The Things I Could Do

My mind is buzzing with ideas after talking to my mom. All the things I could do with these kids, all the different ways I can incorporate writing. If I could just phase out the cooking class (which I thankfully haven't done yet because of the string of birthday parties we've been having instead) and replace it with a poetry class I'd be happy as a clam.

But then I'd have to have a clue as to how to try to teach poetry to roomful of Korean kindergartners.

Mom is a neverending well of ideas about how to deal with kids. Daily journals, a reading corner...I could transform this class into something completely new. But would I be allowed to? I have an inkling that Korean and American teaching styles are vastly different. When my boss takes a class he does not tolerate fidgeting, talking, anything. he's not mean but he is very, very firm. Children sit straight in their chairs and are quiet as church mice in his classrooms. Would he be open to loosening the structure a little?

In other news, we had duk bok ki at lunch today. It's this delicious dish of rice dumplings in a spicy orange-colored sauce. I took a big portion and mixed it up with my rice because that's what I've always done with rice and sauce. But when Brian came into the room with his little tray and saw what I was doing he started shrieking with laughter. "Teacher! Why are you doing? Look what she's doing!" He ran off to tell his friend that Miss Adriana was mixing her rice with the duk bok ki. It was almost as if I had just been seen wearing my underwear on my head. I guess these kids eat their rice plain or else mix it into the soup. But sauce? Never.

Ten minutes later I had polished off my meal and started wandering about the classroom, chatting with the students, and Brian called me over to his desk.

"Look, teacher," he said. "I did it too." Sure enough, Brian - and half the class - had attempted to mix their rice into the sauce. He was beaming at me as if we shared some sort of hilarious secret.

I love these kids.

P.S. I went grocery shopping today! I bought yogurt and plums and cereal, and something I hope turns out to be milk...

P.P.S. I also did laundry!!! Clean underwear officially become available tomorrow morning. I can't wait.