Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to all of you!

I need your help and I am waiting for your help

Does some of the members here have Greg's e-mail? He gave me, but I am terrible sorry to lose it. I need your help and I am waiting for your help

Back Home in Indiana

We're home and settling in to life back in Indiana. We arrived at Fort Wayne International Airport on Sunday night at 11:35 PM (that would have been Monday morning at 11:35 AM in Doumen).

What wonderful memories we have of meeting new friends and reacquainting with friends we'd met in the past. Of course our lives are changed from the trip.

We want to thank Jumbo He and Adam He for their hard work to make the camp a success. These two fine men are hard workers. They are a good example to us. They took care of camp details as well as looking after so many things related to hosting and caring for our team. Jumbo and his wife, Chai, took wonderful care of me when I was not feeling well for a couple of days. It's hard to describe the gratitude I feel for their attentive care.

I hope we will be able to continue this partnership for years to come. We will cherish the memories of Zhuhai English Camp 2008!

Can I share my essay here?

I remembered last Friday, Luke asked us to upload our essay on the blog and shared with others in the camp. Maybe this is a memorial for my learning experience. So I'd like to share it with more friends. It's a little bit strange for foreign teachers about some Chines expression like : a key high school, a contract teacher ... ect. Maybe they are just Chinese features. But I have fun with talking with our American trainers.
Jobs for living or For Fun
By Sunny Susan

In 1993, I graduated from a normal university. I was so lucky to be a teacher in one key high school in my hometown. I was so happy to support myself in the economy and live not far away from my parents.

I worked in the key high school for ten years. During the ten years, I taught lots of students and also had good relationships with some students. Nevertheless, I always felt pressure from society and students’ parents—like most of the teachers. I seldom found fun in my career. I always heard the words: One who works in one career will hate the career. Many people around me worked just for a living, not for fun. But I still worked hard and lived my life like others did.

In 2004, I came to Zhuhai because of my husband’s job transport. My husband’s career worked out very well, but mine didn’t. I had to look for a job. I just worked as a contract teacher in one middle school in Zhuhai and earned only one third of a formal teacher’s income. In the coming three years, I suffered a lot from the failure to pass recruitment exams for teachers in Zhuhai. In 2008, I passed the teacher’s recruitment exam. I became a formal teacher again in one primary school in Zhuhai. I didn’t really like to be a formal teacher in primary school, but I cherished my current job very much because I didn’t need to worry about hunting for jobs in the coming year. Like many Chinese, I felt lucky to find stable work again. Still I didn’t find the fun in teaching, especially teaching students in low grades.

However, I switched my opinion about jobs after I participated in the training program of the summer camp in Doumen. I see our American trainers’ passion and efforts to make their work go very well. As a trainee, I feel fun and I am motivated by their lessons, free talk, and casual talk at lunchtime. I feel they have a good team and always make their work practical. Each member involves himself/herself in his/her job. Each of them has his own characteristics. No one only wants to stand out. They always have good schedules each day. So they work efficiently. They look like a happy family and do their job very well. Their attitude to their work gives me a very deep impression. Of course all of my American teachers are friendly and helpful.

I come to realize that I can do my work like them in the future. I can make my students enjoy my lessons like I enjoy my American trainers’ lessons and free talk. I will try out different games and methods to prepare for my lessons. I’d like to have a spoken English lesson at least once a week as Valerie suggests. I’ll like to share my treasure teaching objects with my colleagues like Susie’s and Valerie’s treasure suitcases, which contain lots of useful teaching objects. I’ll try to write some English songs with popular music, which students are familiar with. I think songs or stories can make my lessons attractive and interesting. I’ll create more activities for my students to use their multiple intelligences in class and make sure all the students in different levels to participate in my classroom activities. I’ll let them draw, sing, speak and do TPR in the lesson. Next term, I would like to set up an English corner for the students to pratice their spoken English like the free talk in this camp. This training program in the summer camp of Doumen gives me much inspiration. It makes Chinese English teachers more creative and lets us think over what we should do before our lesson. I believe if I keep doing as I mentione above later, I’ll find more fun in my work not just pressure, tiredness or complaint.

I believe if one likes her job, she will find more fun and enjoy her job. For the students, they will be motivated and influenced by the teacher’s optimistic attitude. For me , I believe if one is open-minded and keeps learning in her life, her life will not be busy, but fun.

Goodbye and have a good journey

Yesterday was the end day of our summer camp. We had an ending ceremony with students' performances and teachers' getting their certificates. We appreciate students' wonderful performances. Gill made every efforts to train students and they did wonderful jobs. Every action done by Gill is so elegant. I was struck by Gill's action in students' singing. Bridger did a great job. His talent in art was shown to us . The story behind the song is so attractive. Each of the insects or bird has their purpose in life as each human being does. Definitely, all the American teachers put their efforts to help the perfomances develop smoothly. I know you're a team at any time in the team. I was also glad to receive my certificate from our instructors. At that moment, I felt bitter happy. I was happy to do any activities with my instructors and my colleagues. I was sad that our American instructors would leave for their motherland. We sang " Goodbye" to all my friends and instructors. At that time, I held back my tears because I was sure we'll have chances to see again. You're welcome to come to China next summer camp.
Today I saw your photos on the blog. Susie and Jeff were talking with each other. You were on the ferry. I wish you have a happy journey and have a good rest on the board.

On our way home!

Susie and Jeff talk during our ferry ride from Zhuhai to Hong Kong. The team will look around Hong Kong on Saturday before starting our 24 hour journey home on Sunday.

Goodbye . . .

The three-week teacher training and two week English Camp closes with the “Goodbye Song”. Mixed emotions were felt by all including satisfaction by the teachers to have completed the training and happiness by everyone to have the opportunity to meet new friends. However, at the end of the day we were sad to say goodbye.

More final day activities . . .

Miss Liu, Jumbo and Canaan are presented with pennants from Huntington University.





Certificates were presented to teachers for competing the teacher training.












Signing of camp shirts was popular.

The English Camp Weekly News - week two!

Click the page to view . . .

The Final Day

The last day of camp included our usual activities in the morning, free talk and practice teaching by the Chinese teachers. In the afternoon, we watched our second camp musical entitled “Glow”. Here are the students presenting the puppet drama written by Bridger Fetters and directed by Jeff Bleijerveld.

It's an amazing experience

This afternoon, my essay was chosen to be discussed in free talk. I read my essay in front of my American teachers and some Chinese English teachers. I felt it's an amzing experience for me. I was lack of courage to talk with others before a group of English teachers, especially English
native speakers. But this afternoon I did it. I felt proud of myself. I learned a lot from writing the essay. Meanwhile I want to thank Adam and Greg for correcting my essay and make it much better than before. Therefore, the teachers in free talk can see a good essay written by me. I feel very happy to share my experience with my friends.
I still remember the first day in the camp. In Valerie's lesson, she asked us to introduce ourselves , choose one place to travel and choose one animal that we want to be. At that moment, I just had courage to talk in a small group. I dared not speak English in front of a large group of teachers. After that, I made my mind to be active in all the activities later in the camp. Day by day, I participated, spoke and shared my ideas with others. I had fun each day in the camp. I am surprised to find that I become so brave. I speak English more fluently and accurately. Much practice in the camp makes my spoken English better than before. This is an unforgetable and amazing experience in my life. Here, I want to thank all my American teachers for your help and professional teaching. Thank you for your hard work.

Free Talk

This is one of my free talk groups. In the morning I visit with two groups of teachers for an hour each. Free talk topics have become more challenging for non native English speakers. Emotions, feelings and parenting are a few of the topics we are discussing as our time in China comes to a close.

Chinese Teachers Rock!

I have had the distint pleasure of observing many Chinese teachers teaching their English lessons. They have worked very hard to create games, surveys, and songs to teach English to their students. Simply amazing!

Fun with the Fam!

Hi Friends,

In the evening, I've been able to have lots of fun with my host family. Amy invited her friend, Happy, over and we talked much of the night. It is great to make so many friends that I can keep in correspondance with when I return. It's so hard to believe we will return this weekend. Amy and Hopkins sent up MSN so we can talk with each other--the only problem will be the 12 hour time differene. But, it will be fun to keep talking.

Cross-cultural experiences!

Several Chinese teachers invited a few of our team to make dumplings at their home. It was a lot of fun to learn how to make Chinese food. But is was more fun eat! Shown pictured from the left is Petro (our host), Jeff, Charlie, Susan, Angel, Anna, and Greg.

Our Chinese hosts show us how to make dumplings.














Susan showed Susie how to make the perfect dumpling.

Lights, Camera, Action!!!

Preparations are under way for this Friday's Middle School puppet and music presentation. Yuki has just completed work on "Flier" the star of our show. Students are also preparing some great songs with lots of surprises.

American teachers watch, review and coach the Chinese teachers.

Jana reviews a sample lesson plan.










Adam talks with a teacher about ideas that will help her in the classroom.





Valerie offers a few tips about activities that will help students with their English.

The Chinese teachers continue working on new classroom ideas.

A walk to school . . .

Nancy, Jana and I have taken another route to school. Through the market. You can purchase just about anything.

Conversations

Before the trip, I told the American team to be prepared for long days of conversation. Most of our days last 14 hours or more. From morning until evening, we are engaged in conversations with teachers, students, administrators, shopkeepers, and local friends. It's fun, informative and tiring. All of the conversations are friendly and informative. Some are smooth and fluent. Some are full of pauses as we wait to allow ourselves or others to get the words just right. Some are guided. Some are spontaneous. Some are strategic for future opportunities. A growing number of conversations are meaningful and challenging. We are enjoying the chance to converse on so many levels with our Chinese friends.

HI, Susie: Good to hear that you have great time in China

Hi, Susie: Good to hear that you have great time in China.

Variations on a Theme

If I had to choose one word to describe my experiences here in China, I would choose the word "warm". Everything about Zhuhai English Camp is warm! Warm weather...what an understatement! Warm water...for drinking. Warm classrooms. Warm meals... But, I'm quite sure the warmest things we've experienced are the hearts of the Chinese friends we've made. Our hosts are kind and attentive, making sure we have all we need. They have made our home stays exciting and comfortable and provided interesting cultural experiences for us. Our new friends are sure to include us in conversations and make us feel welcome with every opportunity. The Chinese people are indeed warm.

Although I miss my family very much, I must say that the time is passing quickly. We have been so busy that there has been little time to be too lonely. Thank you to all of my new friends for making me feel so "warm" and welcome! Thank you to my host family for making your home such a special place to return to each evening.

Nancy here: The teachers are now teaching their lessons. They are doing a fantastic job! They have used different methods in their teaching plans that address different learning styles and intelligences. The students are enjoying learning English in this way. The picture above is of Sally who is my hosts' daughter. She is celebrating her 9th birthday with friends. We played games, sang karaoke, and ate ice cream and cake. My host family is very kind and are taking very good care of me. I am very grateful for them! It will be difficult to say good-bye to all of our new Chinese friends at the end of the week.

Charlie's host writes a note . . .

My name is David. I'm in Grade 4. My favorite food is chicken, because it's very nice. My favorite color is blue, because the sky is blue. I like playing badminton and basketball. I like computer very much. I often play computer games on weekends.

Last week. I went to the English camp. I made friends with American teachers and my classmates. They are very friendly. I often talked with them. I like the American teachers, because their teaching is very fun. I walked to school with Charlie, Nancy and Jana every morning. I learned a lot from them.

I like English. I like the English camp.

Jeff Sherlock leaves for America

Because my son is getting married on 1 August, I had to leave the camp one week early. I am joyful about the marriage of my son, Jonathan, and his fiance, Leslie, but of course I am sad to leave the camp.

I have truly enjoyed my time working with the teachers and students of the Zhuhai schools. You have all worked very hard and have been so friendly to me and the rest of the "orange shirt" team. I will miss you very much, but hope to see you in the future - perhaps next summer.

Thanks to everyone who gave me gifts or gave gifts to my son and his wife. Because of your generosity, you were able to share with our family in our joy. When he is married, I will try to post some pictures to this blog.

I hope your final week of camp goes very well.

how come i got up at 6 am

Yesterday night i came back to my dorm in Tangjia, which is TWO HOURS bus drive from our summer camp! I fell asleep happily as i've chosen sth in Gongbei for my dear friends .

I thought I would have a good sleep after 2 weeks hard working getting early in the morning and working a whole day.HOWEVER, I woke up at 6:00 this morning, even earlier than the days before!!!How come! I intended to stay in the bed at least till 11 o'clock.

Well, how can I spend so much time?You may be surprised as I've spent a whole hour listening to nearly a hundred songs, hoping to find some that can be applied to the lessons next week.

Now I have to get down to working, and I will come back soon. See you later

The English Camp Weekly News

Click the page to view . . .

Cute Puppets, Cute Students

It's hard to tell which is "cutest", the puppet Betty made, or Betty. Both are pretty sweet! Our puppets are simple sock puppets but provide the children a tremendous opportunity to practice English by making their puppets speak. This afternoon we look forward to hearing the children sing and perform. They have all worked very hard.

A new experience in class

This morning, I gave students a spoken English class. With the help of my instructor, Adam and my teammates, I completed my lesson successfully. I thanked them for their help and instructions. I learned a lot from the preparation to the assenment after the class. I also thanked my new students in Room Three of Primary School for their cooperation. In the course of preparing for my lesson plan, Adam gave me some useful suggestions and help me improve my lesson plan. His suggestions let me focus on the participation in activities of each students in class and his assement had us understand how to carry out Practice 3 in class meanwhile he also gave me helpful advice on how to make some details better. Adam is a smart and sharp instructor. By the way, I am proud of myself for I am brave enough to draw pictures and sing an English song written by myself in public for the first time. What I did in this lesson is a new try in my teaching. I think it's also a new experience for me. I 'd like to keep trying and enjoy the fun of teaching English.
As we know, Jeff A will depart for America this Saturday. May you have a good journey back to your motherland. I also congratulate you for your son's marriage. Thank you for your wonderful free talk and I enjoy talking with you and share my ideas with you. Thank you for your hard work.

Thank you very much

Hello,everyone. It's very hot outside and inside. Please keep yourself cool.But our foreign teacher still work very hard. Thank you very much. We are not just learn what you have taught us, but also what you did for us.

Chinese teachers present their lesson plans for review

Jana works on an evaluation.

















Valerie and Chinese teachers observe a class.

















Adam makes a note about the lesson.

















Nancy reacts to a funny moment in the class.

Music and motion

Jill leads a song before our “free talk” time with teachers. Here is Greg helping with “Tideo.”

Jing Tai Temple

Last evening some of our hosts and fellow teachers invited us to make a visit to the Jing Tai Temple and later enjoy supper in the country. Jeff Sherlock, Charlie Chapman, Greg Sweetland and I were impressed with the architecture, tradition and devotion we observed at the temple. We also enjoyed the wonderful meal we shared on the lakeshore. Thank you for making us feel so welcome!

Thank you for all Americans in the camp

Hi,I'm Abby from Primary7.This is my first time to come here,It's comfortable and happy here.Thank you,Jeff S----Because YOU made this blog for us to exchange the camp life experience and enjoy the sweet pictures together,YOU invited me to join the blog family,YOU host the successful free talk not only in the morning but also in the afternoon.Good luck to your trip back home.By the way,Congratulations to your son's marriage.I watched SUSIE'S ,ADAM'S and NANCY'S model lessons and learnt a lot from them.Thank you for all Americans whom I learnt a lot from. the camp is off and going now,and I believe it will gain success in the end.

Thank You He Family!

I have had a great experience with my host family. They have oriented me to much of the Chinese culture, and I am so grateful. This experience has broadened my perspective of the world. Thank you, Hopkins, Jenny, and Amy. Amy is participating as a student in the middle school camp. It is great to talk about our experiences this week! Here is a great family picture of the He Family.