The day we became ESL teachers (Courtney)

So today I think we have turned a corner, and truly become teachers of english as a second language. And the reason for that is we have created a lesson based on the most widely used steriotypical thing we could find. Teaching ESL means using many different types of methods to get the kids talking. Games, activities, songs, video...basically anything goes. Today we are doing our first song with the kids, and that song is "Yesterday" by The Beatles. This song is used the world over in esl teaching, because it is slow, easy to understand, the meaning is quite clear etc. We have joked about using it, and today we actually are. I wasn't sure how it would go, seeing as though the most popular bands around here are Backstreet Boys and Westlife (yes, the musical taste is as good as the fashion sense around these parts!)

But I'm happy to say that so far it has been a complete success! The students really liked it and were just rapt that they got to learn one of my favourite songs. On top of that, and this is the great part...they all sang!!! All of them. It was HYSTERICAL and completely unexpected. We keep hearing that the kids have no qualms about singing and seems it is true. I made them listen to the song once without the lyrics, then when I handed out the lyrics all 55 kids sang. It was so funny and actually quite endearing! Every time we played the song after that, when we were talking about meaning and a jumble word game, everyone sang. Even the "cool" boys..it was very unexpected! I only wish there was some way I could sneakily take the camera in and capture it without embarrassing them.

Needless to say, I have listened to "Yesterday" about 15 times already today, with still another class to go this afternnoon. I think by the end of the week neither of us will ever want to hear the song again!

This morning I had to stop by Mr Pan's office for a couple of things. Whilst there he handed me an invitation. When we first arrived Mr Shen, the principle, was saying that one of the female teachers is getting married this year and he would like for us to come along. Of course at the time we were only too happy to say that that was a great idea. Now suddenly we have an invitation to these people's wedding...yet we do not know who they are! As far as we know we haven't met them, which feels kind of odd that they have obviously been told to invite us! Anyhow, besides that, we are looking forward to it, but it does pose some problems. The wedding is this coming Saturday (nothing like a bit of advance warning around here) and we have no idea what to wear or what to give as a present. I asked Mr Pan this morning what we should give and he was unsure. I then asked what he will give, as in what is the normal thing to do in China, and he said that they normally given money. No problemo I say, we will give money too. Oh no, says Mr Pan, you should not give money because you are not Chinese. He suggests we give them something special from Australia. Ah, Mr Pan...may I remind you it is TUESDAY and the wedding is on Saturday! And what exactly would constitute something special from Australia? Some VB stubby holders? A boomerang? I tried to explain that we normally give household type things...so I don't know what we are going to do!

The best part about all of this is of course the invitation. Things are not done in halves around here and Chinese weddings are obviously very different to our own. The bride and groom normally have a very "official" ceremony for the actualy getting married part. Then weeks later they get all their photos taken, often in staged locations or with a number of different dresses. Then after that comes the reception, where all the family and friends celebrate over lunch. None of this happens on the same day but over a period of weeks. So please find below some pictures of the invitation for your viewing pleasure...

The front of the invitation, which folds out at the left. All looks cute and lovely so far, we can see our happy couple on the right, with our groom wearing a dashing yellow suit.

But it gets better. The words on the left are so touching we must share them with you.

"When you need someone to listen, I'll be there. When you need a hug, I'll be there. When you need someone to hold your hand I'll be there. When you need someone to wipe your tears, guess what? I'll be there."

By none other than William Shakespeare. What the?! Yes, it says those loving words are by William Shakespeare...somehow I think not.

The inside of the card and our next set of clothes. I suspect these will be the clothes they will also wear on Saturday. Here's only hoping she hasn't hired the dress as everything is so filthy around here - after sitting on the ground she sure as hell wont be getting her deposit back!

And finally the back of the invitation. I am not going to type what it says, because it is such utter dribble I think the computer would have a meltdown. There is this long winded ode to their marriage and it makes literally no sense. Complete jibberish. Actually, on just rereading it I have to include it...

"The marriage new is challenge and hope (so far ok, we can understand that). Also the head of a family application is high at the day when it is blessed the marriage illust where. The dress khes only it is illust which is various is not a bay."

Besides all of that, we are really looking forward to it and will be sure to hit you with some photos of the event!