On monday, we were informed that we would be going on a field trip with ALL the students, which is over 2000. So we dressed for the occassion, the weather was nice, there was no reason to not be going - however someone somewhere in the school decided that the school now weren't going and that we would go next week, assuming the weather permits, not sure why we weren't going that day. This caused a few minor problems, since none of the international teachers had planned our lessons, we had vague ideas (halloween) but that really was as far as our planning had gone. In the end I've been teaching directions with my classes; playing pin the hat on the witch, and mazes, so they can practise their left, right, up and down. This worked surprisingly well for the fact I spent a whole 2 minutes preparing it.

Today at the east campus I taught my grade 1's different actions for the halloween words, and a song. luckily there is no evidence of this, and for some unknown reason, the kids really enjoyed it, getting to run around the classroom pretending to be a bat, or making a triangle with your hands, and place it on your head, acting like a witch.

My classes in Shazitang have been cancelled, my grade 3 and 5. Rather gutted about that though, spent much longer on my lessons plans for them, about 4 mins :p lol. Was planning on teaching the halloween words, and then watching a simpsons halloween special. They would then get to put it all back in order, with the pictures that I drew. My lessons on Friday at the school have also been cancelled, so it will be after halloween before I teach at the school again :( not sure if i can still do it?

Coco and Shelly have been in Beijing the last week, they're 2 of the chinese english teachers from our school. They were up there visiting TTC, the company that we got our training from. We know that they went to discuss our progress, which it has become apparent they are not entirely happy with. Not all of us, and they went to discuss one girl in particular. She has been really withdrawn; I've tried almost everything to communicate with her, been there to listen but she is not willing to try. I' ve not been in the best place this last week, however everyone is trying our best to help her. We regulary discuss our lesson plans, and take ideas from each other, she does not get involved, now the chinese assistants in her classes have complained, infroming her that she doesn't smile enough, her lessons have no structure, never of the right level, but she has never once asked for help.

I've been known to be stubborn, but with something that is so important you should ask. Especially since now the chinese english teachers have told her "if you don't improve, we will ask you to leave." She has til the end of the week, however has still not asked for help, are we really conditioned to be so proud?

Not that i'm bragging but I've been told I'm a natural, I love teaching - and have so much fun doing it, i'm surprised when others don't as you can get so much satisfaction when you finish a lesson. I'm definetly getting to a better place, and I'll be happy once I've spoken to home 2day :)

We were suppose to be going to get a massage today, since we would normally end our day at Shazitang, which is near the town. Since lessons were cancelled, not sure we are heading into town to get it :( but sure i'll let you all know.

speak soon

xxxx