Day 1 at Beimen Elementary School

The first thing I observed upon stepping into Beimen elementary school is that the students were sweeping the floor of the school compound, be it classroom or carpark or the teachers' office. From what I observe, this inculcates the value of responsibility in the students. It allows them to recognise that they are the ones using the area and if they want it to be clean, they themselves have to keep it clean. 

There was this student who came into the staff office to return a NT$10 he found as well. Really honest although he could have used the money to buy sweets or a drink. 

During assembly, I was warmly welcome by the students and teachers of Beimen elementary school today. The students sang me a welcome song in English-a subject that they consider a monster to them. They also presented me a garland and a mug and some postcards. I was overwhelmed by their kindness and sincerity. We had a short q n a session after self introduction and the students were very curious to know more about me. They asked me questions like "Do I have a boyfriend？ Can I drive? What do I like to eat? what is my favourite colour and cartoon character?" They are just so adorable. 

One of them even treated me to a cup of bubble tea saying it's his birthday. haha. I guess it's like a culture for primary school kids to treat their friends on their birthday. I remember that i gave my friends goodie bags containing sweets and biscuits when I celebrated my birthday in kindergarten. 

after assembly, the students who were going for a 健康操 competition, performed their dance for the other students. There was also another girl who rehearsed her story telling skills. She could memorised and tell her story very well with an animated body language and voice. Wish her best of luck for her competition.

After which, I sat in for chinese class and observed how the teachers conducted the class. The students here are very enthusiastic and they will all raise their hands to answer questions without being asked to. This is very rare in Singapore. Students here also have to learn to speak hokkien a.k.a 台语. They can speak so fluently and I was laughed by them when I tried to speak a few words in 台语. haha 

I was given the opportunity to teach English today and I realised that during English class, students are too shy or scared to volunteer themselves. I had to encourage them to try to speak up and assure them that it's ok to make mistakes and that we can all learn together. But I'm glad they tried and I hope they would try to speak up more by the next few weeks.