We were well rested after a good night's sleep and ready to begin another day teaching. Last night we discussed what worked well and what we struggled with. It was a good talk and we came up with some ideas to improve the teaching. The biggest thing was completing the lesson too quickly so we developed some additional instructional things we could do with the students. There is a wide range of English ability among the students. The youngest ones actually have a better grasp of the language than the other students because most of them have studied abroad while their families have been living overseas. We also met a few children who have a more difficult time paying attention and doing what we ask of them. We are working together to see how we can best reach these children as well.
The school we are at is on the outskirts of Beijing. The facilities are nice, but not what we are used to in America. The dorm we are in has a communal shower and only has eastern style toilets. Hannah was nice enough to move the girls into four person pods with western toilets and individual showers in the dorm with the Chinese students. The food is good, but again, not what we are used too. Everyone is eating and there have been no issues with the food, but I have been asked if we can hit a McDonalds next week when we are sightseeing.
Today the Chinese children really began to connect with the St. Croix students. Some teachers were already asked for their email addresses from students. Hannah is gathering all the email addresses to give to any of the children who would like to stay in touch after the camp. The lessons are going well and it is especially uplifting to hear the group singing the songs from Music class.
Hannah treated us to some western style snacks which we enjoyed during afternoon break and then finished off while watching "Despicable Me" this evening. Most of us were showered by 9:30 and in bed shortly after. A few of us went to the main meeting room where the wifi is accessible to WeChat with friends and family back home.
I know many of you supported our trip with your thoughts and money. We really appreciate your support and want you to know that it is providing an amazing opportunity for us to reach these kids that would not have been possible without your help. From all of us - Thank you very much!
We were well rested after a good night's sleep and ready to begin another day teaching. Last night we discussed what worked well and what we struggled with. It was a good talk and we came up with some ideas to improve the teaching. The biggest thing was completing the lesson too quickly so we developed some additional instructional things we could do with the students. There is a wide range of English ability among the students. The youngest ones actually have a better grasp of the language than the other students because most of them have studied abroad while their families have been living overseas. We also met a few children who have a more difficult time paying attention and doing what we ask of them. We are working together to see how we can best reach these children as well.
The school we are at is on the outskirts of Beijing. The facilities are nice, but not what we are used to in America. The dorm we are in has a communal shower and only has eastern style toilets. Hannah was nice enough to move the girls into four person pods with western toilets and individual showers in the dorm with the Chinese students. The food is good, but again, not what we are used too. Everyone is eating and there have been no issues with the food, but I have been asked if we can hit a McDonalds next week when we are sightseeing.
Today the Chinese children really began to connect with the St. Croix students. Some teachers were already asked for their email addresses from students. Hannah is gathering all the email addresses to give to any of the children who would like to stay in touch after the camp. The lessons are going well and it is especially uplifting to hear the group singing the songs from Music class.
Hannah treated us to some western style snacks which we enjoyed during afternoon break and then finished off while watching "Despicable Me" this evening. Most of us were showered by 9:30 and in bed shortly after. A few of us went to the main meeting room where the wifi is accessible to WeChat with friends and family back home.
I know many of you supported our trip with your thoughts and money. We really appreciate your support and want you to know that it is providing an amazing opportunity for us to reach these kids that would not have been possible without your help. From all of us - Thank you very much!
Next: Day 3