Teacher's Day

Yesterday was Teacher's Day in Korea. Last Tuesday was also Children's Day and it was nice that we got the day off. But, we were sad that we didn't get Teacher's Day off as well. The repeated question I have asked my students is, "Why do you get off of school for Children's Day, but teacher's have to go to school and teach on Teacher's Day?" My students usually didn't know how to respond or they said, "Because you adult, I child and you to work." So because I am an adult, I am not allowed to stop working, I guess. But, at least on Teacher's Day, students bring you gifts (or are supposed to). Jon's Teacher's Day started off with parent teacher conferences and got a 100,000 won gift certificate to Hyundai Department Store. Hyundai is a huge expensive department store (obviously) that is a ten minute walk from us. They have all the major name brands as well as all the high prices you would expect. But, also have a foreign food mart and electronic section, so we'll see what Jon chooses to spend his won on.

When I got to school, all the teachers were given cupcakes from a student. These cupcakes entertained me the most that any cupcake ever has! Each cupcake had bright blue frosting with tiny flowers on top and flowers stamped into the frosting as well. But the best part was that on top of this blue frosting, there was a white head and face with either short or long brown hair! Under this head there was a sign that said the teacher's name-how exciting! We thought they were very cute! There was one cupcake we needed to make a little more accurate, though. One of our teacher's buzzes his head and so has very little hair. We decided while he was out of the room, to take off the puffy brown frosting and make it look more realistic, he got a kick out of our prank.

Throughout the day, Jonathon accumulated several gifts including a box of Mister Donut donuts (he was sooooo excited), handkerchiefs (less excited...), tea, a handful of suckers, and boxful of colorful Korean rice cakes. Whereas, I received a jar of honey. But, this is no regular jar of honey, as you can tell by my picture of it. It was a timely gift, since just that week I finished our bottle of honey making some spicy, sticky, and sweet chicken! So, I guess the Lord even provides these little things through children on Teacher's Day! After the work day our boss took us out for Korean BBQ. I hadn't had BBQ for over a month and so it was nice to have some good Korean food.

Below are some pics from Teacher's Day as well as some pics of my classroom.

Mr. Jonathon

"Ms. Annika"


Big eyes, big smile!

My honey; notice its size in proportion with my hand.

Mr. Gary McDermott and his bald cupcake.


My 2nd graders whisper reading and completing
a comprehension worksheet.

My main decorated wall. My students have to regularly read
what it means to be a good friend and what are good choices. Every
day at the start of class, I also have my students put their "hand guns"
in their holsters. I try to diminish the fake shooting in my classroom.... :)