It's the most wonderful time of the year because, it's Christmas! Foreign English Teacher from the Philippines landed safely in The Heart of Asia Taiwan to joined the Bilingual School of Yuanlin Junior High.
"I am excited to get to know each of you and to explore the wonderful world of English together. Let's make this a fantastic learning journey! says, Ann. "
The school's aim is to create a fun and engaging environment where everyone feels comfortable to practice and improve their English skills and believe that learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary, but also about understanding and embracing different cultures and perspectives.
Fun winter camp offer numerous benefits for students, including social, emotional, academic, and physical advantages.
Making New Friends
Camp provide a unique opportunity for students to meet and interact with peers from different classes, helping them develop social skills and build lasting friendships.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Many camp activities require teamwork, which helps students learn how to work effectively with others and appreciate the value of cooperation.
Building Confidence
Successfully navigating new experiences and challenges at camp can boost a student’s self-esteem and confidence.
Here is the performing arts teacher Tina Lu with students for our winter class.
Easter Egg hunt is a traditional activity held during the Easter holiday, where participants search for hidden eggs. These eggs can be either real eggs that have been hard-boiled and dyed, or artificial ones made of plastic, filled with small toys, candies, or other treats. The hunt is usually organized for children, but people of all ages can participate and enjoy the fun.
Yuanlin Junior High had another way how to enjoy the "egg-citing hunting!" The teachers prepare eggs and put inside a sentence whoever gets the egg will have the chance to read the sentence in front of the crowd and claim the prize!
With arms wide-open the teachers of YLJH embraced the norms of 21st century teaching method and style. Media literacy is a crucial skill for teachers, as it empowers them to help students analyze media messages and understand the role of media in society. The school's FET Ann comprehensively guide on media literacy for teachers, with a focus on leveraging for enhancing their skill in the PowerPoint presentation.
Sonia Chen, coordinator of Bilingual team made it possible to have this Media Literacy for her colleagues to enhance and empower teachers of Yuanlin Junior High School now, our teachers are competent enough to conquer the world of 21st century learners.
The English Vocabulary Contest is designed to challenge participants' knowledge of the English language, from common words to difficult terms. This competition aims to foster a love for words, encourage learning, and highlight the importance of a rich vocabulary in effective communication.
South Korea, Japan and the USA who wants to go with us? let's go travel! You don't have passport? ohh, don't worry! in Yuanlin Junior High School we will make sure, you will get one! All you have to do is read and get it stamp!
Vocabulary through reading is a bit hard for several reasons, which span cognitive, educational, and developmental domains:
Enhanced Comprehension:
Vocabulary knowledge is directly linked to reading comprehension. A robust vocabulary allows readers to understand and interpret texts more effectively.
Improved Communication Skills:
A rich vocabulary enhances both written and verbal communication, enabling individuals to express themselves more clearly and accurately.
Academic Success:
Vocabulary is a strong predictor of academic achievement. Students with a wide vocabulary tend to perform better in all subjects, as they can better grasp and engage with the material.
Lifelong Learning:
A strong vocabulary foundation supports continuous learning and curiosity. It empowers individuals to engage with a wider range of texts and topics throughout their lives.
Cultural Awareness:
Reading diverse texts introduces learners to different cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and global awareness.
In the winter of 2023, I embarked on a life-changing journey from the Philippines to Taiwan to pursue a career as an English teacher. Little did I know that this adventure would be profoundly shaped by the support and guidance of a remarkable coordinator named Sonia Chen.
From the moment I stepped off the plane she asked me if I was okay and that by tomorrow she and the director will pick me in Taichung. The next morning she was there to greet me with a warm smile and a reassuring presence. As a coordinator for international teachers, her role was ensuring a smooth transition and a successful teaching experience. Sonia's dedication and expertise became evident from day one, and her impact on my journey cannot be overstated.
Upon my arrival, Sonia had arranged everything, from transportation to my new apartment. She had even prepared a welcome packet that included fruits, rosary, and essential contact information. During the first few days, Sonia organized an orientation program that covered everything from cultural nuances to administrative procedures. Her thoroughness in explaining the do's and don'ts of Taiwanese culture helped me avoid potential pitfalls and misunderstandings.
One of the most memorable aspects of Sonia's assistance was her willingness to observe my classes and provide constructive feedback. Her suggestions on classroom management and engagement strategies significantly improved my teaching methods. Sonia's encouragement and positive reinforcement boosted my confidence, making me a more effective and enthusiastic teacher.
Teaching English abroad can be a daunting experience, especially when you're navigating a new culture, language barriers, and the challenges of engaging students in a foreign language. However, my journey in Taiwan was made exceptionally smooth and memorable, thanks to my incredible co-teacher, Ms. Joy Chen, who was nothing short of an angel in the classroom.
From the moment I arrived at the school, Joy's warm and welcoming nature stood out. She greeted me with a bright smile and an enthusiasm. As a seasoned teacher with years of experience, she had a wealth of knowledge about the Taiwanese education system and a deep understanding of her students' needs.
Joy's approach to teaching was collaborative. She believed in the power of teamwork and was always open to my ideas and suggestions. In our planning sessions, she encouraged me to bring fresh perspectives to the curriculum while providing insights into what methods worked best with our students.
There were countless instances Joy's angelic nature shone through. I remember one particular day when I was struggling with homesickness. She noticed my mood and took the time to sit with me, offering words of comfort and understanding. She even brought me traditional Taiwanese snacks to cheer me up, sharing stories of her own experiences as a wife, mom and a teacher all in one ( I call her, Mama Joy by the way) and reminding me that it was okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes.
In reflecting on my experience, I am reminded that the best teachers do more than impart knowledge; they inspire, support, and uplift Joy was all of these things and more, and I will forever cherish the time we spent together in the classroom.