Holi fun!

Hey guys!

So last week was a colourful, vibrant and cultural week! I had lots of fun teaching the festival Holi during my English Corner classes. I know they don't completely understand the festival, it's impossible to teach English as a language and also expect them to completely understand the nature of the content. But I know that I thoroughly enjoyed trying my best. In my head I wanted them to understand that good always prevails evil; basically be good and good things will happen to you. I also wanted them to all leave in happiness with a smile on their face. The second one I definitely achieved. 



It's the best feeling engaging the class out here in China. Because in that moment, they not only understand what you are saying in a foreign language (English) but they also understand the meaning of what you are saying; which is a great feeling! It warms my heart when that happens. Now don't get me wrong, it's not all happiness and sunshine. There are days where the kids completely don't "get" me. It can be SO frustrating. Especially when you have planned such an awesome intricate lesson and they just don't understand what I expected from them. But I've gained a lot of skills out here. I've learned to let things go, be patient, optimistic for next time and to never give up. 

Last week (and continuously at the moment) I've really gotten into my Chinese studying. I think studying Chinese has really helped me to relate to my students more; especially in regards to grammar, the alien feeling of learning a new language, frustration of not being able to say what you want to say and answer or express your real opinion. In the classroom you can often connect with your students not just through language, but through body language or even some weird mental connection. Whereby you know they want to delve further and get to know you, but they just can't. I hope this motivates my students to learn English, because I know thats what is motivating me in Chinese speaking, writing, listening and reading practice. In fact, I have my HSK 2 Chinese test this Sunday! Wish me luck!

Finally, the highlight of last week was Friday night. Some friends and I went to a Holi event in Shanghai. It was an Indian buffet dinner, free flow drinks and lots of fun. I met some nice new people and got into the festive, colourful and happy spirit! I don't think any other religion appreciates colour as much as Hinduism. It really is beautiful. The colours that are splashed on others are symbolic of love, peace and happiness. I think if Holi is played properly, it's lovely. People from every level of life, every social background, wealth and age can get involved. When does that ever happen in life these days? A time where everyone can just have fun with eachother? Genuine, stress-free and happy fun.



I'll be in touch,


Sabrina Xxx 


Location: Shanghai, China

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why I quit alcohol

Image
If you wanna hear more about why I stopped getting drunk and basically drinking alcohol keep reading.  I'm gonna split my writing and reflections up into sections/themes. The themes are health, productivity, negative effects, upbringing, faith and lifestyle (social and economic).  Health I mean it doesn't take a genius to realise that alcohol is bad for your health. Not only can you feel the crappiness when you drink it (will elaborate in next section) but it physically does you no good. It is a widely written about, researched and understood topic that there are significant long-term health risks from alcohol. If you drink for a long time and excessively, alcohol can lead to the development of chronic (long-lasting) diseases and other serious problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, etc. These are just the long-term health risks. I haven't even mentioned the short-term psychological...
Read more

From teaching English in CHINA to teaching History & Psychology in ENGLAND!

Image
You've just got to flow with life haven't you? Ever since my own history teacher at school inspired me; I always wanted to teach. I wanted to inspire individuals the way she inspired me. I wanted to show passion for my subject the way she did.  I think more than anything, I've realised that I highly value education, and genuinely love learning. This is why I love teaching - especially as a history teacher. You are constantly learning. There are different periods of history to learn, general knowledge that you require, the diversity of your school will also influence you to learn more worldwide history and keeping up with general world topics is so important when you are a teacher. I love learning with the students! I have already set up a Turkish, Chinese, Debate & Arabic Club at my new NQT school; based on my own language abilities, language interests, the diversity and abilities of the school. The girls' I teach are passionate, fiery, hard-working, enthusiastic...
Read more

2020 Reflections

Image
2020 has been a challenging and unique year for all of us. I must say that whilst there have been significant hurdles and difficulties, 2020 has been one of the best years of my life. It was on 29th December 2019 that I legally married the man of my dreams. We had a beautiful wedding in Istanbul, Turkey. But then, it was 15th February 2020 that we finalised our marriage with a fun celebration wedding party with our loved ones in England. So, these past two years, for me signify love, unity, celebration, marriage, weddings, happiness and cultural dialogue.  My husband is of Turkish origin and we met in China. We have a diverse array of friends from across the world and we thankfully had so many of them join us for one, or even all, of our weddings. When I think of 2019/2020, I think of love. This is mainly due to the fact that in my own personal life love prevailed . We did face lots of cultural difficulties in regards to our marriage. But ultimately, our love won and everything was...
Read more