 2 days. Then I'll take a bus to Busan, where I will take a ferry to Japan. Once I'm in the border of Japan I'll get a JR (Japan Railways) pass and begin a tour in the bullet train. Starting in Hiroshima (2 days) and Kyoto (3 days) and Hakone (1 day) and Tokyo (5 days). I'm working out the details to possibly go to Okinawa and extend my trip by 1 week. I'll be traveling for part of that time with 3 other teachers from this winter camp.

And, of course, lots of pictures to follow. I can't even imagine this trip without a camera. :)