Gentle Reader,
In today's class we introduced the FlySwatter Game, which is a trademark of the Summer Language Institute here in Guizhou. After discussing several pairs of opposites, some with sophisticated vocabulary, we launched into the review game. This consists of my writing several of the words on the chalkboard, breaking the students into two teams, and then having them "swat" with word that is the opposite of the one I announce.
Students were immediately energized and competed ferociously for points for their team. They shouted out answers for the person who held the flyswatter and jockeyed for the best position to swat the correct word. There was a great debate over the scoring , all done in Chinese, so I had no idea what the controversy was about.
We also did some rousing choruses of "Down on Grandpa's Farm" and "The Hokey Pokey." The students all have their Chinese/English dictionaries out, and they were perplexed that "hokey pokey" was not listed.
We also had an enlightening discussion of what makes a good teacher today, followed by a reading of Robert Fulgram's introduction to "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." They were very touched by the simplicity of the piece, and how what matters crosses over international boundaries.
So, Gentle Reader, I wish you a day with time and space for milk and cookies. I hope you always remember that LOOK is one of the most important words. And I hope you walk through life holding the hand of someone you love...
Namaste,
Bai Ling
It looks like your students are very excited to learn, what enthusiasm they have! What a wonderful adventure you must be having, a what wonderful friendships you will have for a lifetime. You are missed very much Marianne!
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