Today is our 39th wedding anniversary. I go in for a short day of work (morning classes). I meet with Dr. Prettyman about my “observation” yesterday. Everything is as they need it. I eat lunch and then head home to prepare for the evening activities. Judy has a regular full day. Traffic is terrible on the way home for her and a 10-minute trip turns into 45 minutes.
We’ve made reservations at Capital M, a well-known restaurant in Beijing. They have a rooftop terrace that overlooks Tiananmen Square. The food is supposed to be really good, as well. We’re a little late arriving for our 6:00 pm reservation. Traffic is thick, everywhere. We’re ushered out to our table on the terrace. It’s a gorgeous night, still, and comfortable. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate 39 years together. There is no way we ever thought we’d be experiencing an anniversary in Beijing. Unbelievable!
We’re nearing 10 months in China, and the experience has been all encompassing. Judy has been challenged by the IB curriculum in grades 6-8. Many nights she’s come home, tired from a full day working with students, needing to complete more plans, and write more “reflections”. Her biggest challenge, though, has been having enough energy to teach Pre-K and Kindergarten. Some days, it’s like “herding cats” (to steal a phrase). She has to keep them occupied for 45 minutes, and there’s no chance to sit down and discuss anything. High energy is all that works!
My teaching issues relate more to determining the expectations for my position. How hard do they want me to push? I’ve finally settled on the fact that they don’t want me to push at all. The administration wants my class to be a place for the students to unwind and relax from all the academic pressures they face. That’s a far cry from trying to prepare a group for contest. I spend lots of time at home, working on ideas to create an interesting classroom experience, as well as expose them to some musical fundamentals and concepts. I’m also looking for ways to expand their knowledge of what to expect in the US relative to their university experience. Not only will they be transitioning from high school to college. They’ll be doing it in a foreign country with traditions and celebrations far different than anything they’ve experienced before. I would be lot more comfortable most days if they had an instrument in their hand.