The Been Briefing

was strangely tired today. slept in later than usual... i think i'm fighting a cold, by the number of tissues in my trashcan, the sneezing, and the scratchy voice. NO.

i have been thinking of a simple reward system for my little ones, because they need structure and more obvious reasons to excel. (unlike in a public school, it doesn't seem like grades are as cut and dry in a hogwan. it's a business, so it would be financially unwise to "fail" our students.) in any case, mom gave me some great ideas. thanks, mutti!!

this morning i picked up a bunch of mini colored clothespins, a little container, and lots of little goodies: pencils, erasers, barrettes, hair clips, little cars, etc. (i'm trying to stay away from sugar; the point is to calm them down, not get them wired. lol) i told my little ones if they do exceptionally well they will get a clothespin on the paper clip string i constructed. i haven't figured out quite yet what warrants a clothespin, but when they have earned enough points (1 clothespin = 1 goodie point) they can "shop" at the little goodie store. i have got to tell you, friends, when i showed them the goodie box you'd have thought i had just showed them the treasure on the island of monte cristo. their eyes got all big and they were silent for a moment, taking in the news. friends, i think i've scored big with cool points in their book... and i do believe i hear the hallelujah chorus in the background. the swells are rising......

(which reminds me: bummed i can't be in the 'burg for homecoming! sending a shout out to all my dear w&m friends. have fun!)

anyway, my kids were EXCELLENT today. dennis was on his best behavior. praise God! and i hear from mrs. kim that clara loves being in my second class. it's so fun, she says. yessssssss.

kids from the other classes often peer in my door to look at "the foreigner," but most are too shy to actually come in the room. the bolder ones might come over and say "hello." i am hoping that in time their curiousity will overcome their fear, and that i might win over some new friends.

trying to encourage myself to study korean... but i usually end up listening to deutsche welle online to keep up with my german or studying a little slovak instead. oh, i am hopeless. my heart won't stray from europe no matter where i am in the world.