training, day 2
Apr. 1st, 2004 07:26 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ellienihonSo we started training at 9am today. I showed up a bit early (still waking up at 6am) and helped carry some stuff upstairs. We started out together, ut quickly split up into the JHS teachers and Elementary teachers. Although it's not teaching, it's "educating". If you figure out the difference, tell me. *g* When we came in, we received our lesson books. The morning was devoted to becoming acquainted with the language program that Altia has set up, and talking about basic classroom strategies.
They really emphasized the "keep it positive and upbeat, this is not about teaching perfect English" part. We're there to help the kids be open-minded more than to teach English. If the students learn how to speak a little, that's just a bonus. I am glad, because I can work with this. The area I'm in is also the test area for a new Phonics program, which I hope they'll train me on later.
We went to lunch, and I decided to go to Yummy korean BBQ (it's the store name). It was alright, but I only had money to buy a relatively small portion. I headed off after to see if I could get money out of my Japanese bank account. The first bank I went to, they sent me to a different bank, and I was able to get my money. I was so relieved, and heppy. I thought I had more money, but the account bok only showed a small amount. When I checked the balance, there was plenty of money. This takes off a lot of pressure, and I'm not going to need to transfer money from the states.
After lunch, we got into the materials that ALTIA provides for Elementary teachers. It's fantastic. They have over 300 flashcards we each get, plus loads of posters, storyboards, gamecards, and othe stuff they have on our website. Any of you teachers understand how big a deal this is. I don't have to create any materials for my classes. And the materials appear to be of a great quality. I'm feeling really good about my choice of company. Remind me to read this post when I get pissed at them, k?
We went through a number of games throughout the afternoon, and ended a little late, around 4:45pm.
They really emphasized the "keep it positive and upbeat, this is not about teaching perfect English" part. We're there to help the kids be open-minded more than to teach English. If the students learn how to speak a little, that's just a bonus. I am glad, because I can work with this. The area I'm in is also the test area for a new Phonics program, which I hope they'll train me on later.
We went to lunch, and I decided to go to Yummy korean BBQ (it's the store name). It was alright, but I only had money to buy a relatively small portion. I headed off after to see if I could get money out of my Japanese bank account. The first bank I went to, they sent me to a different bank, and I was able to get my money. I was so relieved, and heppy. I thought I had more money, but the account bok only showed a small amount. When I checked the balance, there was plenty of money. This takes off a lot of pressure, and I'm not going to need to transfer money from the states.
After lunch, we got into the materials that ALTIA provides for Elementary teachers. It's fantastic. They have over 300 flashcards we each get, plus loads of posters, storyboards, gamecards, and othe stuff they have on our website. Any of you teachers understand how big a deal this is. I don't have to create any materials for my classes. And the materials appear to be of a great quality. I'm feeling really good about my choice of company. Remind me to read this post when I get pissed at them, k?
We went through a number of games throughout the afternoon, and ended a little late, around 4:45pm.
