Journal entry by Al Negstad — 26 minutes ago
When I began teaching at Wat Klang ten years ago Aaronsee was teaching 4th grade and the resident English expert. She was my "supervisor" telling me which grade I'd teach and giving me the schedule. The epitome of Thai hospitality, she kindly explained the customs and procedures I didn't understand. When she reached retirement age last October she promptly retired. She owns a kindergarten school and a bed and breakfast so she has plenty to keep her busy. Yesterday she came to lunch at school so she could see me.
Accompanying her was Gro, who retired from teaching first grade four years ago, and whom I've only seen once since. She was the first of the teachers who began teaching me the Thai word for things. I'm Facebook friends with them both and Gro makes many posts, often of her travels. She particularly like Norway. She, too, came to lunch so she could see me. Very special to see them.
Three of the current student teachers are keen to practice their English so we have much fun with their English and my Thai. The 6th grade teacher's English is good and in her class I read Thai from my guidebook and she helps me with my pronunciation as the students repeat in English what I've said. Today I thought I was saying "close the window" in Thai but said something obscene, to the merriment of all. She's too proper to tell me what I said but she enjoyed sharing the story with the teachers over lunch. Risks are necessary ever one wants to venture into a foreign language.
After school tomorrow I'll go to Bangkok for a couple of days. In a future post I will tell about the family with whom I'm staying, now for the ninth time.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures: With Aronsee and Gro but taken against the light so nor very clear. Students, as are all Thai, are as comfortable eating on the floor as at a table.
Accompanying her was Gro, who retired from teaching first grade four years ago, and whom I've only seen once since. She was the first of the teachers who began teaching me the Thai word for things. I'm Facebook friends with them both and Gro makes many posts, often of her travels. She particularly like Norway. She, too, came to lunch so she could see me. Very special to see them.
Three of the current student teachers are keen to practice their English so we have much fun with their English and my Thai. The 6th grade teacher's English is good and in her class I read Thai from my guidebook and she helps me with my pronunciation as the students repeat in English what I've said. Today I thought I was saying "close the window" in Thai but said something obscene, to the merriment of all. She's too proper to tell me what I said but she enjoyed sharing the story with the teachers over lunch. Risks are necessary ever one wants to venture into a foreign language.
After school tomorrow I'll go to Bangkok for a couple of days. In a future post I will tell about the family with whom I'm staying, now for the ninth time.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures: With Aronsee and Gro but taken against the light so nor very clear. Students, as are all Thai, are as comfortable eating on the floor as at a table.
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