Week One Activities

After the first few days of class, the American student teachers settled into a teaching routine easily.  Smart and adaptable, they were able to incorporate a number of different activities into the teaching of the "Hair Salon" curriculum unit.  The San Sin students got over their initial shyness easily, and they now actively use their English frequently to communicate with their teachers.  In addition, the teachers have learned how to negotiate the city bus and the MRT subway, so within the first week, they have learned how to travel around Kaohsiung City easily. The teachers participate in after-school activities with their San Sin students to encourage the development of their English language skills!

The American student teachers are sometimes asked to represent the Summer English Program when there are international visitors at San Sin High School.  On Wednesday, July 7, Dr. Larry Shumway, the Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction, came to San Sin to learn more about the Summer English Program and the school's international programs.  Accompanied by Chen Yi Ta of the Taipei Ministry of Education Office, Dr. Shumway viewed a presentation provided by Becky Wu about the Summer English Program.  He initiated a dialogue with the American student teachers and a number of the San Sin students, and all agreed that there are long-lasting mutual benefits from this exchange program for everyone involved.

During the first week,  a variety of excursions were offered to the teachers by the San Sin students.  Some teachers went to the Mega Department Store to eat and see a movie at the IMAX theater, while others went to the beach or to a tea shop, or they learned how to make dumplings. All of the teachers have the opportunity to take a yoga class on Wednesday nights, and many did---enjoying the expertise of the teacher, who is the Vice-President of the National Taiwan Yoga Association!   In addition, Mr. Hsieh took the teachers to hear the Berlin Philharmonic performance at the Cultural Center on Thursday evening.  The student teachers found out that there is little time to rest!