Afternoon Activities: Trip to Lotus Pond in Zuoying

Afternoon activities with the San Sin students influence their English learning as much as does their classroom instruction.  During the week, groups of students can invite the American teachers to participate in any number of excursions in the free time following lunch.  On Tuesday, July 10, students from Classes B and D accompanied the teachers to Zuoying to visit one of old Fongshan County's Eight Wonders, the Lotus Pond.  Traveling by taxi, MRT, and bus, the group came to this northern area to see the temples and the surrounding scenery.

The Dragon and Tiger Tower at Lotus Pond has special symbolism: going into the dragon's mouth and coming out from the tiger's mouth will turn one's bad luck into good fortune.  The Spring and Autumn Pagodas are connected by a "nine points bridge."  Visitors can climb stairs to reach the top of each pagoda and look out over the beautiful pond.  Nearby, the giant statue of Syan Tian Emperor extends 72 meters high.  The group visited a turtle pond and the nearby temples.  The afternoon activities provide the American teachers with an introduction to the rich history of Taiwan, while the San Sin students practice their conversational English non-stop!

While some of the teachers went to Lotus Pond, teachers David and Frank stayed back at the school to play frisbee on the school grounds with some of the students from Class E.  Many campus groups practice at school during the summer, so Frank took the opportunity to pose with the school Honor Guard!

WEEK TWO: Teaching about Travel

The topic for the second week of the Summer English Program was international travel and vacations.  The San Sin students learned a new list of vocabulary words and focused on the steps involved in arranging trips.   They learned about travel agents, tour guides, itineraries, souvenirs, national parks, and the Seven Wonders of the World!

There is a wide range of abilities among the students in each class:  some have an extensive English vocabulary while others are more limited.  One thing the Taiwanese students all have in common is a love of sleep.  Every chance they get, before class, during breaks, after lunch.....they will sleep.  Teacher David decided that if you can't beat them, join them! 










After classes were finished for the day, Mr. Shih treated the teachers, teaching assistants, and Helen Lee to a Hot Pot lunch at a very big restaurant with lots of choices! It is safe to say that most of the teachers ate too much, especially since the many desserts were hard to resist........

A happy group travels on the bus to the Hot Pot restaurant.

Saturday Trip to Fo Guang Shan

Early on Saturday, July 7th, some of the American teachers traveled with Jerry and Ellie Fussell to the Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Buddha Memorial Center.  This Buddhist shrine with a reception center, college, museums, libraries, training center, monastic residential community, exhibition hall, and other facilities is the largest Buddhist temple complex in Taiwan--and it is quite breathtaking. 

Venerable Master Hsing Yun established Fo Guang Shan in 1967 in order to accomplish four objectives:  "to propogate Buddhism, to foster talent through education, to benefit society through charitable programs, and to purify human minds through Buddhist practice."   The inauguration of the new Buddha Memorial Center took place in 2011 and was attended by thousands of devotees.  Five hundred monastics were ordained, and the cultural and historical significance of Fo Guang Shan was again celebrated.

The American visitors became familiar with the many important spiritual teachings of Buddha, including compassion, wisdom, altruism, and equality.  Their tour guide provided the group with rich detail about the history of Buddhism and the underlying philosophy:

Ships sail the ocean path, light shows us the path at night.
Good deeds show us the path of righteousness.
Compassion and intelligence show us the path to enlightenment.

The largest seated bronze Buddha in the world (108 meters high from the base) was a spectacular sight!  The teachers practiced writing calligraphy, sipped tea, and enjoyed a vegetarian lunch with hundreds of other visitors. 

On the way back to Kaohsiung, the group stopped at Cishan, known as the "Banana Kingdom."  They visited the train station, browsed in small shops, and enjoyed a refreshing banana popsicle--as the summer temperature continued to climb!

 

WEEK ONE: July 4-6: Teaching English and Managing the Classroom

The Fourth of July--Independence Day--is an important holiday for Americans.  On July 4th, the teachers wore t-shirts bearing American flags.  They discussed the meaning of the holiday with their San SIn students within the American Culture unit. In Taiwan, July 4th was a working day just like any other school day!  After classes were finished for the day, the teachers shared ideas about how to manage the behaviors of the students in the classroom.  The usual problems facing American teachers were found in their classes on the other side of the world as well--too much talking and use of cell phones during class time!

Every Wednesday evening, the teachers take a yoga class at San Sin.  In their first yoga class, the yoga teacher educated them about the philosophy behind yoga as an exercise for both body and mind.  The American teachers appreciated Roslyn's translation of the yoga teacher's Mandarin Chinese!  The class provided them with a good introduction to yoga and a good workout!










Thursday, July 5th, was "School Reporting Day" at San Sin, with many San Sin students coming to school to get their report cards.  So the American teachers taught only half of their usual class schedule. For lunch, they enjoyed the traditional Taiwanese Hot Pot restaurant directly across from the school with English teachers Julia and Johanne.  They learned how to cook meat, vegetables, and seafood together in one collective individual pot!  And after classes on Friday, they walked to one of the many beef noodle shops in Kaohsiung with some of their favorite students!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012 -- Josi Markel's Birthday!

On the second day of teaching, the San Sin students settled into a routine and continued to work on their American Culture unit. The American teachers have adapted to the school and home environments, and they are all doing well.  It was also Josi Markel's birthday, and her students noted that event on the chalkboard in the classroom!  

Mr. Shih held a traditional tea ceremoony for everyone.  He explained the nature of the tea and how tea leaves are picked, and then brewed. Mr. Shih shows so much kindness t the Amercan teachers, and he helps them to learn about Taiwanese culture at every turn!

The teaching assistants enjoyed the tea and the company....they are a fun-loving group!

 

Opening Ceremony for San Sin-TCC Summer English Program

The Opening Ceremony for the San Sin-TCC Summer English Program was held on Monday, July 2, 2012 in the school auditorium.  Principal Wang Ming-Kuen spoke to all students in attendance, emphasizing the impressive 20-year history of the summer program and the number of students who have benefitted from this cultural exchange. 

Dr. O’Kon also addressed the students, stating that it is an honor for the American teachers to be invited to San Sin each year and for them to experience the kindness of the Taiwanese people.  She encouraged them to ask the teachers for help whenever needed.  Then, the American student teachers introduced themselves one by one. 

Following the ceremony, all students went to their classrooms for the first lesson on “American Culture.”  They translated and reviewed their new vocabulary words, and practiced oral communication as well. The American student teachers described their first day of teaching as “exciting, fun, and exhilarating,” but it was also exhausting!

American teachers gathered in their office
on the 7th floor after the first day of teaching!

Diandra was worn out after the first day
of teaching English!

Welcome Luncheon on Sunday, July 1

A Welcome Luncheon was held for the American student teachers and their host families on Sunday, July 1st at the Hwa-Young Dining Room at Talee Department Store.  The American teachers were introduced to Taiwanese cuisine, including two soups, fish, pork, and many other delicious dishes.  After the wonderful meal, the group traveled to San Sin High School, where they viewed their classrooms and tried out their computers.  They anticipated their first day of teaching with excitement and a little nervousness!