"WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL"
Yes, I actually said it the other day; it was an “up hill both ways in the snow” story; I was shocked to hear it come out of my mouth. The kids were complaining about something, and I told them how we started school an hour earlier than them. It wasn’t my lesson, a teacher had asked me to stop by; this is very common, teachers constantly interrupt each other’s lessons). I did hold back a little bit when I realized what I was doing, and didn’t tell them about block scheduling.Funny comments from school children (these may be “had to be there” things):
While talking about civics, we discussed church sponsored social programs. I asked the students what is the name of an organization that does the same but is not religious, trying to coax the conversation towards NGO’s which is the same in Ukrainian. One student immediately answered: “Baptists” (they are a small minority here, that aren’t held in the best light)
In a homework assignment about alcoholism, a student wrote, “so now you know” (and knowing is half the battle).
While at a class recital, two students of about 12 told the following joke in English. They recited it completely deadpan but flawlessly, and no one laughed. I was rolling on the floor. "Patient: Doctor, when I drink tea, my eye hurts. Doctor: Try taking the teaspoon out of the mug."
The following is an excerpt from a textbook on the United States that is designed to be taught about 2 hours a week for a year. The excerpt is from a rather thorough section on music. What are your opinions?“Among the most famous American singers and bands we can find: Miles Davis the Doors, Bob Dylan, the Everly Brothers, the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendriz, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Janis Joplin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Madonna, Bob Marley, Elvis Presley, Prince, R.E.M., Tom Waits, Steve Wonder, Will Smith, Enrique Iglesias, Barbara Streizand, Red Hot Chilly Peppers, Nirvana, Ricky Martin, Kiss, Motor Head, Savage Garden, Sheryl Crow, Tina Turner, Tony Braxton, Tori Amos, Britney Spears, Eminem, Mariah Carey, No Doubt, Backstreet Boys, Metallica, Etc.”
A student on an evaluation wrote that they learned that “America has a rich and varied culture.” I was touched. Another wrote that "Americans aren't so bad."
It is the last week of school and I am shocked. I can’t believe I have taught in a school for a year. I found that I do like teaching but I hate planning because I always could do more, there is no end, and I fill how ever much planning time I have with endlessly trying to decide how best to organize the information or how much to include. I have also been struck by how much more interesting and productive a lesson can be with a class that is engaged. A good lesson can engage any class, or succeed even if they aren’t engaged. These are of course much harder to design. I am struck with the thought that most of my teachers wrote lessons that were designed for that really involved and engaged class, and we just suffered through them when the class wasn’t up to the challenge. I have also been struck by how dull a lesson, that is otherwise interesting, can be with a dull class.
As summer approaches and I find notes, Ukrainian words, or even names on maps that were so foreign and unknown to me last year at this time, they now seem so commonplace. I am amazed a year has gone by and what I have learned in it.
PS. Thanks for making my site so popular. We hit 500 site visits last week (since I started counting in February).
posted by jjs @ 8:02 AM
8 Comments:
I find the musical choices interesting. Bob Marley is from Jamaica; enrique Iglesias is from Spain; Motor Head is from Britain; Ricky Martin is from Puerto Rico (okay, a U.S. Territory). and no one is from earlier than the late '50s - no frank Sinatra or a representative of the Big band era. But we are taught. what do we teach here in the states about Ukraine? anything at all? Ah well. Travel and learn, I have always said.
Thanks for letting us travel with you.
Hi John, how are you? You made guacamole for your students? Man, you are a GOOD teacher! I would have eaten it all by myself if I was there! Exclusion, the cause & effect, I couldn’t agree more with you. I understand what you mean about how people may look at you as a source for an opportunity for a better life in the wrong way. Many times I feel like that here in the Swaz when people find me as a “gateway to America.” And I find it extremely hurtful & complicated to make genuine, life-long friends in certain situations. I’m glad you had a big smile with your Scout uniform on in the newspaper! Liked your random thoughts! Have fun with your family visiting Ukraine! I had a smile on my face reading your experience with the students. I am glad you are one year in country & enjoying it! Take care! xoxo-B P.S. Can I submit “Watch & Painting” into our Peace Corps Swaziland newsletter?
John -
As it has only been a few hours, I don't have an appropriate post to comment on....but I just wanted to wish you safe travels and let you know how glad I was to see you back in the USA for the wedding!!! Will continiue working on my own application! Liz
John,
Here are some Peace Corps / Ukraine blogs that I have found. If you know of any others that I have missed please let me know. Thanks!
-Mike Sheppard
RPCV / The Gambia
www.journeyacrossafrica.blogspot.com
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http://absa.livejournal.com/
http://adri-nwnderland.livejournal.com/
http://andreapeacecorps.blogspot.com/
http://andypeacecorps.blogdrive.com/
http://annapcukraine.blogspot.com/
http://backafterlunch.blogspot.com/
http://beninukraine.blogspot.com/
http://books.dreambook.com/sarahperez/dae.html
http://cammarj.tripod.com/
http://www.deever.com/index2.html
http://durukraine.blogspot.com/
http://fashodacrisis.blogspot.com/
http://www.freewebs.com/absnyder/index.htm
http://www.freewebs.com/amandalazur/
http://www.freewebs.com/andreapc/
http://www.freewebs.com/mlmckenna/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pcua/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/peacecorpsukraine/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ukraine29/
http://gwilkins.blogspot.com/
http://hyltonpcv.blogspot.com/
http://jacobspeacecorps.blogspot.com/
http://jjspc.blogspot.com/
http://kalisjourney.blogspot.com/
http://kelseybird.blogspot.com/
http://klukraine.blogspot.com/
http://lerri.livejournal.com/
http://www.myspace.com/cameronhighsmithcool
http://naterutledge.blogspot.com/
http://pages.prodigy.net/l.hodges/peacorps.htm
http://www.pcukraine.org/
http://peacecorps.mtu.edu/filius.htm
http://pedroinukraine.blogsource.com/
http://www.pulverpages.com/
http://raejean.blogspot.com/
http://raypcv.blogspot.com/
http://robin.soundchasers.com/articles.php?um=index
http://rossocity.livejournal.com/
http://salinukraine.blogspot.com/
http://seanmonkey.blogspot.com/
http://www.shelleyswendiman.blogspot.com/
http://www.smallfishbigsea.blogspot.com/
http://www.soundchasers.com/robin/
http://teachertraveler.blogspot.com/
http://www.teachertraveler.com/
http://thepeascorps.blogspot.com/
http://www.thewildwildjes.blogspot.com/
http://www.travelpod.com/cgi-bin/guest_login.pl?tweb_UID=goska1&tweb_tripID=ukraine
http://www.travelpod.com/cgi-bin/guest_login.pl?tweb_UID=regkennedy&tweb_tripID=pc_ukraine
http://www.travelpod.com/members/jessteichuz
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/peacecorpsliz/ukraine-2004/tpod.html
http://ukrainechicks.blogspot.com/
http://www.ukrainejoc.blogspot.com/
http://ukrainepeacecorps.blogspot.com/
http://www.wendylu.com/
http://www.xanga.com/londongal03/
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Hey John! What's new? Why haven't you posted anything in such a long time?
John Sheetz, I watched "Everything is Illuminated" the other day, and it takes place in Ukraine. (I half expected to see you as an extra.) I hear the book is amazing; the movie was pretty good. I don't know how I feel about Elijah Wood. Anyway, be sure to check your mail. That's right...keep an eye out for incoming mail. I'm totally serious.
Mom, Catherine and I had a very interesting, enlightening, and mostly enjoyable visit with you in Ukraine. Thanks for showing us so much of your new world and holding our hands tightly when we needed assistance. You asked for my observations of Ukraine so here are a few that come quickly to mind.
1. As you've said many times, a land of extremes. Horse-drawn hay wagons in the fields with the driver talking on his cell phone. People in the village dressed in the very latest fashions walking past people in the absolute worst of fashions. Clean, neat but small apartments that open into common hallways that could double as dungeons in a horror movie.
2. It looks just like the U.S..... but about 80 years ago. Really, really good roads that merge into really, really bad roads (no uniformity of maintenance). No credit please, just cash and please don't bring travellers checks. Retailing through open-air bazaars rather than stores.
3. The Ukrainian people speak very well of Ukraine but they speak poorly of the government. This seemed to be some vestige of Soviet life that is still within their culture. Blaming the government for not doing enough to make their life better rather than demanding less government and more personal responsibility to make positive changes in their lives.
4. Blank faces until introductions have been made, then very friendly faces. This contrasts well with what we found in Russia which was hostile faces until introductions were made, then just blank faces.
5. The big cities are very modern but the small villages are far behind. This same thing happened in the US in the 1930's when the country was shifting from aggrarian to industrial.
I would love to revisit Ukraine in about 50 years because I think most of these differences will have faded away as they move away from a farming society and into a more modern footing.
Thanks again for being such a caring guide and translator.
Love, Dad.
I miss you! And your posts!
Need an update or an email or something...
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