Zhuhai English Camp 2008

A new blog for 2009!!

2009-04-20T17:17:00.004-04:00

http://zhuhaienglishcamp2009.blogspot.com/

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T12:19:00.002-04:00

I need your help and I am waiting for your help

2008-10-22T09:01:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-05T09:32:00.004-04:00

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?

2008-08-02T07:21:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-02T07:02:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-08-02T03:55:00.003-04:00

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 . . .

2008-08-01T22:14:00.001-04:00

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 . . .

2008-08-01T22:09:00.006-04:00

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!

2008-08-01T21:57:00.007-04:00

Click the page to view . . .

The Final Day

2008-08-01T21:54:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-31T10:10:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-31T01:22:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-07-30T01:20:00.005-04:00

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!

2008-07-30T01:12:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-07-30T00:54:00.007-04:00

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!!!

2008-07-29T04:31:00.005-04:00

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.

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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.

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A walk to school . . .

2008-07-29T01:41:00.010-04:00

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

Conversations

2008-07-28T09:52:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-28T05:18:00.001-04:00

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

Variations on a Theme

2008-07-28T03:59:00.003-04:00

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.

2008-07-28T01:15:00.002-04:00

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 . . .

2008-07-27T20:14:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-26T21:01:00.004-04:00

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

2008-07-25T22:09:00.006-04:00

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

2008-07-25T01:17:00.003-04:00

Click the page to view . . .

Cute Puppets, Cute Students

2008-07-25T01:12:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-24T10:37:00.005-04:00

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

2008-07-24T04:45:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-24T01:36:00.007-04:00

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

2008-07-24T01:34:00.001-04:00

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

Jing Tai Temple

2008-07-24T00:50:00.006-04:00

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

2008-07-23T10:40:00.005-04:00

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!

2008-07-23T01:29:00.001-04:00

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.

Teaching Chinese students!

2008-07-23T01:06:00.004-04:00

Today was my last day to teach my Chinese students. I found this experience to be very rewarding, challenging, and fun. Yesterday, I taught my students how to invite someone to do an activity with a friend. I wrote a song, "Do You Want To", to the tune of "O My Darling Clementine." We sang the song as a practice. We then did another activity to practice in a different way. As we practiced the forms, they insisted on singing the phrases, "Do You Want To, Would You Like To, and I Was Wondering. I finally asked the students, would you sing an invitation to a friend to play basketball? They all laughed! ;)-

We no longer sing our invitations now!

A nice walk

2008-07-23T00:35:00.001-04:00

Last evening the team dined at a restaurant in downtown Doumen. Following the meal, in typical Chinese fashion, we went for a walk. Along our way to the river for our walk we met some new friends.

Music and Puppets

2008-07-22T23:54:00.002-04:00

During the afternoons Jill and I have been having lots of fun making puppets and teaching the middle school kids new songs. We've been very pleased with their singing ability and look forward to their performance on Friday afternoon. We have a lot of work left too do!

Nancy works with a teacher on her lesson plan.

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Students work on their story

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This group of students are typing their story into the computer. Along with the interviews, students have taken photos for their stories.

Writing for the paper

2008-07-22T22:26:00.001-04:00

A couple of students work on their story for our newspaper. Everything has to be done in English. The paper will be printed and distributed on Friday.

Luke talks with students

2008-07-22T22:25:00.001-04:00

One activity in our middle school English Camp is to produce a camp newspaper. Here are students interviewing Luke for our paper.

Nice walk to school

2008-07-22T22:24:00.001-04:00

Nancy, Jana and I are living with host families in the same housing complex. The school is very close so we meet in the morning to walk to school. Along the way is the “Manmade” lake. China’s beauty can be found everywhere. If you click on the photo and look closely on the plaza, you can see people doing their morning exercises.

Breakfast chats . . .

2008-07-22T22:22:00.000-04:00

Jeff talks with a couple of middle school students during breakfast.

Lunch at the English Camp

2008-07-22T22:19:00.002-04:00

Now that the students are here and the English camp is in full swing, opportunities for visiting are abundant. Jill and Shalauna draw a crowd during lunch.

be a member in the blog at last

2008-07-22T06:29:00.002-04:00

HI, thanks for JEFF's invitation in my e-mail.I got a chance to be a member in this camp. We have been togther for more than a week, I make new friends here, especially, I learned a lot from the American friends and other teachers. Everyday I have a lot of fun and I JUST find that the time goes too fast. Yeaterday moring , I wacthed Nathan to have a model lesson , this morning, I watched JANA . Both of them gave me good lessons . From the students' behavior, I can predict that the students enjoy the lessons. I would like to say thanks to all the Americans.

Welcome to Doumen

2008-07-21T10:25:00.002-04:00

Today we meet another American trainers. Jeff A introduces them to all the Chinese teachers in free talk. We are glad to meet them and we want to say to them " Welcome to Doumen and our training program. This morning our trainer gives us model lessons with different language function. In the course, as one of the observers, I very appreciate what our trainers did. I learn how to instruct our students and help them attend classroom activities effeciently. As free talk in the morning, I wonder whether we have a chance to communicate with different trainers. If that is OK, we are so lucky to know another 7 new trainers and know more about them. It also provides us more opportunities to communicate with our trainers. We can have more topics to talk about. We are also curious about their unique experience and their jobs.

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Off and Running

2008-07-20T23:01:00.002-04:00

The camp is off and running. Things are going smoothly, just as we had hoped and envisioned. I've just posted many pictures. I hope they give you and idea of our activities.

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New Additions!

2008-07-20T18:47:00.004-04:00

We're back from Macau. The rest of the American team arrived safely. Today, we add 140 primary and middle school students to the 120 teachers we trained last week. It should be fun. It's nice to know that many American friends are thinking about us as our newly arrived Americans get over jetlag and as we begin a very complex schedule for the camp. May it be both meaningful and fun!

About Free Talk

2008-07-19T22:18:00.003-04:00

I enjoy the traing in Doumen, Zhuhai. After I read all the writing on the blog, I found all the contibutors in the program thought they learned a lot of useful and practical ways of teaching in class. The same to me. Besides the lessons, I think free talk every afternoon from 4:00 to 4:30 gives us chance to communicate with our trainers and share our opinions with other Chinese teachers. We like to talk about many things in life and work. But our clever trainers have a good ideas to provide an essay to us every day. First, let us read the essay to understand and get ready to answer some questions. Secondly let us get ready to discuss some questions about the essay. Finally, after we have lessons we go to differnt groups guided by one of American trainers and participate in discussing something about the essay. What our trainers design these steps help us to practice reading and speaking skills. I think it's a good way to develop our spoken English. But I remember it's a little hard for us to discuss the last essay last Friday. For many femal, science is a difficult topic to discuss. The ladies in our group are trapped by some words about science so that we can't express what we want to say in English. Maybe it's a challenge for us. I hope we'll talk about more about something in our life, work and the difference between China and America.

To Lilian

2008-07-19T10:36:00.002-04:00

I'm very happy to read your message for me. Thank you for your kindness. The name is 大家食. Do you live in Jingu Hotel? It's on the way to the hotel, near the traffic lights. I think the food there is yummy, at least much better than what my husband cooks :) If you don't want to go there sometimes, you can also make a phone call to ask them to bring the food for you. It's very convenient. The number is 5116998.

Welcome to my blog!

2008-07-18T23:09:00.002-04:00

It' really happy to be with you , all of our foreign friends !
Welcome to my blog http://fannyzhang1.blog.163.com/blog/.
I will be glad to see all of you next weeK.
Looking forward to that...

Learning with Legos

2008-07-18T20:07:00.002-04:00

Susie did an activity this morning with Legos. Each group of four teachers got a zip-locked bag with 6 Legos. The group had to make something with the Legos, and then write out the instructions in English to tell someone else how to assemble it. Truth be told, the teachers had a lot more fun making shapes with the Legos and asking us to guess what they had made than they did in writing out the instructions. But they did it. Thanks to CP WMF ladies for spending several hours putting together the bags of Legos; you are part of what happened this week.

Headed to Macau

2008-07-18T19:32:00.005-04:00

Our team is headed to Macau this morning (Saturday). We've had a wonderful week in Doumen. In Macau, we'll eat some Macanese food, visit friends, do some shopping, and go to church. The rest of the American trainers will arrive late Saturday evening. It will be good to be together as a whole team.

The training seems to have gone more smoothly than last year, even though there are 50% more teachers. I think this is due to 1) our having a year's experience, 2) changes we made to tighten up the curriculum, 3) interested Chinese teachers, 4) Jumbo, Adam, Canaan and Betty's terrific help, and 5) this year's different location. I'm thankful that our team is working together very well. It is a blessing to be working with such capable, cooperative, caring and creative people.

Day 4

2008-07-18T11:51:00.000-04:00

After Val’s 3-day hard work, Susie took the place and began to lead the training for most of the day today. What Susie taught us was mainly about how to learn new ways to make our students enjoy speaking English in class. And she also suggested that it would be better for teachers to know how students learn and use researches and experience to teach them. First, I want to thank Susie and all the American friends. Second, I am so proud of learning from such a great trainer who is always learning new ways to make her students achieve their dreams. Finally, I hope to learn more from the other trainers in the 2 coming weeks.

What i've learned

2008-07-18T11:15:00.002-04:00

i guess everyone has learned sth this week. For me, the most significant is a new way of thinking. Games r not extra bonus in study, but can be part of it (By Jana). If i can use the right games and use them properly, they do help. Students r gonna find much fun learning English, and they may be more willing and happier to learn, or find it easier to learn. Here i would like to thank all our instructors. i wanna thank Luke for his interesting culture talks; Valerie for her guidance in planning a lesson step by step; Susie for letting me know i can have different teaching styles; Adam and Nancy for their helping Pheobe and me find some ways teaching Grammar; Jana for how to apply games in a large class; Jeff for the free talks and Greg, a nice and loving gentleman who always cameras us:). And thanks for all your resources, which r also significant. For years i try to find sth on Internet but in vain.

Day 3

2008-07-18T10:53:00.001-04:00

I believed everyone in class this morning had a wonderful time because Val brought a music CD with her to the classroom and taught us many English songs with familiar tunes, such as Glad to See You by Peter & Ellen Allard, My Father Has a Sister by Uwe Kind and so on. Also she taught us how to write our own songs for spoken English practice. We were divided into groups of 3-6. Each group had about 10 or 15 minutes to make it. Finally, many groups shared their songs to the whole class. And some of the songs were fairly creative and amazing. In the afternoon, Val offered us three important websites for spoken English practice activities. And then we focused on our assignment, To Turn a Good Activity into a Complete Lesson with an information gap provided by Val. It took us nearly an hour to make it with the help of Val and some other American friends. Actually, we found it difficult but helpful.

I had fun!

2008-07-18T10:52:00.002-04:00

I really had great fun this week. Before this camp, I can hardly imagine playing games during class. If someone suggests me to try singing or drawing in an English class before, I may probably say"Come on, middle school students rnt gonna like those stupid games!'' After all, they r no longer kids. Now I know I am the stupid one. Everyone enjoys games! Even the grown-ups! We got pretty excited and happy as singing and drawing and writing our own songs, playing lego. That is impressed! and i feel so thrilled when i wrote a song with my partner. What's more, we sang it in front of others finally! I felt embarrassed as i stood in front, but i felt good when i came back! I just wanna say: Thanx a lot! Thanx for all ur efforts and the fun u bring us!

thanks

2008-07-18T07:54:00.002-04:00

This is the first week of the training.I have learned a lot since the first day……new ideas about how to write a lesson plan,new songs\games, etc.We had a great time.Thanks for your hard work and everything shared with us,my dear American friends\teachers.

Thank you! Susie!

2008-07-18T07:50:00.002-04:00

Susie, i have to say you're really great! you are very experienced! you have so many ways of encouraging students to participate our classroom. i really learn a lot from you. that is something new that i ever experienced. you let me know many games that can be used in our class, such as "i spy, i'm thinking of..., charade, coat of arms, words wall...", a graphic organizer impressed me the most. i never knew that i could be a painter, and painting helped our teaching a lot. i am sure what you have told us will be well used in our class. my name sound a little like yours. i am proud of that!
Thank you, Susie.

From Sue

Primary teachers working together Monday!

2008-07-18T01:19:00.002-04:00

2008-07-18T01:16:00.002-04:00

Nancy here: This has been an amazing experience! The training time has been so fun because we have opportunities to get to know the Chinese teachers. Val, Jeff, Susie, and Luke have done a fabulous job. The Chinese teachers have been very kind, enthusiastic, and hard working. They are beginning to see ways to use new ideas in their classrooms of 50 to 60 students. The Chinese teachers are very clever and really want to see that their students are successful.
My host family is delightful. After dinner each night we go for a walk to the river, the square, or the park. Everyone at these places is doing some kind of activity anywhere from ball room type dancing, exercising, badmitton, inline skating, card games, etc. It is a very fun way to spend an evening. Walking is a great time to have some meaningful conversations!

Yesterday

2008-07-17T19:54:00.001-04:00

1. I did have great time with the teachers in the breakfast & lunch time. I don't know whether the God sent me a message that ask me to stay a little bit longer there, because it was raining cats and dogs outside while were having our lunch.But.... Yes,we shared lots of funy together.

2.In the free tolk today, people like to shared their idea with each other in our group, but it seems that people got shock by my idea of the article, I hope i didn't scare them, anyway, I don't think my idea will be wrong.

Ok, time for breakfast.

Ending the first week

2008-07-17T19:08:00.003-04:00

Well, we are wrapping up the first week. Susie taught most of the day on Thursday. She'll wrap up today, and then Jana will talk about applying what we're learning to the realities of the Chinese classroom - 50 or 60 students, teachers move from room to room, etc.

The academic team had a nice dinner with Jumbo and other leaders of the Zhuhai Education Bureau last evening. We're becoming good friends.

The academic team will go down to Macau this weekend. The other 7 members of the team will arrive Saturday eening. We're planning to visit with our friends on Sunday morning.

It's been a good week, and the energy level just rises next week as we add 140 Chinese students and model classroom lessons to the camp. It's good!

The diary on Day 4

2008-07-17T11:34:00.002-04:00

Culture corner is one of the parts I enjoy best. It makes me know some countries especially America well. I agree with Luke that we are not talking something good or bad, just the differences. In my opinion, the posted schedule is very important. When you have a lot of work to do, posted schedule can help you use the time efficiently.
Being trained by the American teachers are free. I mean that I feel comfortable because the teachers never give difficult work that we can't do; they also use the language we all can understand easily. Something good that happened to me was the American teachers could start and end the classes on time.
I am not an active student: mayby I am afraid of losing face; maybe I am not confident. Actually, it is a real problem to improve myself.

Cultural Differences

2008-07-17T11:01:00.003-04:00

I have greatly enjoyed Cultural Corner with Luke each day. He provides both Americans and Chinese teachers with insight on the cultural differences bewteen the two communities. I have learned so much already from this opportunity. These lessons often lead into new conversations at lunch. I was very excited to do because I was complimented by my lunchmates at how I use chopsticks so well. :-)

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the end of week one. I feel like we have only been here a few days, but I have some friendships that have felt much longer already. I am looking forward to tomorrow and the weekend when we pick up the rest of the American team. The Chinese teachers are anxious to meet them all, too.

On a side note, I was able to talk with my family this evening. They are doing so well, and Chase told me he wants to be a doctor (he's 3). My wife is sending a picture of Chase because he has many band-aids covering his body. Apparently, he is self-medicating. ;-)- I thought my new Chinese friends would like to hear the update on my little guy (and maybe old American friends, too).

RED stand up, GREEN stand up, BLUE and YELLOW stand up...

what's in today.

2008-07-17T10:56:00.003-04:00

Eating Together

2008-07-17T10:48:00.003-04:00

Each morning at 7:30am and again at noon, we eat lunch in the school cafeteria. The food is – well – cafeteria food – but it is great to just sit and talk with teachers. Right now, it is just surface level conversation (for me at least) but hopefully, true friendships will develop as well. We talk about cultural differences, foods, families, fun – and a variety of other things.

So many times at home I just grab something to eat in my office so I can be more efficient in getting my work done. Here, I am being very intentional about spending time with other people while having lunch. I wonder which approach is more effective at building relationships.

It’s hard to believe that the first week – the training week is nearly over. It has really been a great week so far! Thanks to everyone who is supporting us in so many ways.

for Cathy Sun

2008-07-17T06:55:00.002-04:00

Hi, Cathy! I am lilian yang !Maybe I can help you, and you won't be poor, I promise! Because I get a camera , and I can take some photos for you !But would you mind telling me where " a good restarant" is ? Maybe I can have a dinner in the evening with you someday!!:)

I just can't wait to have a change!

2008-07-17T06:08:00.002-04:00

Actully, I just feel so uncomfortable on the first day. I mean that I even felt angry about myself! I really don't know why I should come to such a training after a long and hard semester of senior 3 in the middle school. Sure, I am tired and I just want a fine holiday. But from the second day, I found something strange had happened.
In fact, I am gradually moved by my classmates in this training, especially our American teachers! I am inspired by their attitude towards their work, their families, even their ways of life. I think they all do prepare a lot for our training very genuinely and seriously, so I feel quite thankful to them from my heart.
Then I encourage me to join in such a funny class and try to be an active learner here , just do as what I always ask my students to do. In this way, I realize it is not so easy as I imaged before, although I used to behave energetically when I was in the university. I can't tell clearly why I have become silent, but what's more important is that I won't keep on looking for the reason or complaining about anything more. In the rest time of this training, of course I will enjoy our lessones as well as free talks!!
Oh, something good that happened to me is that two of my students are accepted by the key universitises!! I look forward to giving them a pat on the back and say " well done!!" to them!!:)

Gone With the Great Americans and the Excellent Classmates

2008-07-17T05:49:00.003-04:00

This is really a worthy training I have ever got(It is seemed that this sentence should be told after the training, but I can tell it basing on these four days. Because I have learnt so much, and enjoy myself deeply).
Susie helped us to play a ball game today to tell others something good/new I experienced is... I have no chance to participate, because I hadn't thought out my answer before the game ended. But I don't care, I can do it here:) Something good I experienced is that I found a good restaurant here, so I solved the dinner problem during this training. (May I say something bad? I'm sure the answer will be YES, Thanks:)) Something bad I experienced these days is that my roomate has a date every night. I have to be alone in such a strange place. I have no one to talk with. Poor me!
Today we had a free talk on parenting-There is no job more important than parenting. I enjoyed it very much. I agree that parent is a great job. I also believe There is no job more difficult than parenting. So I'm afraid of being a mother:(, I hope I can manage this difficulty as soon as possible.
I have no photos to post, because I forgot to bring my camera. Poor me again!

Free talk about somber things

2008-07-16T11:09:00.000-04:00

For our “Important Things in Life” free talk, we read an article by Isabel Allende about her journey of grief following the slow death of her 28 year old daughter. She talked about how in the midst of her grief, she found herself almost going through a purifying journey. Since many people here (and in the States for that matter) grieve very privately, I thought it would be valuable to talk about a grief journey through another’s journey.

I chose this article shortly after the terrible earthquake in Sichuan province that left 60,000+ people dead. We talked about how China mourned as a nation during this difficult time. We also talked about how Ms. Allende had used her grief as a springboard to reach out to others. I asked if they thought China’s people would be more likely to reach out to volunteer more. No one was sure of the answer to that question.

This afternoon, Adam and I sent out invitations to the Chinese teachers to write on the blog. I’m not sure how many will take us up on the offer, but you may see some new names show up on the blog. Hope so.

Hey, look, Alex posted below. Way to go, Alex!

Brave Alex with the Great Teachers.

2008-07-16T10:30:00.007-04:00

Hi, Everyone, Glad to be the first guy log on this blog and make some comment here.

During these 3 days, i have learned a lots in english. I think everyone did the same thing as me.

How stupid I were that i miss the opportunities

to have lunch with all the excellent teachers together, Tomorrow I will definitely go to the dining hall on time with all the teachers.Hahah, I don't want to miss such wonderful time again.

Oh, yes. It said that in our class room, There are lots of KU-FU moquitoes, I hope all our teachers no only pay attention to the teaching material but also pay attetion to such little thing, make sure it can't bother you. I know some of our teachers already suffering from it.

To my surprise today, I did sing a song in front of hundred teachers, autually i am a terrible singer. Anyway, I make it.

It is pity that i didn't ask someone to take a photo for when i were singing, It said that Jeff got one, I hope i can get one from Jeff soon.

Oh, It time for preparing tomorrow class, and i think the best preparation for the class is....have nice sleep!

Time for Zzzz ......

2008-07-16T10:19:00.000-04:00

2008-07-16T10:17:00.000-04:00

2008-07-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

Taking a walk

2008-07-15T12:02:00.000-04:00

Every evening after dinner, Jumbo and his family take a walk around town. Since they live nearby, they usually end up walking on the paved path along the river. At one point along the path, there is a large plaza area. People sit and talk, children roller skate, couples dance – and some people just stroll around. It is a wonderful opportunity to observe Chinese culture. While there are profound differences in the ways we think and believe, there are great similarities at a deeper level. I think there are some good things we could learn from our Chinese friends about how to relax and enjoy being together with other people.

Day 2

2008-07-15T11:35:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day. Valerie led the training for most of the day. We had made some curricular changes after receiving feedback from last year's training. Those changes seem to have made a difference. The feeling here at the end of day two is positive and energized. That's very different from how we felt at the end of the second day last year.

We were hosted for dinner tonight by Joy, one of the teachers that was in last year's training. We just happened to see her in a restaurant Sunday. She invited Jumbo's family, Adam H's family, Valerie, Susie, Jeff S. and I to a restaurant which served northern Chinese food. It was nice to reconnect with her.

In the next few days, posts may begin appearing on the blog from some of the teachers in the training program. It will be intersesting to see what they contribute!

Top Ten List

2008-07-15T00:28:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends and Family,

I'd like to share my thoughts about my first day of training. I hope you enjoy them, but don't fail to see the deeper meaning embedded.

Top 10 Things I Didn't Know Yesterday That I Know Today
10. Motorbikes and traffic look as dangerous from the side of the road as they do from the back of one.
9. It's customary to honor the guest at dinner by presenting them with the head of the bird. The entire bird is cooked.
8. You can pass the head of the bird to the host by complimenting him/her two times. That is important. It's one thing to eat pigeon, another to eat the pigeon's head.
7. When a Chinese child comes up to you and starts walking or a family stops you in the street, it's because they want to practice English with you.
6. If you feel like Chinese people are staring at you when you are in their city, they are. Most don't meet too many Americans. I now empathize with our minority populations. Very humbling.
5. You can watch "Mission Impossible" starring Tom Cruise in English with Chinese subtitles in China.
4. Students don't learn phonetics (phonics) until middle school, yet have English classes beginning in first grade.
3. If you eat everything on your plate, they give you more.
2. If you leave food on your plate, they think you haven't eaten enough. Thus, it's a fine line.
1. The secret to chopsticks is to use wooden chopsticks; plastic ones are too slick, and if you are left-handed, they try to make you eat with your right hand by telling you that you are doing it wrong. (Flash backs to elementary school and cutting circles with right handed scissors because the teacher insisted).

2008-07-14T10:53:00.001-04:00

Today was all about building relationships. What we know about the brain is that a nurturing, reflective environment is critical for learning to occur. I am very proud of our team and how we developed great relationships so quickly. As a primary school instructor, I had the opportunity to work with 15 grade 3-5 teachers. It was an incredible opportunity to learn names, find out likes and dislikes, and even have time for questions and answers. The first day is under our belt and we are ready for a great day tomorrow with Val leading us in the development of lesson plans. I look forward to learning as much from our Chinese teacher friends as we will teach them. They are providing me with great insight in how we can learn from one another. My favorite part of the day was our song, "Good Job," and meeting so many new friends! I also enjoyed getting to know our own team much better.

Talks about Important Things in Life

2008-07-14T10:32:00.000-04:00

Blog entry for July 14, 2008
At last year’s English Camp, we introduced the “Important Things in Life” free talk discussions. Using essays from the National Public Radio show, “This I Believe,” we led students in discussions related to the talks. Some of our most significant discussions happened in those discussion times and some of our ongoing relationships started there.

This year, we decided to start the “Important Things in Life” discussions during the training week. This will give us an extra week to build relationships and talk about important things. I hope that as you think about us as we have these discussions that important relationships will result.

Today we talked about an article, “Be Cool to the Pizza Delivery Dude.” In the essay, the author talked about how she has learned to give the pizza delivery guy respect even though his job is not very respected or valued. This led to an interesting discussion about how we treat others. I was able to share the common saying, "treat other people the way you want to be treated." Close to 50 people stayed for the free talk time. No doubt that number will dwindle in coming days, but people certainly seemed to enjoy a lively discussion today. We trust that the time we spend together will have benefits for a LONG time.

2008-07-14T09:55:00.000-04:00

2008-07-14T09:52:00.000-04:00

2008-07-14T09:48:00.000-04:00

Off and Running

2008-07-14T09:41:00.000-04:00

The teacher training project began today! As we expected, there were 120 teachers to be trained. There were a number of other teachers who sat in out of curiosity.
As you can see, this year’s color is orange. For the first week, only we trainers will wear the orange shirts. Beginning next week, there will be 140 students joining us in orange.
The camp got off to a good start. There were some opening comments by Mr. Wang, deputy secretary of education for Zhuhai City. I offered a response. Jeff S. and I each presented mini-lectures – probably boring. Valerie took the lead for the rest of the day, and each of the eight trainers was up front at least once during the day.
The Chinese teachers guessed that Adam D. had been teaching for 19 years. That was funny!
We have had some initial opportunities for meaningful interaction with teachers. Lots of interesting questions – and it’s only the first day.
It was a good start to this year’s training.

Arrived in Doumen

2008-07-12T11:27:00.000-04:00

Well, the academic team arrived in Doumen – a town that is part of Zhuhai City. It’s the same place that we led the teacher training program last year.

Our flight to Hong Kong was uneventful – even arriving a bit early. We took a bus to Booth Lodge – our very simple hotel on the Kowloon peninsula. We were in our rooms by 6:30 PM on Friday evening – exactly 23 hours from door to door. We ate dinner at a restaurant near the Temple Street Market – nothing too strange. We met up with Jana after supper. We walked back out to a Starbuck’s to chat. Jetlag caught up with most of the team there.

There were storms last night in Hong Kong. That – combined with jetlag – combined with three people in a room – combined with firm mattresses – meant for a not so restful night.

This morning, we met for breakfast and then spent some time talking together in the hotel coffee shop. A western breakfast is complimentary – and includes scrambled eggs, lunch meat ham, mini wieners, fried noodles, canned corn, rice porridge with scallions, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, toast (wheat or white) coffee, tea, grapefruit juice, milk, and water. I’m probably forgetting something, but you get the idea. Everyone found something to eat.

We took a boat from Hong Kong to Zhuhai this morning. A smooth enough 1½-hour voyage, but I’m still glad I took Dramamine. We met Jumbo, Betty and Adam at the Zhuhai ferry pier. It was good to see them. And we were glad to let Betty know that many of her friends in America were thinking about her.

We ate lunch at a dim sum restaurant, where a few other education officials met up with us. We rested for a few hours in the restaurant while we waited for Jeff Sherlock to arrive by bus from Guangzhou. We about an hour drove out to Doumen.

This is our first night with our hosts. Jeff S., Luke, Susie and Valerie are all with the same hosts as last year. So, we are enjoying reunions. Nancy, Adam, Jana and Greg were dropped at about 6:00 PM to enjoy dinner with their hosts and begin to develop meaningful relationships. What a great opportunity for cultural exchange!

The camp during weeks two and three will indeed have 140 students. Jeff S., Greg, Jumbo, Adam He and I will be meeting tomorrow to think through the best strategy to approach this exciting challenge.

P.S. – By the way, there are two Adams and two Jeffs involved with this project. Adam He (Adam H.) is an education official in Doumen. Adam Drummond (Adam D.)is one of our teacher trainers from Huntington. Jeff Sherlock (Jeff S.) is a professor at Taylor University and the coordinator of our native English speaking team. Jeff Bleijerveld (Jeff B.) is an administrator in Huntington. I hope you can keep them straight as we describe what’s going on.

The Academic Team has arrived

2008-07-12T10:51:00.000-04:00

The first part of the team has all arrived. Most of the team came in yesterday from the States and stopped overnight in Hong Kong before coming into Zhuhai today. I had already been here for several days visiting one of my students in eastern China. We all met up this afternoon near the border gate.

It is hard to describe what it is like being back in Zhuhai again. It isn’t home in the sense that we belong here. But for those of us on last year’s team, after connecting on so many levels with people here, it just feels right to be back. For those new to the team – well, we just have a great group of people.

Of course, we have some trepidation as we prepare to launch the second Zhuhai Training Program and English Camp. But we also anticipate a very successful program and trust that deep relationships will be built and expanded. We appreciate your concerns for us and for the teachers and students with whom we will be working.

Visit with Adam and Jumbo

2008-06-25T16:35:00.000-04:00

In May, I was in Macau and had the privilege of meeting Adam and Jumbo (our contacts with the Zhuhai Department of English Education). We had lunch together and visited the new Venetian Casino. Although we never entered the gaming areas, we still walked for about three hours. It was great to meet both these men and I look forward to spending more time together.

Zhuhai English Camp 2008 - Ready to Go

2008-06-25T16:08:00.000-04:00

We are nearly ready for the Zhuhai English Camp for 2008. This is the second year of this Teacher Training and English Camp. We are anticipating about 120 primary and middle school teachers and about the same number of students.

It will be an opportunity for the teachers to hone their English teaching skills. Both teachers and students will have many opportunities to speak English with our American team.

Here is the team (left to right): Nancy Peace, Charles Chapman, Adam Drummond, Susan Burson, Luke Fetters, Becky Slagle, Shalauna McMillen, Jill Dougherty, Jeff Bleijerveld, Valerie Geer, Nathan Geer, Jeff Sherlock, Bridger Fetters, and Greg Sweetland.

We'll meet in China about July 12, so there may not be much activity until then. But we hope to have lots of posts from our team and from many of the teachers - so check back often.