A Brand New Adventure: My F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E School

SamSang Elementary
Sangook, South Korea

Today was my last day at my favorite school, SamSang Elementary. This school is my favorite for a few reasons. Besides the fact that they treat me very well and take care of me, the students look after each other and the teachers ensure that students are actually learning and not just going through the motions.

It's true that kids will be kids. They will tease each other, saying whatever they want to hurt each others feelings. SamSang students are a little different, definitely not like any other that I have ever taught. Once these students enter the classroom, the name calling, teasing, etc. stops and students help each other.

For example, my 4th graders, who have made tremendous growth from when I first met them when they were in 3rd grade. There is a little boy who is much lower than his classmates. For certain subjects, he is "pulled out" and works with the special education teacher. During English class he has a very difficult time. Of course I do what I can and shower him with verbal praise of which he seems to understand due to his bright smile and excitement that he shows when he has done well. I also have some "helping teachers". The girls that sit near him always help him. Always. They do so willingly, never having to be told, but more so in an effort to assist their classmate who is struggling because none of us want to see him fall further behind. How is this different from the other schools I teach at? Good question. At ALL of my other schools (minus the high school), students who have been "labeled" with some type of learning disability just sit. Literally, just sit. When I try to involve them in lessons, helping them along the way, I am told by the Korean teacher not to. All the while I'm thinking how can you have a child in a classroom and (basically) ignore them for 45 minutes?

Mrs. Kim, my co-teacher, makes sure that students are understanding whatever we are studying in English. In our extra classes, she made the appropriate modifications regardless of what grade students were in. For example, during the extra after school classes, 3rd and 4th graders are grouped together and 5th and 6th graders are grouped together. There were a few 5th graders who were moved down to the 3rd and 4th grade class because they were not able to read basic sight words. At the same time, a 4th grader was moved up to the 5th and 6th grade class because it is evident that she is much more advanced than not only her classmates, but the older students as well. Mrs. Kim does whatever is necessary to ensure that every students need is being met by any means necessary.

I will miss this school, especially the kids. They are the kindest, most respectful children I have ever met. During lunch today, one of the girls asked me, "Sarah teacher, why America?" (She was trying to ask me why I had to go back to America and why I couldn't stay). My heart melted.....

Here are a few pictures from the day.......