Life as a TESOL Teacher

Although China doesn't really celebrate Thanksgiving, this particular private school does honor Foreign Teachers' (mostly those from US) common holidays. However, in honor of Thanksgiving, us Foreign teachers were tasked to introduce the meaning of Thanksgiving to the students with vocabulary and history background. Since my students are much younger, I created lesson plans with coloring sheets and introduction of traditional dinner food vocabulary.

Guangya School also held a mini Winter Olympics for primary and middle school students and, the first day 19 November was REALLY cold and wet, BRRRRRR!!! Nevertheless, the events were fun and the students were having fun and quite enthusiastic whilst competing. By the 2nd day, the weather slightly warmed, clear bright skies with sun, but still had the cold breeze but not as piercing as Thursday... actually, quite comfortable.

I have to admit, I have most fun with my students when they are being themselves, being kids... Enjoy the video! One small note, majority of photos of those are with my students, sadly, I don't know & didn't place everyone's name because those particular students do not talk as much in class as I would like, so yes, you'll note the ones who do are the hams in most pics.

Michelle is a very cute Chinese gal who got married this November 2009. Her wedding gown was simply breathing taking and best matched the cold brisk winter sunny afternoon in which wedding had started. She had the presence of an Ice Princess with fur shoulder stole, glittered tiara and satin gloves. Her soon to be husband, Jake, handsome man with glasses and of same height. They looked absolutely wonderful together!

Tis my second Chinese wedding, however, the first of an acquaintance I befriended since my stay at Guangya School.

This hasn’t been too much for me to write mostly because I’ve been ill, both recovering and getting a sinus virus, that makes me quite cranky which I’m not in the mood to write. Now that I’m recovering, I’m in a slight writing mode.

Thanksgiving is another a week away, and I have had many thanksgiving celebrations mostly abroad or in another state. In truth as the last two months approaches and a new year begins this celebration won’t be that much different. Although I’m abroad once again, I do want to express my thanks for the following people in my life:

I express my love for my parents who gradually accepted my crazy choices in my life. I know I’ve made wild choices and taken twisted turns, but they were always there for me even when I would not ask directly for their guidance. Mom and Dad, my thanks to you for bringing me into this world and I finally had find whilst continuing nurturing my purpose within my life.

To my sister and brother (in that order) for somewhat understanding my lifestyle, and although they still don’t understand … they sort of respect what I do. Thanks for your sibling love.

To my FL friends who have stayed in touch, I appreciate every little short note email message you sent and encouraged me to continue to send my blog updates for my writings weren’t done in vain. I appreciate your honesty in explaining your reasons for your delayed replies. Thank you that mean more to me than not receiving an email at all.

To my FL co-writer and known fame comic book author from my childhood… as many times you keep referring me as your ex-wife with my sometimes ‘nagging’ ways, I gratefully appreciate your patience, truly I have to say thanks!

To my now CA GF who has gotten acting roles with great effort and determination… many congrats! We both had a dream in doing what we want to do in our lives and we are living our reality! I truly hope to see you soon!

To the art schools and staff in Sarasota, I may have driven many miles, well, a good 45-50 minute drive from St Petersburg, to sometimes do one sitting but genuinely appreciate offering my assistance in an emergency.

To my one FL GF who has returned to MA in which I hope you receive this email … I’m grateful that we met, I too hope to visit you too.

To my CA virtual guy friend whom I’ve never met or actually spoken to, but we’ve stayed in touch by IM (mostly)… we’ve shared many humorous and an unusual moments of being single again… thanks for every virtual hug you sent!

To my new and current Chinese teachers, friends, and students, nice to know that this world is not so small and together we can make a difference in this world.

To my ‘foreign’ teachers from India, TX and South Africa for the humor, lending an ear, and just being good friends with a real sense of being you.

Trust all will have a wonderful thanksgiving dinner….

Ok, as promised, posted are the Halloween celebrations experienced at Guangya School, Sichuan. The children's fun was taken place on campus whilst the adults were out in town for the weekend, taking a breather from students!

These are my assigned primary students, quite a handful... all of them!

Keep in mind, us adults like to have fun too especially whenever possible.

Halloween finally here!!!

This is my film demo reel I produced whilst in China... Enjoy!!!

Will post pics from the Chinese children Halloween celebration as well as the adults party!!