Where to begin. I am on a total high. We recently returned from a small trip to a town about 3 hours outside Xining. We were in Rebgong (Chinese name: Tongren) for about 4 days; the goal was to gain more classroom experience. When we left for this trip, I was a bundle of nerves. By the time we had to leave, it was hard to say goodbye.
Rebgong
This is a beautiful town- mountains everywhere. There is a monastery in Rebgong and as a result, you see monks, of all ages, everywhere- eating in small restaurants, talking on cell phones, driving cars. We had to walk through the monastery to get to the school every day. Sometimes you would hear chanting. After crossing through the monastery, we had to walk up a muddy path with a drop-off on one side. It rained a few times during our visit, that made the upward hike extra exciting. At the school, cows would wander onto the field where we were dancing or playing ultimate frisbee with the students.
Teaching
We came to Rebgong for more practice teaching- each new volunteer taught four 50 minute classes over 2 days. Those 2 days of teaching were so intense. As much as I would try to plan ahead of time, I still found myself lesson planning within minutes of my class starting. We were also able to observe each other teach. I am so grateful for this classroom time.
I taught a class on music and to explain what “genre” means, I introduced the students to some classics: CCR, Eric Clapton, Glee, Kanye. They really liked the Glee song, and they said Kanye was scary. For my class on the Olympics, we talked about the meaning and value behind the Olympics and then I asked the students to share what they value. They gave the most touching responses- it took some control not to tear up in the middle of class.
Students
The students at this school are very special. They come from all different places in western China, mostly from nomadic or farmer communities. They are chosen to attend the Rebgong school and they truly appreciate this education. The students are excited to learn, sociable, personable... perfect for a new teacher.
On our first day in the town, the students greeted us outside the school and gave us all kha-btags, which are Tibetan ceremonial scarves. On this first day, I was given a Tibetan name: Tserang lhumo, which means “goddess with a long life”. The students gave me 3 choices and I got to choose my favorite. Afterward, one of the boys sang a song for me about my new name in Tibetan, a cappella. Amazing.
One day after class, the students and teachers gathered in an apartment and the students taught us how to make traditional Tibetan food: tsampa and dumplings. It was so fun to share in their culture and interact outside the classroom. After stuffing ourselves, we shared songs, alternating between the students and the teachers. I led the crew in a rendition of “My Girl”.
On our final day in Rebgong, we went to the school in the morning to spend some final moments with the students. We held a cultural exchange of dance. The foreign teachers taught the students some “traditional” American dances: the Macarena, Cotton-Eyed Joe and the YMCA. The students then taught us an actual traditional Tibetan dance.
It was difficult to say goodbye to this beautiful community. I walked hand-in-hand with one of the girls back into town and she helped me buy some fruit before parting ways. We hugged and promised to never forget each other. I think I’m really going to like this whole teaching thing.
Rebgong
This is a beautiful town- mountains everywhere. There is a monastery in Rebgong and as a result, you see monks, of all ages, everywhere- eating in small restaurants, talking on cell phones, driving cars. We had to walk through the monastery to get to the school every day. Sometimes you would hear chanting. After crossing through the monastery, we had to walk up a muddy path with a drop-off on one side. It rained a few times during our visit, that made the upward hike extra exciting. At the school, cows would wander onto the field where we were dancing or playing ultimate frisbee with the students.
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| The monastery we walked through every day |
We came to Rebgong for more practice teaching- each new volunteer taught four 50 minute classes over 2 days. Those 2 days of teaching were so intense. As much as I would try to plan ahead of time, I still found myself lesson planning within minutes of my class starting. We were also able to observe each other teach. I am so grateful for this classroom time.
I taught a class on music and to explain what “genre” means, I introduced the students to some classics: CCR, Eric Clapton, Glee, Kanye. They really liked the Glee song, and they said Kanye was scary. For my class on the Olympics, we talked about the meaning and value behind the Olympics and then I asked the students to share what they value. They gave the most touching responses- it took some control not to tear up in the middle of class.
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| A view of the walk to the school |
The students at this school are very special. They come from all different places in western China, mostly from nomadic or farmer communities. They are chosen to attend the Rebgong school and they truly appreciate this education. The students are excited to learn, sociable, personable... perfect for a new teacher.
On our first day in the town, the students greeted us outside the school and gave us all kha-btags, which are Tibetan ceremonial scarves. On this first day, I was given a Tibetan name: Tserang lhumo, which means “goddess with a long life”. The students gave me 3 choices and I got to choose my favorite. Afterward, one of the boys sang a song for me about my new name in Tibetan, a cappella. Amazing.
One day after class, the students and teachers gathered in an apartment and the students taught us how to make traditional Tibetan food: tsampa and dumplings. It was so fun to share in their culture and interact outside the classroom. After stuffing ourselves, we shared songs, alternating between the students and the teachers. I led the crew in a rendition of “My Girl”.
On our final day in Rebgong, we went to the school in the morning to spend some final moments with the students. We held a cultural exchange of dance. The foreign teachers taught the students some “traditional” American dances: the Macarena, Cotton-Eyed Joe and the YMCA. The students then taught us an actual traditional Tibetan dance.
It was difficult to say goodbye to this beautiful community. I walked hand-in-hand with one of the girls back into town and she helped me buy some fruit before parting ways. We hugged and promised to never forget each other. I think I’m really going to like this whole teaching thing.
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| On our final day we went on a hike through the mountains |
SIGNE! I'm so excited for you! It sounds so great already and I'm glad training is going so well. Your comment about how your students talked about their own values and how you are really making connections with students almost made ME tear up. That's why I want to teach as well. You are going to be SO great with your students and I know they will never forget you. Good luck as you get started in the next few weeks! Love you and look forward to reading more!
ReplyDelete-Alli