Week One: Getting to know our Taiwanese students

In their first five days of teaching English, the American student teachers became acquainted with many of their Taiwanese students.  Each teacher taught two specific classes for three days, and then switched to two different classes for the next two days, following the rotating teaching schedule.  This allows the San Sin students to experience all of the American teachers over time.  The curriculum topic for Week One was "Holidays and Festivals," so their instruction focused on a comparison between major American holidays and Taiwanese festivals.

A significant amount of English learning occurs during the after-school activities.  The San Sin students are allowed to arrange excursions for the teachers after classes are over.  The students may take the teachers shopping in the outdoor markets or to the Dream Mall, or they may be treated to a traditional Taiwanese lunch.  They may visit local temples throughout the city, or see the lovely huge pagodas at the Lotus Pond in Zouying. They may travel by ferry to Cijin Island, climb up Monkey Mountain, or visit one of the local museums.  These excursions are always fun and educational for everyone involved! 

On Friday, July 8, Taylor, Dana, and Dr. O'Kon traveled by ferry with students Phoebe, Dora, Jason, Candy, Maya, and Dennis to Cijin Island.  Taylor and Dana sampled the local delicacy, grilled squid, and they rode a four-person bicycle-vehicle.  They walked and shopped and stepped into the water at the beach. They ended the afternoon with incredible Mango Fruit Ice at the Ocean Ice shop....famous because its patrons are permitted to write all over the walls, windows, and even the ceiling!