First, the weather here mystifies me. It's finally summer ish. The temperature is typically around 70 degrees when I leave for school. There's pretty good humidity, so it's almost a sweat to walk to school. By afternoon recess, I have the chills and it's closer to 55 degrees. Not bad, but when I prepare for 70, I get a little miffed. This has happened everyday this week.
For the last month and a half, I've heard of almost nothing except fire fighters (and of course the word, "angry"). Because of this, I organized a neat field trip to the fire station. We got to walk through a pretend fire drill in a house - ducking low, covering your mouth for smoke, feel the doors to see if they're hot, all that good stuff - we put out a virtual fire with a real fire house, toured the museum, played computer games and of course there were fire trucks. Since the trip, my elves have been even more infatuated with firefighter games.
After school, two of my elves ran up the staircase outside my classroom yelling, "Come everybody! Fire!" They of course were running TOWARDS the 'fire' in order to put it out, and insisting that everyone come with them. This is a serious concern of mine. In the event of a fire I am 159% positive that my students will be running TOWARDS the fire, either to try to put it out or to see the real firefighters in action, instead of away from it. Not good. In order to get them down from the staircase, I told them there was a fire on the basketball court. They came running down the stairs and started spraying their hoses through the fence and onto the court. THey were of course slightly mortified when moments later the basketball team started their practice on the court. There was renewed yelling of, "Be careful!!!!" and "FIRE!!"
That same day, one of my elves found a good-sized snail right out on our porch. One of my other elves gently reached out and touched it's little head. The snail of course immediately retracted its head inside it's shell which made all of my elves giggle with delight. The first elf then gently reached down and picked it up. Then, before any of us could do anything, an infant little brother swatted the snail out of her hand, and promptly and forcefully stepped on it. RIP awesome snail :(
The second best thing in class, after firefighters, has to be the dinosaurs. I read a dinosaur book today, and one of the dinosaurs was supposed to be very fast. I asked my elf if she could run faster than the dinosaur. She replied, "No running, I walking." I guess the message that walking in the classroom is the only acceptable form of moving from one station to the next is finally sinking in!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Nesting
So this week, I've had to myself, and I've started nesting. I'm staying here for another year, this is starting to feel more permanent than temporary, and I had my parents send over a few more creature comforts. From brownie reinforcements, to a new yoga mat, to birthday presents, I'm settling in. Here's what's been happenin at school:
I have a new student! Two in fact. And the one who moved up to kindergarten wasn't doing well so I have him back too. I've doubled my class size in about 2 weeks. Woot! 6 total :)
One of my new moms is apparently an artist, she likes to draw me messages in our communication book.
Her daughter has yet to speak any English in class, until one day after school, Alice and I were watching the little elf interact with some of the other elves. The moms were all standing there, so I felt out of my juristicition when one infant (a younger sibling of my elf) started slapping another infant. My elves became very concerned. The first one pointed at the offending infant and proclaimed, "Bad guy!" My new little lady elf followed suit and said, "Yes, bad guy!" I didn't know what to say, normally I don't allow that kind of talk, but Alice turned to me and said, "Oooo, bad guy teaches English!"
This one on the right came after I asked for her to send a toothbrush to school. Apparently she liked the idea that her daughter would be killing evil devel germs in her mouth every day after lunch.
Now, it's not in our High/Scope curriculum to teach the calendar. In fact, they advise us not to. But I like it when they see the passage of time. And they can now anticipate which days they will come to school and which days they will stay at home. Just another part of the routine that improves behaviors. This decision to teach the months and days turns out to be a good thing, because they LOVE calendar. They love crossing off the days. They love guessing the name of the month based on the first letter they see. During work time they draw grids and proudly announce, "Calendar!" We're still working on pronunciation as one elf claimed he drew the month of "Bember" which I suppose isn't too far off. "December?" I asked. "Yes, Bember!" The same elf cried out, "Calendar!" in the middle of snack time and held up his mini waffle, which sure enough, the ridges of a waffle make a grid. Of course it was missing a few numbers :)
Our school did a performance of the Sound of Music. Prepping my elves for the play, I tried to use words they would understand. I drew a picture of "Dad" and the "7 brothers and sisters". I explained that there was no mom and instead an "Ayi" would take her place. Ayi being a very common caretaker here in China (almost every family has one) I thought that was a good parallel for who Maria was to the Van Traps. My elves were still stuck on the fact that "mom" had left and they were wondering where the mom had gone. One elf said, "Mom is in Honk Kong!" This took me by surprise, but then I realized, it was a very sweet but sad connection. This elf's dad works in Hong Kong and comes home only every other weekend.
Maybe you've heard bamboo grows fast. It does. One day we came to school and there were new shoots of bamboo suddenly a foot off the ground. Spring is here and seeds are falling. Luckily we have very good diggers in our Early Years program, every recess since has been spent digging them up, and trying thereafter not to use them as swords. I guess you can peel and eat them too. Any new shoots that they miss are 2 ft tall by the next day.And just in case you were wondering, though several of my elves can now hold a conversation in English, 'angry' is still the most popular word. Yesterday I was offered ice cream that one elf had 'cooked' in Home Center.
Elf: "Ms. L, ice cream for you."
Me: "Oh I love ice cream! What kind is it?"
Elf: "Angry ice cream! You eat it and you will become very angry. You will turn into Angry Bird!"
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Soccer in China
A commentary on my experience of soccer in China
First, I had to get new shoes. We went to the sports store this weekend, and after reviewing the selection for about 5 minutes, I realized that all of the shoes were made for men. I'm not sure why I'm surprised, I'm still the only girl that's played on our team, or any opposing teams. I successfully asked in Mandarin for women's sizes. The employee was super apologetic, but assured me that there were still beautiful designs in the men's sizes. So not the point. The smallest size was still an inch too long, but they work. And they aren't neon colored so I'm happy :)
Soccer here means that every half time is actually a smoke break. All of our Chinese players light up while we're in our huddle. Recently we've been playing against other pick-up teams in Beilun. None of them ever believe that there is a team of "laowai" or "foreigners" here. But here we are. They often come visit us at half time and smoke. Awesome. We can't really say anything to them. So we just sit there quietly while they smoke. Exactly what my lungs want while they're gasping for air.
Since we've been playing actual games, we've been wearing jerseys, sometimes we share the jerseys around with the subs. I of course get to keep my jersey on if I come off the field. One of the players as he handed off his jersey and came off the field had an undershirt that said FBI: Female Body Inspector. Haha. You wish :) Sometimes I wonder if they know what their shirt says.
I'm finding that subbing is very different for men. Being the only girl on the team, I think that when I stop putting in my fastest effort, that it's time for a small break, catch my wind, and be ready to give someone else a small break. Men of course, can't come off the field until they're "done" playing. This soon becomes a competition of who has the most stamina and can last the longest on the field. Forty minutes in, I'm finally the first to actually call for one of our two subs. I hadn't realized this unknown gender rule yet, but when I went off, EVERYONE was concerned that I was hurt. Why else would I go off the field so 'early'? Hmmmm .... maybe because two of our other players would also like to play? Maybe?
Soccer here is an artistic mix between american football and basketball. American football because they often going into a tackle with a stiff arm. Yeah, that's not allowed. Basketball because everytime their feet get clipped, they promptly fall to the ground, give a good yell, and actually try to scoot backwards to act like they fell really far. This is very laughable since grass is not as slippery or scootable as a court. Luckily, after seeing me take a head-on collision, the "tough" standard had risen for the game. Unfortunately that was later in the second half.
In reference to the amount of fake feet injuries, it is my opinion that if your feet are actually that sensitive, you should not be playing soccer at all. Either that, or you should be wearing ankle/shin guards. Just saying. I had taken several hard hits throughout the game, and I of course, having not been actually injured, bounced back up. I was getting lots of compliments for being "strong" and "tough". One time I accidentally clipped the foot of a repeat-offender-of-fake-injuries. He of course put on his act. We were in a big group fighting for the ball, and I don't think he realized it was me who had clipped his heel. Every player, from both teams burst into laughter as this guy sat writhing on the ground. He looked up to see it was me, and his face ... I can't describe it. It was just too funny, he was so embarrassed since he wasn't actually hurt, for the first time all game he refused to take the foul, which I admit was legitimately a foul. I kicked him and not the ball. But really, buck up sir!
First, I had to get new shoes. We went to the sports store this weekend, and after reviewing the selection for about 5 minutes, I realized that all of the shoes were made for men. I'm not sure why I'm surprised, I'm still the only girl that's played on our team, or any opposing teams. I successfully asked in Mandarin for women's sizes. The employee was super apologetic, but assured me that there were still beautiful designs in the men's sizes. So not the point. The smallest size was still an inch too long, but they work. And they aren't neon colored so I'm happy :)
Soccer here means that every half time is actually a smoke break. All of our Chinese players light up while we're in our huddle. Recently we've been playing against other pick-up teams in Beilun. None of them ever believe that there is a team of "laowai" or "foreigners" here. But here we are. They often come visit us at half time and smoke. Awesome. We can't really say anything to them. So we just sit there quietly while they smoke. Exactly what my lungs want while they're gasping for air.
Since we've been playing actual games, we've been wearing jerseys, sometimes we share the jerseys around with the subs. I of course get to keep my jersey on if I come off the field. One of the players as he handed off his jersey and came off the field had an undershirt that said FBI: Female Body Inspector. Haha. You wish :) Sometimes I wonder if they know what their shirt says.
I'm finding that subbing is very different for men. Being the only girl on the team, I think that when I stop putting in my fastest effort, that it's time for a small break, catch my wind, and be ready to give someone else a small break. Men of course, can't come off the field until they're "done" playing. This soon becomes a competition of who has the most stamina and can last the longest on the field. Forty minutes in, I'm finally the first to actually call for one of our two subs. I hadn't realized this unknown gender rule yet, but when I went off, EVERYONE was concerned that I was hurt. Why else would I go off the field so 'early'? Hmmmm .... maybe because two of our other players would also like to play? Maybe?
Soccer here is an artistic mix between american football and basketball. American football because they often going into a tackle with a stiff arm. Yeah, that's not allowed. Basketball because everytime their feet get clipped, they promptly fall to the ground, give a good yell, and actually try to scoot backwards to act like they fell really far. This is very laughable since grass is not as slippery or scootable as a court. Luckily, after seeing me take a head-on collision, the "tough" standard had risen for the game. Unfortunately that was later in the second half.
In reference to the amount of fake feet injuries, it is my opinion that if your feet are actually that sensitive, you should not be playing soccer at all. Either that, or you should be wearing ankle/shin guards. Just saying. I had taken several hard hits throughout the game, and I of course, having not been actually injured, bounced back up. I was getting lots of compliments for being "strong" and "tough". One time I accidentally clipped the foot of a repeat-offender-of-fake-injuries. He of course put on his act. We were in a big group fighting for the ball, and I don't think he realized it was me who had clipped his heel. Every player, from both teams burst into laughter as this guy sat writhing on the ground. He looked up to see it was me, and his face ... I can't describe it. It was just too funny, he was so embarrassed since he wasn't actually hurt, for the first time all game he refused to take the foul, which I admit was legitimately a foul. I kicked him and not the ball. But really, buck up sir!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Memorable Shanghai Quotes
I wrote the last Shanghai update in a hurry, and didn't really take the time to sit down and think of the stories. So here are just a few quotes that really defined the trip.
Pinchole:
When else do you actually have a group of 4? We played pinochle a lot. Which was perfect since we were trapped at the Shanghai South Bus Station for about 3 hours on a beautiful sunny day. Pinchole, go!
Now, when a team is doing very poorly, we often say they are digging to China. I've actually tried to explain this joke to the Chinese, but they don't seem to find the humor in it.
After commenting on how well Bre's team was doing, Bre responded, "I know! Usually when we play together we're digging to China! But today, we're actually doing really well! ... oh wait ... We're already in China." That was a beautiful realization on their first day.
Subway:
"We like the second train better anyways." This was a very common phrase. I was a little jumpy about the stops, and we often got out one stop too early and had to wait for another train to come. Often times this get us out of crowded trains though. Or away from a potential stalker very fixated with my hair color. I always say you gotta sharpen your elbows in order to use the subway. I had myself in position, ready to sneak off, but when I turned around, Bre, Tyler and Bernd were stuck in a wall of people for a good 15 seconds, it was so packed, nobody moved.
Starbucks:
Another beautiful thing about Shanghai is international food. I totally spoil myself with food when I go to Shanghai, and Starbucks is no exception. Except, now that it's warmer, I wanted an iced drink. Apparently Starbucks doesn't know how to make and iced mocha unless it's blended into a frappucino. I even tried explaining that it's just like a hot mocha except with ice ... and maybe a little less milk, but to no avail. Then Bre ordered an iced vanilla latte no problem, no questions asked. Perfect. "I'd like an iced chocolate latte please?"
It twas a very good trip with good friends. Anyone else is of course welcome to join in on the adventures now that I'm staying another year :)
Pinchole:
When else do you actually have a group of 4? We played pinochle a lot. Which was perfect since we were trapped at the Shanghai South Bus Station for about 3 hours on a beautiful sunny day. Pinchole, go!
Now, when a team is doing very poorly, we often say they are digging to China. I've actually tried to explain this joke to the Chinese, but they don't seem to find the humor in it.
After commenting on how well Bre's team was doing, Bre responded, "I know! Usually when we play together we're digging to China! But today, we're actually doing really well! ... oh wait ... We're already in China." That was a beautiful realization on their first day.
Subway:
"We like the second train better anyways." This was a very common phrase. I was a little jumpy about the stops, and we often got out one stop too early and had to wait for another train to come. Often times this get us out of crowded trains though. Or away from a potential stalker very fixated with my hair color. I always say you gotta sharpen your elbows in order to use the subway. I had myself in position, ready to sneak off, but when I turned around, Bre, Tyler and Bernd were stuck in a wall of people for a good 15 seconds, it was so packed, nobody moved.
Starbucks:
Another beautiful thing about Shanghai is international food. I totally spoil myself with food when I go to Shanghai, and Starbucks is no exception. Except, now that it's warmer, I wanted an iced drink. Apparently Starbucks doesn't know how to make and iced mocha unless it's blended into a frappucino. I even tried explaining that it's just like a hot mocha except with ice ... and maybe a little less milk, but to no avail. Then Bre ordered an iced vanilla latte no problem, no questions asked. Perfect. "I'd like an iced chocolate latte please?"
It twas a very good trip with good friends. Anyone else is of course welcome to join in on the adventures now that I'm staying another year :)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Li Ren in Spring
Walking through my apartment complex, I stopped with the intention of taking pictures of some of the flowers that are in bloom. That's of course when the fireworks started up and I figured a video would be better, just so you can get the full effect of living in Li Ren.
So this is just a quick snap shot, 20 seconds, 360° video. Sorry it appears my elves got a hold of it and put their lovely finger prints on the lens. I guess I could've made the video a full two minutes so that you could hear the car alarms going off after the fireworks finally stopped, but I think you get the idea.
So this is just a quick snap shot, 20 seconds, 360° video. Sorry it appears my elves got a hold of it and put their lovely finger prints on the lens. I guess I could've made the video a full two minutes so that you could hear the car alarms going off after the fireworks finally stopped, but I think you get the idea.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Spring Break Visitors!
I had many adventures last week when Breanna, Tyler and Bernd came to visit me. The simplest things kept them very occupied as evidenced by the fact that grocery shopping kept them entertained for an hour.
Grocery Shopping:
- I had them try and steer the carts here. They're different :) And apparently difficult. They slide around. But once you get used to them, the carts back in the states are super annoying.
- They found naked turtles. I usually don't go to the live seafood section, but it kept them entertained for awhile.
- "Green" things can sometimes be flavored mint I supposed, but look out, in China it's also green tea flavored. Yummy oreos :)
Bike Riding:
I took them up into the hills and the villages, and down through the busy streets in Beilun.
- They survived :) Once you understand traffic, it really does flow beautifully.
- We stopped and talked to a very sweet couple from one of the villages. Between my broken Mandarin and Tyler cheat sheet that he made, we were able to have a fairly basic conversation!
Shanghai:
- We spent much of our time trying to track down Tyler's bank, which ended up being in a building called 'Park Place' (Wanna buy it?!) but along the way we found so much more.
- We ran into the Jing'an Temple.
- We found the sports bar I was looking ... which I thought was actually 3 more subway stops down.
- A funny looking rhinoceros... ?
- We ate yummy street food, and in doing so met the 4 little grandma's out for their evening walk. We also had a basic conversation with them. Every small piece of understanding in Mandarin was a huge victory.
Mandarin: Oh the small victories!
- First, I was able to order bus tickets correctly, TWICE, including specifying the day and time that I would like to travel. Woot woot!
- And several successful encounters with some locals. These 3 people made me get out of my apartment complex and interact with the public, which was nice for a change. Sometimes I hibernate after a long day at work.
- Bernd came to one of my Mandarin lessons. He was very overwhelmed, which is of course, how I feel each time. But it was nice to have someone understand how much it makes your brain work, and how you just want to be a zombie afterwards.
Maybe it doesn't seem like much, I can't remember all the little silly things that happened ... like maybe I left out that I almost caught my kitchen fire when the oil in the pan spontaneously ignited into foot high flames ... but you know, it was a good week. Here are some favorites:
Grocery Shopping:
- I had them try and steer the carts here. They're different :) And apparently difficult. They slide around. But once you get used to them, the carts back in the states are super annoying.
- They found naked turtles. I usually don't go to the live seafood section, but it kept them entertained for awhile.
- "Green" things can sometimes be flavored mint I supposed, but look out, in China it's also green tea flavored. Yummy oreos :)
Bike Riding:
I took them up into the hills and the villages, and down through the busy streets in Beilun.
- They survived :) Once you understand traffic, it really does flow beautifully.
- We stopped and talked to a very sweet couple from one of the villages. Between my broken Mandarin and Tyler cheat sheet that he made, we were able to have a fairly basic conversation!
Shanghai:
- We spent much of our time trying to track down Tyler's bank, which ended up being in a building called 'Park Place' (Wanna buy it?!) but along the way we found so much more.
- We ran into the Jing'an Temple.
- We found the sports bar I was looking ... which I thought was actually 3 more subway stops down.
- A funny looking rhinoceros... ?
- We ate yummy street food, and in doing so met the 4 little grandma's out for their evening walk. We also had a basic conversation with them. Every small piece of understanding in Mandarin was a huge victory.
Mandarin: Oh the small victories!
- First, I was able to order bus tickets correctly, TWICE, including specifying the day and time that I would like to travel. Woot woot!
- And several successful encounters with some locals. These 3 people made me get out of my apartment complex and interact with the public, which was nice for a change. Sometimes I hibernate after a long day at work.
- Bernd came to one of my Mandarin lessons. He was very overwhelmed, which is of course, how I feel each time. But it was nice to have someone understand how much it makes your brain work, and how you just want to be a zombie afterwards.
Maybe it doesn't seem like much, I can't remember all the little silly things that happened ... like maybe I left out that I almost caught my kitchen fire when the oil in the pan spontaneously ignited into foot high flames ... but you know, it was a good week. Here are some favorites:
 |
| Backroad Bike Riding! |
 |
| At the Bund with Breanna |
 |
| Only YOU can prevent forest fires! |
 |
| Tyler and Bre :) |
 |
| Jing'an Temple |
 |
| Rhinoceros? |
 |
| Yummy Street Food |
 |
| Shanghai Grandmas |
Friday, March 30, 2012
Pictures
This is my back door. My ayi Jean has been leaving it open because it's been a pleasant 65 degrees everyday. So gorgeous! Yes, I have bamboo growing outside my classrooom :)
And the view outside my window that Jean has also been opening. The flowers are just starting to bloom :)
I'm sorry, I love these too much. This is the rules sign at a temple. We love #3.
And the rules sign at the hot springs. We just love the way they word things.
The power went out yesterday and my kids wanted to know why. So I drew these poles and wires, and a tree. It was soooo windy yesterday. I was using vocab they would understand ... and I had them almost till the end, when they just grabbed crayons and drew all over it.
My kiddos are little builders. This is what block center looks like EVERY DAY.
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