…Sort of…
South Korea has a very intricate tiered plan for all grades to be back in school by June 8th. This started with the seniors (or High School, grade 3) returning to school on the 20th of May.
Middle School 3rd Grade, and Elementary 1st and 2nd Grades, returned to school on May 27th. Middle School 2nd Grade, along with Elementary 3rd and 4th Grades will return this Wednesday, the 3rd of June. Middle School 1st Grade and Elementary 5th and 6th Grades will return Monday, June 8th.
Although this may seem clear cut, it is, indeed, not. Every school handles its own schedule for the students, to ensure proper social distancing and sanitation is followed. Some schools are scheduling a rotating program where different grades come different weeks. My middle school is one of these.
Notice the cardboard dividers at each seat
Students return, per their parents’ discretion. Body temperatures are checked before the students enter the school, as well as when they enter their classrooms. Teachers must ask students throughout the day how they are feeling. If there are any potential symptoms related to Coronavirus, the student is to be taken to a containment room (an empty classroom designated for this purpose) and will be observed by a teacher until the child’s parents arrive to pick them up.
Last week, I completed my calling class with my elementary students. I have been calling these students for approximately 1.5 months. When I asked one student if they were excited to come back to school they said “No. I am scared, because of Coronavirus”.
It is definitely a strange time. Some schools closed back down on the first day (May 20th) when students were reported to have Coronavirus. Headlines in the US have made these single digit schools sound like an entire nation. As of now, we are still up and running.
First Live Classes
Today, I taught my first live classes of 3rd grade middle schoolers. It was…an experience. I share the 40 minute block with the drama teacher. Therefore, I have 20 minutes to teach students conversational English they should be able to apply to their drama class work. It is a challenge I have, thus far, enjoyed as it was all online. Now, I am seeing the reality of the challenge ahead of me. I appreciate, however, the classic middle school snarkiness these students offer. I am truly looking forward to future classes with them.
They definitely have a sense of humor that shines through.
Within minutes, I was able to pick out the class clowns, the gifted English speakers, and obviously the shy ones. Here’s hoping the shy ones will open up in my classroom and feel comfortable and brave to speak in English.
Later this week, I will have my first encounter with 4th grade Elementary students. Rumor has it, they are flippin’ adorable. I cannot wait to see their eyes, and hear the voices in-person for the first time!
Nothing Much Else
There really is not much else to report, at this time. Coronavirus is still present, and the majority of people are still practicing social distancing, while wearing masks no matter where they go.
Coupang, which is essentially the Korean version of Amazon, became a hot bed for Coronavirus infections over the past weeks. This is sad for me, because now I will hesitate before I click the “Confirm Your Order” on my much needed chocolate, cheese and plastic containers. *Sigh*
The country continues to stay vigilant. One such way is the “No mask, No Ride” campaign most recently set into motion. Masks are now available for purchase any day of the week, unlike the past 2.5 months where you could only purchase masks on a specific day of the week, according to your birth year. You also had to have a Korean ID card in order to purchase said masks.
Summer is STILL coming…
With students back in school, and Coronavirus still lurking about, schools have restrictions related to the use of air conditioning and ceiling fans. If the air conditioner is on (which should not be often), the windows must be open for cross ventilation and to keep fresh air flowing through the building. This is going to be a very hot summer in the work place. This week, the temperatures are rising noticeably, giving me an inkling to the unbearable heat that is to come this summer. **Note to self, buy lots of deodorant!!!
To end today’s post, I will share some random photos I have taken throughout the past two weeks on my walks
A Girl And Her Pez 
I love love love your blog. Very interesting and informative. Check your version of Amazon for a cooling scarf/ headband. I know deluth trading has them. Love you. Praying for you
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