I Guess I Am THAT Teacher

My schedule just changed a lot and I lost one of my favorite 5th grade classes. I was really sad and I kept asking my students if they were going to miss me and then pretended to cry, Korean Drama style. I tried to make the most of my last day with them and at the end of class, I wanted them to write me a letter telling me one thing they learned from me. I was surprised at the unexpected responses I received in some of the notes. I have three prizes to award to class 5-GB for the best responses to my inquiry: "What was one thing you learned from me?"

Most Anticipated Response

"I learned so many things especially science. I learned about ecosystems and water cycle and atmosphere. They were so useful to me. I got good test scores at my school for science. I was so happy." ~Anne "Anna Banana"

Most Heartwarming Response

"I learned many things. For example, science, joking, and how to avoid being nervous before my speech. When I stand up for a speech I will breath deep and smile :)" ~Ann "Ann without an e"

Most Unexpected Response

"I had learned many things from you. The most interesting thing was 'Brangelina.' I didn't know you could add two names to make one name." ~Susan "Sweet Suzy"

Ok, so apparently for all the hours I spent talking about science, my one short side note about pop culture is the only thing that Susan is going to take away from our time together. Not sure if I feel good about that. I think we all have that teacher who taught us loads of information, yet we only retained one trivial piece of knowledge about their personal life (for example, my 6th grade science teacher who liked rats and was one of the first people to get lasik eye surgery). So for Sweet Suzy, I guess I am THAT teacher.

The Bridish Are Coming

I am not sure how many of you have actually read the poem about Paul Revere, but it has got to be the most old fashioned English EVER. The recipe for an English class catastrophe is two parts intermediate English-level Korean children; one part old-English poem about Paul Revere. Mix these together for about two minutes until the mixture is smooth or until you receive a class full of blank stares. In an attempt to explain the most un-relatable story in the history of teaching English, I did my best to explain the main points of the story. Normally, the students have to write a summary, but since I deemed that an "unrealistic expectation," I asked them draw a comic of the Paul Revere story. One student went ABOVE and BEYOND what I had expected of them, so I wanted to share his Paul Revere comic with you here.

"Some how I know the bridish are coming."

"two lights! they are comeing by boat"

"fire - bang - bang"

"Bang - Attack!"

"they are coming"

"Attack!!! - Bang! - Bang! - Bang!"

This is the depiction of the bloody battle between the bridish and the patriots. Thank God for Paul Revere.

Kindness in the Form of Flowers

My Valentine's Day flowers from my great friend Katie. An amazingly small gesture, with an amazingly large affect. Thanks Katie for your kindness in the form of flowers.

Worst of the Worst

I have never been a fan of Valentine's Day, but this year is worse than any previous year. The only man who was ever my Valentine and the only man who ever sent me flowers, is gone. I knew today would be hard, but I didn't know it would be this hard. On this day last year, my Dad figured out how to get a bouquet of flowers to my office...in Korea. I love him so much and I am really missing him today. This is a picture of me with the last flowers I would ever get my Dad.

I would really like to thank my friends and most of my family for being so supportive during this horrible time. Your love and letters and packages are really needed and really appreciated. I have no way to thank you for all the love I have felt in the last 3 months. Stay awesome.

Gee, I Hope I Don't Really Look Like That

In this edition of "Gee, I Hope I Don't Really Look Like That," I have taken some pictures that my students have drawn for me, of me. Some drawings are cute while others try to be more realistic. The gesture is sweet, and god love these kids for trying.

At least the second one captures my nonexistent curly hair and my nonexistent shorter/skinnier boyfriend perfectly. She also drew my nonexistent castle to perfection. Brownie Points for calling me a princess.

Best Visual Aid Ever

I teach several classes in which the students must give a speech once a month. A part of their speech consists of a visual aid, which is usually a power point. In an effort to make them understand that a visual aid can be so much more than a power point, I asked them to do a speech where they taught something to the class. One of my students decided to teach us "How To Play Angry Birds," and below is her visual aid.

I gave her extra points because it was homemade and creative! At least someone is listening to me when I am teaching.