Any Advice Welcome

[anniec]

Hi

Have been recommended to use this website so here goes...

I'll be voluntary teaching, for the first time, for 3 weeks in a village primary school near Krabi next month. I've gathered lots of ideas for classroom games but I'd also like to take some essential resources with me. Obviously I can't fit too much in my case so has anyone any advice??? (I am a teacher so have access to most things for a classroom).

I know nothing about the school/pupils other than the classes aren't too large (thankfully) and the children have a limited basic English - and possibly none in some cases. The school has no computers either.

I haven't much idea about what to expect so any advice/info at all would be welcome.

Apart from teaching resources, is there anything I absolutely must bring to Thailand with me and anything I shouldn't bother bringing?? If I can eliminate some things it would be helpful.

Lastly, can anyone recommend an effective 'mozzie' spray - either to buy in the UK before I leave or in Bangkok/Krabi when I arrive.

Thanks in anticipation!!

[Ijustwannateach]

Vocabulary flash cards- nouns and verbs, especially things likely to be at hand in a village (fruit, not helicopters).

Photographs of real things...

Very, very simple story books- aimed at the 2-3 year old English-speaking market.

Colourful plush toys to be used in role play modelling? (Mr. Tinky-wink is walking. Mr. Tinky-wink meets Mr. Teletubby. "Hello, Mr. Teletubby!" he cries, jubilant)....

A ball for question-response (What's your name? throw the ball- person who catches it must answer and ask the next question)....

Re. things you must bring or shouldn't bother, you need to do more research and ask more specific questions- a lot depends on you. I don't need a hot water bottle, myself, but I've heard there are people who just can't leave home without one. Maybe you should browse through the travel section here or buy a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide?

"Steven"

[anniec]

Thaks for the help Steven. I guess I was a bit vague about the other items so I'll just take a chance with what I bring.

Can you tell me if you think Thai children are familiar with Disney characters/famous footballers/TV characters etc. I have some ideas for games around this but don't know what awareness there is?

Annie

[Loaded]

Thaks for the help Steven. I guess I was a bit vague about the other items so I'll just take a chance with what I bring.

Can you tell me if you think Thai children are familiar with Disney characters/famous footballers/TV characters etc. I have some ideas for games around this but don't know what awareness there is?

Annie

they know most of the popular premier league players (beckham, Lampard etc), a few of the big pop stars and some of the big movie stars. I use a running gag to explain language points. I tell all my students my girlfriend is Gob Suwanan (famous Thai soap opera star) - I always use her as the subject of my presentations: Gob saw me in the ice-cream shop, Gob has missed me etc They giggle, I feel it makes it more interesting than X saw Y.... and students' teams are always called Chelsea and Man Utd - the gag here is that regardless of how well Man Utd's team score points, they always lose!!

[kenkannif]

My son loves Masked Rider and Ultraman stuff (and some Cosmos show) which are like dubbed Japanese/Chinese shows (quite violent). You get the Teletubbies over here as well as a lot of other Western cartoons/shows (at least on Cable).

Also managed to introduce the Muppets to him which he likes.

[Simmo]

The boys are into wrestling as well and know most of the WWE stars. Can use them in activities.

[kenkannif]

^ I forgot that (it's just WRONG).

Linkin Park seem to be quite big as well.

[anniec]

Thanks for the advice guys - not sure that I'm too familiar myself with some of these characters!!! Will do my best to appeal to Thai pupil's sensibilities though. Not too sure about Linkin Park for 7-12 year old's??

Annie

[kenkannif]

^ My step son liked them at 11-12!

Bear in mind here they let kids watch quite violent stuff at a low age (compared to the West).....Blood and guts TV shows even early in the morning.

[chownah]

Alot of kids know Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. Some know Popeye too.

Things like white board markers and colored pens and pencils you can get here. The paper here is metric sized and is bigger that standard American paper so the papers will stick out from many American folders. When I taught (about 5 years ago) it was impossible to find three hole paper or three hole binders at least where I was....might be better to buy all this stuff here if your budget allows it. OOOOPS!!! just notice you are from the UK so I don't know about the paper sizes etc.

Edited June 28, 2006 by chownah