Classroom Progress?

As a teacher, I always hope my students will actively pay attention and participate. Yes, a lofty goal for students who are in class for 11 hours each day. When something like this first doodle appears in a student's notebook, I can't help but succumb to allow her momentary distraction. I like it. She even got me with my pant cuffs rolled up like a cyclist. Classic.

The next photo is my home at night. This is the CBD's performing arts center fully illuminated. Now you see why I like the area and returned!

My 12th grade students are always difficult ones for whom to plan lessons. I try to teach a mix of problem solving, creativity, and hardcore English practice. Here is the loudest activity in their history--student bargaining. As storeowners, sudents balanced finding an appropriately low price while still earning profit. I wanted to see how they work with mixed objectives.

Similar to me wearing ledehosen to teach German, I vowed to liven up the story of the Franklin Expedition by having the students reenact the expedition, complete with pirate costumes and props. Fortunately, Chinese schools aren't worried about weapon-related paraphanelia (help me to spell), so all the less-interested students were active (making bloody cardboard knives, of course.)

Yet, the process of finishing costumes led to complete classroom chaos.

Last, but not least, our once-a-closet classroom may finally get a smartboard! Always staying optimistic.

And on that note, I start my 9 day holiday! I and another teacher are off to the 3 Gorges dam on the Yangtze river.

Later days,
Rick