Thursday, 30 September 2004
Today, Phu had a rough day. He had several tantrums and hit Miss Matt and Miss Melton. Yesterday, he hit me when he was frustrated and tantrumming. We had to call his mom during the school day, and we talked for a long time to both his mother and father. They know that he has behavior issues (unfortunately the have already labeled him as "trouble boy" and laugh it off), and both Christy and I think he is just young and immature, not ready to be in school. He is testing us this week to see how far we will go. At home, he is allowed to get away with everything, and here at school, we are making him work and making him accountable for his actions, so he is acting out. But, we are trying to teach him that he cannot hit, scream, yell, or tantrum if he is frustrated. He can ask for help and tell us when he doesn't understand things in more appropriate ways. We have been sharing this with his parents and giving them suggestions on how they can help and be consistent with him at home (for instance, letting him watch TV rather than doing homework first, or staying up until 11 pm, probably isn't helping him). Phu's father called me and wants to take us all (Miss Matt, Christy, and I) out to dinner Saturday so that we can discuss Phu and make a plan for him so that he can improve his behavior in school).
Even Christy and I were drained from Phu today, and at least I was ready for a drink! But, we went to Tesco Lotus instead and shopped! We stocked up on groceries and things and were there (as we ate dinner there too) for nearly three hours! Tik and Aw came with as well, and Tik bought a VCD player for her room. I was exhausted, and I think they were shocked at how much money Christy spent on her American foods like pancake mix, cereals, and spaghetti sauce, but it was nice to get away from our school neighborhood a bit and take a breather! We'll both be ready for vacation soon! (And a few parents and other people have been asking if we can tutor their children or their daughters or husbands or friends in English, but I think right now Christy and I just need a break to get away!)
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
So, what is the celebration for?
Wednesday, 29 September 2004
This week, we were asked to come up with a short 5 - 7 minute evening performance for the EP students to do at the end of November as part of a festival that will be going on. We asked what the topic should be or what the festival is about, but no one seems to know. One says it's celebrating water, another says it's just thanking the chedi, and yet another says we're just celebrating the queen all year long because of her birthday. Ajarn Ong-Ard, our principal, wants this performance to somewhat be an advertisement for the English Program, so we know we'll probably do a poem or song of some sort in English. But, every time we ask someone what the purpose of the festival is, they don't know. Today, we're supposed to submit our idea, and the Thai dance teacher and Miss Matt suggested we dress the students up in 30's gear and lip sync a song. We asked, "Why??", and they said it's American. We're thinking, no it's not!
So, we looked up information on the internet, and this is what Christy found on thaiairport.com...And, if you are thinking of visiting us here in Nakhon Pathom, check out the other festivals .....The Miss Jumbo Pageant (at the bottom) I think is the best. When I first decided to come here, I actually saw a snippet on King5 News about this pageant. Quite amusing.
Songkran Traditional Festival: April
* Organized in the vicinity of Phra Pathom Chedi area, it features the processions with decorated floats, dragon and lion groups, as the bathing Buddha images rite and the rite to pay respects to the elder, the honorable persons.
Gliding Luang Por Wat Rai Khing Festival: Held during the 13 th waxing moon day to the 4 th, waning moon day of the 5 th lunar month, every year, altogether 8 days and 8 nights.
* Many forms of entertainment are available such as musical performance, Lie-Kay (Thai song and dance performance), Movies. Local goods are also available for sale.
Food Stuff and Fruit Fair: During Chinese New Year period
* Venue: In the precinct of the Phra Phatom Chedi, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Phathom.
*Background/Rationale: Phra Pathom Chedi fare held annually during the Chinese New Year period aims at introducing well-known agricultural products of Nakhon Pathom such as pomeloes, coconuts with flavored milk, oranges, guavas, bananas, grapes, Chinese pork sausages, dried and crispy sweeter pork. Additionally, the fair's purpose is to promote tourism in Nakhon Pathom.
* Activities: 1.Exhibiting and selling well-known food products and varieties of vegetables and fruits.
2. Displaying and selling local handicrafts.
3. Showing of local culture and tourist attractions and activities of Nakhon Pathom.
Loi Krathong Festival:November
* Held within the Sanam Chand Palace ground, contests of many interesting items are held such as Krathongs (decorated baskets), hanging lamp shades, Miss Nopamart, including the interesting folklore playing and displaying of fireworks.
Paying homage to Phra Pathom Chedi Fair: Taking place during the 12 th, waxing moon day to the 4 th, waning moon day on the 12 Th, lunar month of every year.
*Venue: In the precinct of the Phra Pathom Chedi, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Pathom.
*Background: The festival fair for Paying home to Phra Pathom Chedi is held annually for nine days and nights. There are all kinds of entertainment as well as displays of the local products.
*Activities: 1. Paying homage to a relic of Lord Buddha and Phra Pathom Chedi and making
merit.
2. Attending red cross activities.
3. Participating in activities of local schools and government sections.
4. Practicing gun shooting organized by the police.
5. Buying various kinds of goods and products from factories, companies and stores.
Jumbo Banquet & Jumbo Queen Contest:
*Samphan Elephant Ground & Zoo host Jumbo Banquet in May 1 st in honor of the gentle elephant which are so well loved in Thailand. 2 Tons of elephant's favorite edibles are selected for them to feast on and Jumbo Queen contest is provided to find the participant of XL ladies that best exhibits the characteristics of the titanic elephant.
This week, we were asked to come up with a short 5 - 7 minute evening performance for the EP students to do at the end of November as part of a festival that will be going on. We asked what the topic should be or what the festival is about, but no one seems to know. One says it's celebrating water, another says it's just thanking the chedi, and yet another says we're just celebrating the queen all year long because of her birthday. Ajarn Ong-Ard, our principal, wants this performance to somewhat be an advertisement for the English Program, so we know we'll probably do a poem or song of some sort in English. But, every time we ask someone what the purpose of the festival is, they don't know. Today, we're supposed to submit our idea, and the Thai dance teacher and Miss Matt suggested we dress the students up in 30's gear and lip sync a song. We asked, "Why??", and they said it's American. We're thinking, no it's not!
So, we looked up information on the internet, and this is what Christy found on thaiairport.com...And, if you are thinking of visiting us here in Nakhon Pathom, check out the other festivals .....The Miss Jumbo Pageant (at the bottom) I think is the best. When I first decided to come here, I actually saw a snippet on King5 News about this pageant. Quite amusing.
Songkran Traditional Festival: April
* Organized in the vicinity of Phra Pathom Chedi area, it features the processions with decorated floats, dragon and lion groups, as the bathing Buddha images rite and the rite to pay respects to the elder, the honorable persons.
Gliding Luang Por Wat Rai Khing Festival: Held during the 13 th waxing moon day to the 4 th, waning moon day of the 5 th lunar month, every year, altogether 8 days and 8 nights.
* Many forms of entertainment are available such as musical performance, Lie-Kay (Thai song and dance performance), Movies. Local goods are also available for sale.
Food Stuff and Fruit Fair: During Chinese New Year period
* Venue: In the precinct of the Phra Phatom Chedi, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Phathom.
*Background/Rationale: Phra Pathom Chedi fare held annually during the Chinese New Year period aims at introducing well-known agricultural products of Nakhon Pathom such as pomeloes, coconuts with flavored milk, oranges, guavas, bananas, grapes, Chinese pork sausages, dried and crispy sweeter pork. Additionally, the fair's purpose is to promote tourism in Nakhon Pathom.
* Activities: 1.Exhibiting and selling well-known food products and varieties of vegetables and fruits.
2. Displaying and selling local handicrafts.
3. Showing of local culture and tourist attractions and activities of Nakhon Pathom.
Loi Krathong Festival:November
* Held within the Sanam Chand Palace ground, contests of many interesting items are held such as Krathongs (decorated baskets), hanging lamp shades, Miss Nopamart, including the interesting folklore playing and displaying of fireworks.
Paying homage to Phra Pathom Chedi Fair: Taking place during the 12 th, waxing moon day to the 4 th, waning moon day on the 12 Th, lunar month of every year.
*Venue: In the precinct of the Phra Pathom Chedi, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Pathom.
*Background: The festival fair for Paying home to Phra Pathom Chedi is held annually for nine days and nights. There are all kinds of entertainment as well as displays of the local products.
*Activities: 1. Paying homage to a relic of Lord Buddha and Phra Pathom Chedi and making
merit.
2. Attending red cross activities.
3. Participating in activities of local schools and government sections.
4. Practicing gun shooting organized by the police.
5. Buying various kinds of goods and products from factories, companies and stores.
Jumbo Banquet & Jumbo Queen Contest:
*Samphan Elephant Ground & Zoo host Jumbo Banquet in May 1 st in honor of the gentle elephant which are so well loved in Thailand. 2 Tons of elephant's favorite edibles are selected for them to feast on and Jumbo Queen contest is provided to find the participant of XL ladies that best exhibits the characteristics of the titanic elephant.
German outfits, Hawaiian Elvis music, and Thai food
Tuesday, 28 September 2004
Today, Ku Ai's professor from Victoria University in Australia visited our school. He met with Ku Ai about his doctoral thesis, talked to us about the Engish Program, and then we all went out to dinner. They must like taking all farangs to the fancy places, because I've eaten here three times already! I was laughing as we pulled into the fancy, overpriced restaurant in Phutthamonthon that serves Thai food, but also has spaghetti and Haagen-Dazs ice cream. It's got nice ambience for sure, as you sit outdoors overlooking this beautiful pond, albeit with German beer signposts. But, it gets better....or worse you might say. Imagine this...Thai servers wearing German outfits and hats, a Blue Hawai'i record playing on the loudspeaker with Elvis singing the Hawaiian wedding song, and us eating authentic Thai food, with Haagen-Dazs ice cream and fried bananas dessert to finish it off. Strange I tell you.
Tomorrow, we will have more visitors as the kindergarten classes have visitors for some award they have received. It is a big deal, as of course everything is here, and they have been hard at work, making everything look nice, getting white boards for the classrooms, planting flowers, etc.
Today, Ku Ai's professor from Victoria University in Australia visited our school. He met with Ku Ai about his doctoral thesis, talked to us about the Engish Program, and then we all went out to dinner. They must like taking all farangs to the fancy places, because I've eaten here three times already! I was laughing as we pulled into the fancy, overpriced restaurant in Phutthamonthon that serves Thai food, but also has spaghetti and Haagen-Dazs ice cream. It's got nice ambience for sure, as you sit outdoors overlooking this beautiful pond, albeit with German beer signposts. But, it gets better....or worse you might say. Imagine this...Thai servers wearing German outfits and hats, a Blue Hawai'i record playing on the loudspeaker with Elvis singing the Hawaiian wedding song, and us eating authentic Thai food, with Haagen-Dazs ice cream and fried bananas dessert to finish it off. Strange I tell you.
Tomorrow, we will have more visitors as the kindergarten classes have visitors for some award they have received. It is a big deal, as of course everything is here, and they have been hard at work, making everything look nice, getting white boards for the classrooms, planting flowers, etc.
Monday, September 27, 2004
The Seahawks in Thailand?
Monday, 27 September 2004
Tonight Christy was channel surfing, and lo and behold, the Seattle Seahawks were playing on TV. It was strange to be in Thailand, watching the Seahawks in the Seahawks stadium on TV. But, Monday night football proved to be the best show on as the Seahawks beat the 49ers! Woo hoo (Sorry, Mom!). It was cool to be able to show Tik and Aw, as we ate dinner together, a little bit of Seattle. We were hoping for more shots of the city, but no, so then I just had to break out the photo album.
Tonight Christy was channel surfing, and lo and behold, the Seattle Seahawks were playing on TV. It was strange to be in Thailand, watching the Seahawks in the Seahawks stadium on TV. But, Monday night football proved to be the best show on as the Seahawks beat the 49ers! Woo hoo (Sorry, Mom!). It was cool to be able to show Tik and Aw, as we ate dinner together, a little bit of Seattle. We were hoping for more shots of the city, but no, so then I just had to break out the photo album.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Facts About Nakhon Pathom
Monday, 27 September 2004
While I was surfing the Internet for places to visit, I came upon this, which I found interesting about the town I am living in, and I thought I'd share it:
"Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 Kms. from Bangkok. The province features an ancient religious structure called “Phra Pathom Chedi”, the first religious landmark that signified the influx of Buddhism into Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruits varieties and famous dishes. (Pork is a huge thing here!)
Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered during the Dvaravati civilisation. According to archaeological findings, Nakhon Pathom was the first city to possess influences of Buddhism and Indian civilisations. From the Phra Pathom Chedi and other remains discovered in the city area, it is believed that the city was a centre of civilisation in that era. People of different races settled in Nakhon Pathom. However, a change in the course of the river caused a draught that forced the people to migrate and settle on the banks of river, and these communities developed into towns. The new town was called “Nakhon Chaisi” or “Sirichai”, leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for hundreds of years until the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty was in monk hood, he travelled to Nakhon Pathom and found the Phra Pathom Chedi that he regarded to be the largest pagoda of all.
When King Rama IV ascended to the throne, he commanded that a bell shaped Chedi be built to cover the former Chedi. The surrounding area was also renovated and improved. He also commanded that a water canal be dug to facilitate commuting, which was called Chedi Bucha canal. During the reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways to the south began, at that time Nakhon Pathom was still a heavily forested area. King Rama V also commanded that the town be relocated from Tambon Thana, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, to the Phra Pathom Chedi area as it used to be. Nakhon Pathom has been there ever since.
During the reign of King Rama VI, a palace was built at Tambon Sanam Chan as a temporary residence on his travels and many roads were constructed. A large bridge was also built over the Chedi Bucha canal, which His Majesty named “Saphan Charoensattha”. Later, he commanded that the name of Nakhon Chaisi be changed to Nakhon Pathom, but the name of the prefecture was still called “Nakhon Chaisi” until the reign of King Rama VII when the calling of the prefecture was ended. Nakhon Chaisi is now one of the districts in Nakhon Pathom.
Nakhon Pathom covers an area of 2,168 square kilometres or 542,081.6 acres. It is divided into 7 administrative districts or Amphoe, they are: Amphoe Muang Nakhon Pathom, Amphoe Buddhamonthon, Amphoe Sam Phran, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Bang Len, Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen, and Amphoe Don Toom. Most of the areas are plains with no mountainous land, plateau are found in the west east of Amphoe Muang and Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen. The plains along the Tha Cheen River (Nakhon Chaisi River) are the location of Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Sam Phran, and Amphoe Bang Len. These fertile lands provide agricultural area for people, thus most of the residents earn their living from agriculture; plantations, farming, growing food crops, and fruit orchards. Especially so of pomelo. Nakhon Pathom is well known for pomelo, some call the Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo town."
While I was surfing the Internet for places to visit, I came upon this, which I found interesting about the town I am living in, and I thought I'd share it:
"Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 Kms. from Bangkok. The province features an ancient religious structure called “Phra Pathom Chedi”, the first religious landmark that signified the influx of Buddhism into Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruits varieties and famous dishes. (Pork is a huge thing here!)
Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered during the Dvaravati civilisation. According to archaeological findings, Nakhon Pathom was the first city to possess influences of Buddhism and Indian civilisations. From the Phra Pathom Chedi and other remains discovered in the city area, it is believed that the city was a centre of civilisation in that era. People of different races settled in Nakhon Pathom. However, a change in the course of the river caused a draught that forced the people to migrate and settle on the banks of river, and these communities developed into towns. The new town was called “Nakhon Chaisi” or “Sirichai”, leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for hundreds of years until the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty was in monk hood, he travelled to Nakhon Pathom and found the Phra Pathom Chedi that he regarded to be the largest pagoda of all.
When King Rama IV ascended to the throne, he commanded that a bell shaped Chedi be built to cover the former Chedi. The surrounding area was also renovated and improved. He also commanded that a water canal be dug to facilitate commuting, which was called Chedi Bucha canal. During the reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways to the south began, at that time Nakhon Pathom was still a heavily forested area. King Rama V also commanded that the town be relocated from Tambon Thana, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, to the Phra Pathom Chedi area as it used to be. Nakhon Pathom has been there ever since.
During the reign of King Rama VI, a palace was built at Tambon Sanam Chan as a temporary residence on his travels and many roads were constructed. A large bridge was also built over the Chedi Bucha canal, which His Majesty named “Saphan Charoensattha”. Later, he commanded that the name of Nakhon Chaisi be changed to Nakhon Pathom, but the name of the prefecture was still called “Nakhon Chaisi” until the reign of King Rama VII when the calling of the prefecture was ended. Nakhon Chaisi is now one of the districts in Nakhon Pathom.
Nakhon Pathom covers an area of 2,168 square kilometres or 542,081.6 acres. It is divided into 7 administrative districts or Amphoe, they are: Amphoe Muang Nakhon Pathom, Amphoe Buddhamonthon, Amphoe Sam Phran, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Bang Len, Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen, and Amphoe Don Toom. Most of the areas are plains with no mountainous land, plateau are found in the west east of Amphoe Muang and Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen. The plains along the Tha Cheen River (Nakhon Chaisi River) are the location of Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Sam Phran, and Amphoe Bang Len. These fertile lands provide agricultural area for people, thus most of the residents earn their living from agriculture; plantations, farming, growing food crops, and fruit orchards. Especially so of pomelo. Nakhon Pathom is well known for pomelo, some call the Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo town."
Eating again?!
Sunday, 26 September 2004
Today, P'Pau and her sister, Yope's mother, took us for coffee at the Hello coffee shop near our school. We had our latte frappes and pastries. Yum! Yope's mother asked how much it would cost for me to teach Yope English. (Christy later told me she thinks she is trying to set me and Yope up! I don't think so.) A few people, parents and coworkers are starting to ask if Christy and I can tutor them in English. We haven't made any commitments yet, as our schedule is already so full, we don't want to overload ourselves yet. P'Pau keeps mentioning that she wants to take us to a swimming pool, but we haven't seen it yet. Tonight, they took us out to dinner. I definitely know who to go shopping with now, as P'Pau pulled me into a little jewelry shop, where I bought some gifts for friends and myself, while the store workers commented that they thought I was Thai. Then, we ate prawns, chicken (at Christy's request, we ended up getting chicken in a couple different dishes), noodles, fish, and topped it off with ice cream. During dinner, Christy said, "Look, another farang," as there was another person of non-Asian descent dining at a nearby table. I jokingly asked if they had made eye contact. It's not very often you see a farang in Nakhon Pathom. After cleaning up the plates (Thai people are beginning to realize that Tanya has a rather large appetite and does not like to waste food!), I'll go to bed on a full stomach tonight!
Today, P'Pau and her sister, Yope's mother, took us for coffee at the Hello coffee shop near our school. We had our latte frappes and pastries. Yum! Yope's mother asked how much it would cost for me to teach Yope English. (Christy later told me she thinks she is trying to set me and Yope up! I don't think so.) A few people, parents and coworkers are starting to ask if Christy and I can tutor them in English. We haven't made any commitments yet, as our schedule is already so full, we don't want to overload ourselves yet. P'Pau keeps mentioning that she wants to take us to a swimming pool, but we haven't seen it yet. Tonight, they took us out to dinner. I definitely know who to go shopping with now, as P'Pau pulled me into a little jewelry shop, where I bought some gifts for friends and myself, while the store workers commented that they thought I was Thai. Then, we ate prawns, chicken (at Christy's request, we ended up getting chicken in a couple different dishes), noodles, fish, and topped it off with ice cream. During dinner, Christy said, "Look, another farang," as there was another person of non-Asian descent dining at a nearby table. I jokingly asked if they had made eye contact. It's not very often you see a farang in Nakhon Pathom. After cleaning up the plates (Thai people are beginning to realize that Tanya has a rather large appetite and does not like to waste food!), I'll go to bed on a full stomach tonight!
Saturday, September 25, 2004
We Need Good Children's Books To Teach These Kids How To Read!
This is a request that Christy and I recently sent out to teacher friends and family:
Hello dear teacher friends! Sawadee ka from Thailand!
I know many of you offered to send anything if we needed it so I am sending out a request....
Christy and I are finding that it is hard to find good books here!! (in English at least...)
We need stories that we can read to the kids and they will understand but yet have enough substance to do comprehension activities with as well as books that they might be able to soon read. Some ideas we had are:
I Spy series: (I brought a Hawai'i one here, and they love it!) I think they would love others too!
Frog and Toad series
Henry and Mudge series
Emergent Readers Science
Hello Readers - Level 1 or 2
I Can Read Book Series - Level 1 or 2
Step Into Reading Series - Beginning levels
Puffin Easy to Read Books
Little Bear Series
Dr. Seuss books
Any of the circle books like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and all the renditions of this (ie: If you Give a Moose A Muffin)
I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, and all the renditions of this story
Or any fun books that you think beginning English speakers would enjoy as a read aloud....so far a few books we have read are Caps for Sale, Chicka Chicka - Boom Boom, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Down By the Bay just to give an idea of where they are. And they love and constantly recite all of these! We've come to realize that some books we have are too difficult content-wise and vocabulary-wise for them to understand, and some of our American books just aren't culturally appropriate. But, as they begin to learn more English words (you won't believe how many visual aids we have made - clip art is our friend!), and make connections to the Thai words, I know reading will get easier for them!
Any good kids' videos (on DVD) or books on tape would be good too. Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, etc.
I think you could find all of these on Scholastic. I will warn you that it is pretty pricey to mail things here!! Also, the book rate is cheaper BUT might take 10 months to get here....even if they say only 1 month. It is better send things through the US Post Office rather than UPS or anything like this. Or, if you can figure out a way to get books to my mom in California or to Hawai'i, I will be going home during Thanksgiving to be in my cousin's wedding in Hawai'i, and I could bring some books back then!
My address here is:
Tanya Mau
c/o: Bamrung Wittaya School
78"25 Makara Rd.
Nakhon Pathom
Thailand
73000
Thank you, thank you in advance for being willing to invest in Thailand's future!! :)
I hope the beginning of your school years are going well!
A personal thanks to Auntie Shelley, Laurie, Chuck, Eric, Erin, and others who have already offered to help!
Hello dear teacher friends! Sawadee ka from Thailand!
I know many of you offered to send anything if we needed it so I am sending out a request....
Christy and I are finding that it is hard to find good books here!! (in English at least...)
We need stories that we can read to the kids and they will understand but yet have enough substance to do comprehension activities with as well as books that they might be able to soon read. Some ideas we had are:
I Spy series: (I brought a Hawai'i one here, and they love it!) I think they would love others too!
Frog and Toad series
Henry and Mudge series
Emergent Readers Science
Hello Readers - Level 1 or 2
I Can Read Book Series - Level 1 or 2
Step Into Reading Series - Beginning levels
Puffin Easy to Read Books
Little Bear Series
Dr. Seuss books
Any of the circle books like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and all the renditions of this (ie: If you Give a Moose A Muffin)
I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, and all the renditions of this story
Or any fun books that you think beginning English speakers would enjoy as a read aloud....so far a few books we have read are Caps for Sale, Chicka Chicka - Boom Boom, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Down By the Bay just to give an idea of where they are. And they love and constantly recite all of these! We've come to realize that some books we have are too difficult content-wise and vocabulary-wise for them to understand, and some of our American books just aren't culturally appropriate. But, as they begin to learn more English words (you won't believe how many visual aids we have made - clip art is our friend!), and make connections to the Thai words, I know reading will get easier for them!
Any good kids' videos (on DVD) or books on tape would be good too. Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, etc.
I think you could find all of these on Scholastic. I will warn you that it is pretty pricey to mail things here!! Also, the book rate is cheaper BUT might take 10 months to get here....even if they say only 1 month. It is better send things through the US Post Office rather than UPS or anything like this. Or, if you can figure out a way to get books to my mom in California or to Hawai'i, I will be going home during Thanksgiving to be in my cousin's wedding in Hawai'i, and I could bring some books back then!
My address here is:
Tanya Mau
c/o: Bamrung Wittaya School
78"25 Makara Rd.
Nakhon Pathom
Thailand
73000
Thank you, thank you in advance for being willing to invest in Thailand's future!! :)
I hope the beginning of your school years are going well!
A personal thanks to Auntie Shelley, Laurie, Chuck, Eric, Erin, and others who have already offered to help!
Friday, September 24, 2004
Technology at its Finest
Friday, 24 September 2004
Today, Yope, one of our technology specialists and the nephew of our finance director (It seems as if all of our staff is related here!), took me to a computer store so I could by a handy drive. I wanted to get something to load all my pictures from the computer on so I could print them up at the photo shop. When we were there, I asked if one of our computers at school had a cd burner, as I figured it would be easy enough to burn cds of my photos as well. He said yes, but then I asked him where, if it was in the EP (English Program) building or on the other campus. And, suddenly, he was buying a cd burner and a pack of cds for the English Program. I wasn't going to complain, but sometimes these things happen out of sheer issues with communicating in broken English and Thai.
Speaking of technology, some of you might be curious as to how to call Thailand from the U.S. I looked it up (and Mom, you'll just have to try it to see if it works), and you have to dial the international access code (011), then the country code for Thailand (66), and then my phone number (01-1753725). You have to leave off the "0" of my phone number. If you still cannot connect, you can dial "00" to ask the operator to help you place the call. So, let's try that again: 011-66-1-1753725. The best time to call for you is either early in the morning when you get to work (7 - 8 am Seattle time, 9 - 10 pm Thailand time - because I will be getting ready to go to bed, and I am often IM'ing people at that time), or at the end of your work day at around 5 pm (because it will be 7 am the next day here, before school for me, and I am often checking email at that time). Thailand is 14 hours ahead of Seattle, but when Daylight Savings happens, it will change.
I have been having difficulty calling Seattle. I have tried to call many of you, but it keeps telling me that I have the wrong prefix number when I dial 206, but I have been successful in calling Hawai'i and California, so I will keep trying.
Today, Yope, one of our technology specialists and the nephew of our finance director (It seems as if all of our staff is related here!), took me to a computer store so I could by a handy drive. I wanted to get something to load all my pictures from the computer on so I could print them up at the photo shop. When we were there, I asked if one of our computers at school had a cd burner, as I figured it would be easy enough to burn cds of my photos as well. He said yes, but then I asked him where, if it was in the EP (English Program) building or on the other campus. And, suddenly, he was buying a cd burner and a pack of cds for the English Program. I wasn't going to complain, but sometimes these things happen out of sheer issues with communicating in broken English and Thai.
Speaking of technology, some of you might be curious as to how to call Thailand from the U.S. I looked it up (and Mom, you'll just have to try it to see if it works), and you have to dial the international access code (011), then the country code for Thailand (66), and then my phone number (01-1753725). You have to leave off the "0" of my phone number. If you still cannot connect, you can dial "00" to ask the operator to help you place the call. So, let's try that again: 011-66-1-1753725. The best time to call for you is either early in the morning when you get to work (7 - 8 am Seattle time, 9 - 10 pm Thailand time - because I will be getting ready to go to bed, and I am often IM'ing people at that time), or at the end of your work day at around 5 pm (because it will be 7 am the next day here, before school for me, and I am often checking email at that time). Thailand is 14 hours ahead of Seattle, but when Daylight Savings happens, it will change.
I have been having difficulty calling Seattle. I have tried to call many of you, but it keeps telling me that I have the wrong prefix number when I dial 206, but I have been successful in calling Hawai'i and California, so I will keep trying.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
The Ministry of Education Inspection
Tuesday, 21 September 2004
No, it's not something from Harry Potter's adventures. Today, 7 people from the Ministry of Education in Bangkok came to "inspect", or rather meet with us, hear a presentation of our English Program, and watch us teach. Christy and I were up until midnight last night preparing and organizing our student files, lesson plans, assessments, and rubrics to present. Other administrative people were busy decorating the walls with future board (a plastic board we use for our posters here), preparing the power point presentation of the history of the school, complete with individual pictures of nearly every staff member of the administration, our pictures, and credentials, as well as pictures of the founders of our school (which is over 100 years old).
At about 9 pm, our manager asked us if we could print up pictures of our students to decorate the bare walls of what is usually our dining room, but was now being converted into a formal meeting room. So, we printed up about 60 pictures on the color printer and started collaging the walls. Probably could have predicted someone was going to ask us to decorate that room.
Needless to say, after a long night of hard work and hardly any sleep (but they did provide dinner for us, the usual rice and noodle dishes we eat here, plus Ku Ai was still hungry and decided to have pizza delivered...yes, I ate barbeque pizza and sausage and mushroom pizza here in Thailand. It was delicious, even with the sausage stuffed in the crust. Let me guess, pork?!), the presentation went well. Christy and I presented our knowledge of the standards, how the English Program is different from the regular Thai education, and that we focus on developing "critical thinkers, creativity, and discipline". We showed the folder of our Instructional Management Records (detailed daily lesson plans which need to be signed by our principal), our knowledge of all the types of assessments and rubrics that exist here, and our Project Plans.
Project plans are "extra" programs or activities that help to enrich the students' education, not a prescribed curricululm. One of the plans we presented was our Centers we do after school each day (since our children are here until 6 pm daily). We explained how they work and how they are meant to help the children practice using their English, doing activities we have learned in class, on an independent basis, with limited help from the teachers. Next, I presented the 20/20 club. (Thanks to my past teaching partner Leslie Day and Sanislo - you're a hit in Thailand now!). Not a nouveau idea in the states, but the Ministry officials thought that having the students read for at least 20 minutes for at least 20 nights of every month was the greatest idea ever! They complimented both me and Christy for our teaching experiences and for our dedication to the profession.
Then they came into the classroom to watch me teach a math lesson on shapes and patterning. They had commented earlier that they were worried that the students would have difficulty understanding our English when we talk. But, when they observed my lesson, I think they might have been surprised at how vocal the students were and how they really grasped the new concept I was teaching. The students were very engaged and the lesson went very well, even with about 15 adults hovering over 6 students.
As I taught, Christy answered questions they had, and one suggestion they gave us was to label all of our vocabulary posted in the room in Thai as well. After all, this is a bilingual program, and not an only English program. After my lesson, one of the officials asked if we would be willing to present a seminar to other English program teachers. He would like us to prepare a half day's worth session, demonstrating teaching methods we use as well as projects and ideas for teaching English as a Foreign Language. Thailand is still trying to move away from being a teacher- centered classroom to a student-centered classroom.
We all had lunch together, as they asked us about where we have visited since we've been here, what brought us to Thailand, and how I must be fine with the food here since it is like food in Hawai'i. The officials had many complimentary things to say to the both of us, and hoped that we choose to stay at this school and that we "stay in Thailand for good" because it needs teachers like us.
It was nice to hear, and now Christy and I can get a little more sleep, well, that is for at least a week, until we have to give final exams, have the student prepare portfolios of their work, and write report cards!
No, it's not something from Harry Potter's adventures. Today, 7 people from the Ministry of Education in Bangkok came to "inspect", or rather meet with us, hear a presentation of our English Program, and watch us teach. Christy and I were up until midnight last night preparing and organizing our student files, lesson plans, assessments, and rubrics to present. Other administrative people were busy decorating the walls with future board (a plastic board we use for our posters here), preparing the power point presentation of the history of the school, complete with individual pictures of nearly every staff member of the administration, our pictures, and credentials, as well as pictures of the founders of our school (which is over 100 years old).
At about 9 pm, our manager asked us if we could print up pictures of our students to decorate the bare walls of what is usually our dining room, but was now being converted into a formal meeting room. So, we printed up about 60 pictures on the color printer and started collaging the walls. Probably could have predicted someone was going to ask us to decorate that room.
Needless to say, after a long night of hard work and hardly any sleep (but they did provide dinner for us, the usual rice and noodle dishes we eat here, plus Ku Ai was still hungry and decided to have pizza delivered...yes, I ate barbeque pizza and sausage and mushroom pizza here in Thailand. It was delicious, even with the sausage stuffed in the crust. Let me guess, pork?!), the presentation went well. Christy and I presented our knowledge of the standards, how the English Program is different from the regular Thai education, and that we focus on developing "critical thinkers, creativity, and discipline". We showed the folder of our Instructional Management Records (detailed daily lesson plans which need to be signed by our principal), our knowledge of all the types of assessments and rubrics that exist here, and our Project Plans.
Project plans are "extra" programs or activities that help to enrich the students' education, not a prescribed curricululm. One of the plans we presented was our Centers we do after school each day (since our children are here until 6 pm daily). We explained how they work and how they are meant to help the children practice using their English, doing activities we have learned in class, on an independent basis, with limited help from the teachers. Next, I presented the 20/20 club. (Thanks to my past teaching partner Leslie Day and Sanislo - you're a hit in Thailand now!). Not a nouveau idea in the states, but the Ministry officials thought that having the students read for at least 20 minutes for at least 20 nights of every month was the greatest idea ever! They complimented both me and Christy for our teaching experiences and for our dedication to the profession.
Then they came into the classroom to watch me teach a math lesson on shapes and patterning. They had commented earlier that they were worried that the students would have difficulty understanding our English when we talk. But, when they observed my lesson, I think they might have been surprised at how vocal the students were and how they really grasped the new concept I was teaching. The students were very engaged and the lesson went very well, even with about 15 adults hovering over 6 students.
As I taught, Christy answered questions they had, and one suggestion they gave us was to label all of our vocabulary posted in the room in Thai as well. After all, this is a bilingual program, and not an only English program. After my lesson, one of the officials asked if we would be willing to present a seminar to other English program teachers. He would like us to prepare a half day's worth session, demonstrating teaching methods we use as well as projects and ideas for teaching English as a Foreign Language. Thailand is still trying to move away from being a teacher- centered classroom to a student-centered classroom.
We all had lunch together, as they asked us about where we have visited since we've been here, what brought us to Thailand, and how I must be fine with the food here since it is like food in Hawai'i. The officials had many complimentary things to say to the both of us, and hoped that we choose to stay at this school and that we "stay in Thailand for good" because it needs teachers like us.
It was nice to hear, and now Christy and I can get a little more sleep, well, that is for at least a week, until we have to give final exams, have the student prepare portfolios of their work, and write report cards!
Early Morning Eating and Shopping
Saturday, 18 September 2004
Does it surprise you? Sleeping, eating, shopping, sleeping, eating, shopping. What's new? Matt slept over last night, and we both got up early and headed to Soi Sawng to get breakfast. We had a rice soup, like Chinese jook and a sweet red juice drink. Then, we shopped around and bought bags of rambutan, fried treats with bamboo shoots and pork inside, a couple blouses, fun stationary (I get a kick out of how funny the pictures and the incorrect use of English grammar is on much of the stationary here.), and red fabric so I can get a long skirt made for our teacher uniform on Mondays.
Matt took me to her house to visit her family. We had coffee and some of our snacks while looking at photographs of her friends and checking out their fishpond and yard full of banana trees, papaya trees, longan, chili, and vegetables. It was wonderful to see a local Thai house and see how people live, which is not too different from a house in Hawai'i.
We then came back to school to work some more to get ready for the arrival of the Ministry of Education on Tuesday.
Does it surprise you? Sleeping, eating, shopping, sleeping, eating, shopping. What's new? Matt slept over last night, and we both got up early and headed to Soi Sawng to get breakfast. We had a rice soup, like Chinese jook and a sweet red juice drink. Then, we shopped around and bought bags of rambutan, fried treats with bamboo shoots and pork inside, a couple blouses, fun stationary (I get a kick out of how funny the pictures and the incorrect use of English grammar is on much of the stationary here.), and red fabric so I can get a long skirt made for our teacher uniform on Mondays.
Matt took me to her house to visit her family. We had coffee and some of our snacks while looking at photographs of her friends and checking out their fishpond and yard full of banana trees, papaya trees, longan, chili, and vegetables. It was wonderful to see a local Thai house and see how people live, which is not too different from a house in Hawai'i.
We then came back to school to work some more to get ready for the arrival of the Ministry of Education on Tuesday.
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