JULY 7, 2006.
I just got home from teaching the little monks English this morning.
I love to hear them laugh – one monk today broke out laughing and it was so great. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. It is really hard not to have a great time when I am there trying to teach English, aka – just trying to add a component of fun into their lives. Today, I taught them to lace and tie a shoelace. Not that they will never own a pair shoes with laces. It was a hit – by the end all the monks in my class could lace and tie a shoelace. I had to cut pieces of cardboard into rectangle shape pieces and cut holes in them to imitate shoes.
Never did I expect to have the opportunity to teach English to little people in red robes – it is still hard to believe. I love to be able to capitalize on opportunities and it is another great life experience.
On Tuesday morning, I took my class outside. It was quite the sight. There I was leading a progression of 44 monks, it gave me goosebumps to turn around and see them all following me.
I have total freedom to teach the monks whatever I please. Some monks are quite good at English and can spell a few three-letter words while others have no idea what I am saying. I have them clapping their hands, snapping their fingers, showing their teeth (priceless) and dancing. The look on their faces is so incredible as monks are generally taught through repetition and corporate punishment – the fun element has been eliminated from their lives. My goal is to have as much fun with them as possible and hope that they look forward to my weekly visits.
Today I discovered that the classroom which I teach in is actually one of the dormitory rooms. Quite unbelievable to think the monks just sleep on a mat on the floor, not to mention all the fleas which have made the room their home as well. Wow, I am thankful for my Canadian upbringing and a bed!