And that's mostly what I thought of the last few days of teaching, that many of these kids will forget that I ever existed the moment they walk out of my classroom. But maybe there's a few, just a few, who will remember me. On the very last day of classes, Lee and I decided at the last minute to give out our email addresses and Facebook info with the premise that if any of them ever wanted to contact us ("in ENGLISH, please!"), then they could. Needless to say, the random wall posts and messages have been very entertaining, and I'm hoping that means they haven't forgotten me quite yet. :)
After the official semester ended, Lee and I taught two weeks of English Camp - I spent one week with the upcoming M 1.1 kids (the advanced 7th graders) and he spent one week with the upcoming M 4.1 (the advanced 10th graders), then we switched classes for the final week. THESE WEEKS WERE AWESOME. Why? Because I got to spend 3 hours each day with the same 40 kids for an entire week, during which I probably taught them an entire year's curriculum, learned and memorized all their names and faces, and most importantly, felt that I really got to know each student as an individual.
Highlights of English Camp:
- On the first Monday morning after 1.5 hours of teaching, I let them out at 10:30 for a generous 20 minute bathroom and snack break. I told them to be back NO LATER than 10:50 (foreshadowing). At 10:50 there's about 4 out of 40 kids in their seats, but everyone else casually saunters in from 10:51-10:55. I tell these slackers to go stand in the back of the classroom. After everyone is back, I have the 36 late kids do 20 jumping jacks and count out loud, while the other 4 are laughing at them. After they're red-faced and sitting in the seats, I write down "20, 40, 60, 80, 100" on the board and carefully explain to them that since they were late today, they had to do 20 jumping jacks, and if they're late tomorrow, they'll do 40, then 60 on Wednesday, 80 on Thursday and if they're late on Friday, they'll do A HUNDRED JUMPING JACKS. They nodded with fear in their eyes. Muahaha. The next day, I let them out for a break again at 10:30 and tell them to be back by 10:50. Everyone sprints out of the classroom. I go to use the restroom myself, and then come back to the classroom at about 10:36. What do I see? ALL OF THE KIDS ARE ALREADY BACK AND SITTING AT THEIR SEATS, smiling nervously. I laugh to myself and think that I have never felt more powerful in my life... (evil laugh)
- On the third day of class, I told each of them to hide their nametags, and I walked around and called each of them by name. Then I turned around to face the board, tell them to quickly run around the classrooom and switch seats, and hide their nametags. Still nailed it.
- On the last day of class, I gave each of them a Silly Band. They went ape.
This was the most satisfying way to wrap up our teaching experience. I thank all my students for teaching me more about myself and life over the last 5 months than I cold ever imagine, and Buddha Bless all of the wonderful teachers in the world. You guys rock.
On Tuesdays we wear pink! No joke.
