One day instead of having English Corner, we went to an elementary school that teaches children English. We split into 3 groups at different schools. My group arrived at the school and were escorted to a classroom. We were then told that we would be individually assigned to classrooms where we were to assist and critique the current teacher. We were dropped off one by one at the classroom doors. I had a classroom of 6, 7, and 8-yr-olds. I was welcomed with clapping and big smiles. The teacher told me I could sit in the back to watch, then I could tell her how to improve, then I could do some teaching. After 10 months of the unexpected, I wasn’t too phased and respectively took my seat in the back of the classroom. I was racking my brain of what I could critique, but luckily, I didn’t have to critique the teacher, but I was expected to teach. I took my spot in the front of the classroom and began winging my lesson. I used the teacher’s flashcards and hoped for the best. I saw some kids yawning and getting a little restless. I tried to teach them “Head and Shoulders.” It didn’t go over extremely well, but it took some time. Then, the teacher asked if I wanted to see them perform “The Ugly Duckling.” I agreed as they proceeded to recite a 10 minute story with motions and everything. Then, afterwards, the teacher said, “Now, you may do a performance for the children.” Usually, I have someone else who is more musically talented than I that I can default this to, but not this time. So, in attempt to make it short and sweet, I sang “I’m A Little Teapot” for the classroom. I got some bored looks and a pity clap. It was definitely no ugly duckling story. We all rejoined together and just kept laughing at the randomness of our lives. I also realized I don’t want to be an elementary teacher, well at least I don’t want to be a Chinese English Elementary teacher.
