Life is ticking along rather quickly here
in Vietnam. I’ve survived the four weeks of craziness,
where I had two mornings to do all my preparation for the week: three subjects,
two grades, long lessons and three full days at school. It did make the time fly by, though (as if it
needed any help). I am now only teaching
in the mornings and actually have time in the office where I have nothing to
do. It is a strange feeling.
The summer project in English for all my
students has been ‘Treasure Island’, and it
has been amazing. The kids have loved
reading it (a simplified version), and all the activities surrounding it, like
drawing a treasure map, a Jolly Roger, writing a pirate story and playing the
pirate game (bringing back memories of Brownies) – ‘MAN OVERBOARD!’, ‘climb the
rigging’, ‘port’, ‘starboard’, and not to forget my personal favourites: ‘Captains
coming’ = “aye aye captain”, and ‘Captains daughter’ = “oo la laaa”. Keeps my grade 6s entertained and amused for
ages. Due to the game, they are also
well equipped for when they next go on an English speaking pirate ship. A common occurrence in Vietnam, I can
assure you.
Unfortunately maths and science are not as
interesting to teach. I can’t get away
with wearing a pirate hat and eye patch whilst waving a cutlass around when
teaching probability and fractions, instead of whether Long John Silver is good
or bad. I’ve only got three weeks of teaching
left, and then I’m away travelling. It
is so exciting, but I have so much to get ready! With time flying so quickly I’ve got a lot to
pack into the next few weeks. All in the
joys of travelling I suppose.
