Four-Year-Old Gangnam Style

Yesterday was our last day of work.  We are now officially unemployed. :)  

There are tons of stories, photos (and tears) from our last day, but not much time now.  

We are off to the Philippines this evening (!) and have to be put the final touches on packing, cleaning and pedicuring.  
For now I leave you with this: My favorite class, whom I've taught every day since last September, serenading me with Gangnam Style.  

 

Ok, now I'm crying again, but smiling at the same time.  
I guess that's the thing about change.

Another Day Out With the Kiddies

We took a field trip to a fire station recently with our four and five year-olds.

 

  

They had a blast learning about fire safety as they put out "fires," made their way through a "smoky" room and learned what it feels like to be in an earthquake.  

Don't breathe in the smoke!

    

Back on the Farm

Last week we headed back to the potato farm to harvest our crop from April's planting. 

The kids had a ball digging with their flimsy plastic shovels, fighting over the best spots and getting to know the local wildlife.

The teachers had fun too.

Open Classes

Last week our kindergarteners' parents came to observe their kids in action.  In preparation for these open classes, we practiced the same lesson over and over and over (and over) with our students until it was prefect.  Then mommy and daddy came to watch.

Ryan teaching Space to his third year 4 and 5 year olds

Me teaching Jobs to my first year 4 and 5 year olds

 

Ryan teaching Adverbs to his fourth year 5 and 6 year olds

 

 Me teaching Transportation to my second year 3 and 4 year olds

  

                                              

After their lessons the students performed a song for their parents in traditional Korean attire.  Some had their faces painted by mommy too.  I snapped as many photos as I could before the show.

 

It's going to be hard to leave these little ones in the fall.  

Three months to go!

Who wouldn't want a scarf and booties?

Tuesday was Teacher's Day in Korea and many of our students and their parents showed us their appreciation with sweet cards and gifts.  Ryan's favorite present is pictured below.  

The purple bow lace booties didn't make it into the picture because I wore them around the apartment last night.  The fact that Ryan is a man didn't seem to be factored into his gift... or maybe the mama who did the Teacher's Day shopping never got that message.

Tuesday evening we were treated to dinner for the holiday.  Ryan cooked beef for the table in a broth mixed with vegetables, fresh noodles and mandu.

I stuffed fresh veggies and tofu into rice paper to make delicious fresh wraps and enjoyed the cabbage slaw that comes as a side dish with most Korean meals.

All of the teachers were given gifts of clothing after dinner.  Ryan and our two male co-workers played Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who picked out their t-shirt first. 
{This game is crazy popular here and the students turn to it when any dispute arises in class.}

The rest of us female teachers drew a number and took our pick of adorable dresses handpicked by the owner of our school.

Happy belated Teacher's Day to all the teachers out there.

  Go here for a laugh. :)