Meet and Greet

This post is dedicated to my students here in Thailand. Like I have mentioned previously, I only see a majority of my classes once a week, and I have a total of 19 classes. That's a total of approximately 450 students I see in one week, compared to a typical 150-200 students an American teacher has per year. So, I have a ton of students. Minus the typical handful of problem students, these kids are beyond awesome. Here are a few of the highlights of my one and half month of teaching these rascals so far:

• Their nick names. Obviously the full Thai names are just too outrageous and impossible to pronounce, therefore, every Thai student has a "nick name". I am still unsure of where their nick names come from. I have heard that they is given to them by their parents when they are young, but some of these names are so cruel/hilarious to be given by a parent. So the verdict is still out on the origins of the nick names. The nick names are typically just random English words with a few random traditional Thai sounds mixed in. Here are the best names from my group of students: Cake, Poo, Pee, Big Boss, Upgrade, Beer, Arm, Champ, Bootzii, Chomper, Captain, Not, Stang, Ask, F, Q.....you get the picture. These are the names I get to call my students without any chance of  repercussions for my actions. And that's awesome.
• I hear at least once a day "Ohhhh, Teachaa beautiful", which will always put a smile on your face. These kids are the best at complimenting. BUT the intended meaning of some compliments often get lost in translation. For example, I have also had a student say straight to my face, in a completely excited and genuine tone, "Teachaa tall, like Godzilla!". So yeah, there's a lot of miss communication going on.
• Wai Kru Day (Teacher appreciation Day) was an awesome experience. It's a day where the students show their appreciation to the teachers by creating these elaborate flower arrangements and presenting them on stage to each individual teacher. It is unlike anything that takes place in the United States. It is a real testament to how highly Thai people view the teaching profession. 
•  PICTURES. These kids, not unlike American kids, are obsessed with pictures. If there is any downtime in class or between classes there are pictures being taken. It actually works out well for me, because it seems I love pictures just as much! haha. I have captured some unbelievably beautiful moments with these kids so far. Here are a few of my favorite student shots I've taken at school...
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Needless to say, my students are the bomb, and I'm enjoying getting to work with them everyday. It is definitely a challenge dealing with the communication barrier, but it is turning me into such a better teacher already. I am excited to see what the rest of my time with these crazies will bring. Good vibes are flowing out here for sure! Until next time..