It's interesting to be in a different country and see the ways that they are taught manners. Here in Russia the students stand at the beginning of every class until they are invited to sit by an adult. Sometimes this is just a few seconds, sometimes it for a couple of minutes. If another adult comes into the room, the class is expected to stand until they are asked to sit.
Outside of music, art and PE the classes we have been in have all been English. I had no idea that they would have 4-5 English teachers per school!
Each English class starts with a set routine:
Teacher: Good morning class, how are you today?
Students: I am fine, and you?
Teacher: I am well thank you, please sit.
Sometimes the teacher goes to each student and has them respond individually. I know that it is to get them speaking out loud in English, but it is funny to hear every student say, "I am fine, and you?" For the older students once in awhile I hear a "So-So," but it's usually "I am fine."
The students are working hard on learning English. One of the nice things about our schedule is that we are in one school for a few days instead of once a week or less like we do it in La Crosse. So the students are becoming familiar with us. Today I was stopped in the hallway by 6-7 boys who really wanted to greet me, but had very limited English. They were proud to go through one at a time and say "Hello" which actually comes out more like "Khello" for them. I say hello back, and then the next student steps up and says "Khello." They are making an attempt, and I appreciate it.
I guess this goes two ways - whenever I say "Menya Zovut Mandi" the students are all shocked. (They call their teachers by their first name here, by the way) :-)
Outside of music, art and PE the classes we have been in have all been English. I had no idea that they would have 4-5 English teachers per school!
Each English class starts with a set routine:
Teacher: Good morning class, how are you today?
Students: I am fine, and you?
Teacher: I am well thank you, please sit.
Sometimes the teacher goes to each student and has them respond individually. I know that it is to get them speaking out loud in English, but it is funny to hear every student say, "I am fine, and you?" For the older students once in awhile I hear a "So-So," but it's usually "I am fine."
The students are working hard on learning English. One of the nice things about our schedule is that we are in one school for a few days instead of once a week or less like we do it in La Crosse. So the students are becoming familiar with us. Today I was stopped in the hallway by 6-7 boys who really wanted to greet me, but had very limited English. They were proud to go through one at a time and say "Hello" which actually comes out more like "Khello" for them. I say hello back, and then the next student steps up and says "Khello." They are making an attempt, and I appreciate it.
I guess this goes two ways - whenever I say "Menya Zovut Mandi" the students are all shocked. (They call their teachers by their first name here, by the way) :-)
Good morning Mandi, how are you today? If it's after 10am here should I be asking "How are you tomorrow?"
ReplyDeleteOoops When it's 2pm in La Crosse it's midnight in Russia.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning, Steve. I am not fine - I'm wonderful. Please sit down.
ReplyDeleteYes Miss Garlock.
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