Students in my class concentrate on their study book activity, identifying and sharing their personal skills. We’re now in the sixth week of the new semester, and what a ride it’s been. I’m performing a juggling act between my regular job of teaching 16 class periods a week, and being an IELTS examiner three weekends a month. I work pretty much all the time; in February I had a total of two days off. I barely had time for a healing massage, a trip to the grocery story, and a couple of trips to the gym. Another challenge is teaching two new programs: reading class for the Singapore study abroad program, and English for Academic Purposes for the Victoria University program in Australia. The Singapore class is reading Madame Doubtfire; this provides some opportunities for levity, as when we role-played a talk show and I was Madame Doubtfire, the cross-dressing housekeeper (no, I didn’t dress the part). I had to respond to a question about which toilet I would use, men’s or women’s, and I said “Well, dear, I’m not exactly sure.” I’m slowly trying to build my students’ confidence to give dramatic readings, a challenge in a foreign language. Reading shouldn’t be just another boring class. The EAP class is full of creative students, even if a few of them seem only to find creative ways to sleep in class. I’m teaching study skills, which consists mostly of student-directed group activities, such as exploring your personal skills and
Huanhuaxi Park / re-C art space
tulips outside Dufu’s Cottage entrance Huanhuaxi Park statue cafe, re-C art space Tweet This Post
holiday week in Chengdu
The official Spring Festival holiday week has ended, shops are re-opening, and the city is slowly returning to life as people return from their travels. I can’t honestly say that I’ve enjoyed all the peace and quiet – it’s been like living in a state of suspended animation – but I’ve had lots of time for guitar practice and reading. Here are some miscellaneous photos from my restless wandering: wave to the camera – temple fair, Wenshufang Astro Boy dog Tweet This Post

