School was interesting today. I was gone all weekend, so I sporadically planned a lesson this morning. I'm pretty good at preparing lesson plans on the fly, so it was not a big deal. I decided to back up and start over with the sign language alphabet. Because all classes ended on a different letter last week, I'm teaching only three letters this week; ABC. We did our normal morning routine and I'm adding to our morning routine. (Sidenote: I just made 2 typos...see if you see a pattern. I typed died instead of did and mourning instead of morning. Hmm...odd!) Anyway, I am going to start introducing 3 or 4 letters a week. The tricky part is also working in the things they are supposed to learn from the text on a weekly basis. My first graders are learning about colors this week, which is an easy topic for them. I just add question concepts, and I will teach "Favorite." My second graders are learning "I'm hungry" this week and how to ask for and offer food.
My co-teacher helped me buy another phone card, so I will be able to call home again sometime soon...in case you're reading this mom, dad, Heather, and Stephanie!^^ I didn't drop off the face of the planet! I also figured out that the woman in charge of transferring my conference stipend wasn't here last weekend, so I didn't have that or my salary. I will get both this week!! YEAH!! That will definitely be helpful! I don't have that much to spend money on, but for some reason, I find myself spending much more than I feel like I am. It's just the small things that add up, plus all of the traveling is a bit expensive as well. I came here to experience everything possible, and that's what I'm doing!^^
When I went home, I fell asleep for a few minutes before Julie got to my apartment. We only studied for an hour, because Julie wanted to take me to Yonsei University. I have only been there once before, and I didn't walk around at all. The leaves are all changing colors and it is incredibly BEAUTIFUL!! I have pictures of the trees that I'll post soon. Oh, there is a road back near the woods that is called "Kiss Road." I'll give you one guess as to why it is called that. Well, actually, it is more detailed than you would think. The road is windy, so it is difficult to see couples around the corners. There is also a road that is nicknamed "Baby Road." Didn't expect that one!
Julie and I walked around and talked for maybe an hour and a half. We talked about the campus, relationships, seasons, psychology, etc. Discussing psychology was interesting. I explained that psychology is a fairly common major in the US and that many people go to therapy when they are having many problems in their lives. Julie said that she wishes there was something like that in Korea, because many people have stress due to academic and occupational pressures. I haven't ranted about the academic situation that many children face yet, but it's coming.
After walking around Yonsei, we took a bus back to Julie's apartment. We bought ramen and kimchi at a small store near her apartment. Her apartment is quite small, but it is comfortable. It is one room with a kitchen and bathroom. She made dinner while I watched some random US gameshow "Identity." During dinner we watched "Housewives;" it's the first time I have EVER watched that show. After dinner, we watched the movie "300." It was quite interesting. I remember people talking about it in the states, but I never had much desire to see it in theatre. It is the story of Sparta's fight from freedom from Persia.
When I got home, my host family acted a little strangely toward me. I don't know if maybe they were just tired or if they were upset that I went out despite my cold. Hmm.....I guess I'll figure it out soon enough. My host mom was continuing making ribbon crafts. She taught a class today, and she will teach a class tomorrow as well. She is incredibly talented when it comes to ribbon crafts; she can make headbands, hair ties, wall decorations, etc. She said that she will teach me someday when I have time. I'm really excited!! She used to have an online store where people could order her "products" and she taught a class when she lived in Seoul, but now it is just her hobby. She really enjoys it!
Oh, we have a new aquarium in our house. Somehow the fish club talked my host father into having not only two aquariums in his office, but one at home as well. It's really beautiful; we have coral and snails and fishies! Sidenote: I cannot stand multiple fish to be called "fishes" so I have always said "fishies." I like the new addition. I haven't named them yet, but I will soon! Any suggestions?!
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