Something Different

We were invited to join some extra activities at a local language school during our holiday and spent a morning with some young and eager English students.

With no concept of what to expect, we showed up to discover that we had to learn a little dance to go with a song we were going to “teach”. I kept reminding the Chinese teachers that we were just there to help them teach so we’ll follow what they do.

It was quickly very clear to us that different skills were needed to teach children. First, we had to learn the words to the song. No problem – Princess, sheriff, ghost and clown. One, two, three, four, five, sit down. Princess, sheriff, ghost and clown. Five, six, seven, eight, sit down. But then there’s motions to go along with it. Each of the characters had a certain move. Then we had to wave BOTH of our hands counting with Chinese fingers. This means that we had to remember the gestures to count in the Chinese way. Let’s just say that we could have handled each thing but not all three and definitely can’t coordinate them all in a 5 minute lesson. Then we had to get out in front of these kids and do it to music! And luckily it was in an outdoor park so the spectators grew.

Despite our hesitations, we ended up having a great time. I played games with the younger kids. Basically, they were set ups so I could ask the little ones very basic questions like “What's your name?” or “How old are you?” while Don chatted with older kids during an election. He was entertained by songs, speeches, jokes and plays and fielded questions. The little kids were so adorable. Some easily understood the questions and answered while others had to be helped by their Chinese teachers. They never did quite get the idea that I couldn’t understand them though. It’s all a part of the “but she looks just like me” problem I constantly face here. While we were taking some group photos, one little boy kept saying “teacher, teacher” (which is one of the few words I’ve learned) and then continued to speak to me in Mandarin. I tried to tell him I didn’t understand but of course, he couldn’t understand me. They were fascinated by us though and wanted to take lots of photos with us. I’m sure we’ll be appearing in the school’s future marketing material.