Sunday, September 03, 2006

Life Lessons

Below is an exerpt of a typical day in the life of a foreign teacher in Korea, for those who are interested in seeing what it's like.
T: Well Kids, I thought that for today's lesson, instead of studying the alphabet, we could discuss kites! - and, the meaning of life. [Loud cheering.] Yes, I thought you'd agree. As you can see, I have drawn some simple diagrams to show the process one undergoes in the making of a kite. So, looking at my diagrams, how would you say they relate to the true meaning of life? Hmmm? Yes? Anyone?

T: Christina! Do you have something smart to say?
Christina: Of course I do, Teacher! I never have something NOT to say smart, don't I?
T: Well-put. Well, out with it then!

C: Well, Teacher, I think I is die when no string. But string no die!

T: So, what you mean is, the string died? Whose string? Your string?

C: Ohhh Teacher no! I is mean that you is mean that string is kite is die is no life and meaning life is wind.

T: Ah,... so the string and the wind work in conjunction with each other to support the kite, or your "life", per se... hmmm... a lofty thought! And from one so young.

C: [Silence.] Yes.Stacy: Ohmygot! Teacher! The kite no life is. Is paper.

T: Oh, and why?

S: Ohmygot. Is? Ohmygot. Paper. Is cut? Is cut. Teacher?

T: Yes?

S: Is there word test tomorrow?

T: Stay on task, folks. So. Paper is cut. Does anyone else have anything to add?

Judy: [Hmmmm... I think crazy...]

T: Judy, what are you holding? And what does that shape make you think of?

J: Is straw.

T: And??

J: Is T-straw.

T: And???

J: [Stare.] Teacher! You crazy!

S: You oily!

C: Teacher, are you tired? Red under circle eyes!

T: No. I'm beautiful and you know it. Yepuda, ok? Yepuda. Back to work.Peter: Oohh, Teacher!

T: Yes Peter?

P: I think you no think that kite cut out life.

T: What do you mean?

P: Mean kite is uuhhh...... kite is string, and... uhh... crazy person is take kite and make circle on roof and -

T: On THE roof, Peter. THE roof.

P. Yes, Teacher. Kite circle the roof and crazy person with wind make life! And fly!

S: Kite is paper! Is cut!!! Aahhhh, Teacher! Peter you crazy!

T: Enough. Many theories is good theories. Oops, are good theories. Who is right?

C: Me.

J: Me.

S: Me.

P. Me.James: I no believe what Teacher say! It make sense now!!! Teacher is right! Teacher genius! Teacher best teacher in earth!
T: Good point, James. Futhermore, if you look at the board, you will see that kite + wind + life + string + cut + crazy are all symbolically tied! Hence -

All Students: Kite is life!

T: Yes!!!! Yes!

T: Well, I think my work here is done. Who wants to play Hangman?!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

So when someone tells you to go fly a kite, does it mean that they are guiding you to the meaning to life?

hil n' adge said...

hmmmm.pretty much!