the sun is up...

and winter really might be over in korea. we've had warm(er) days lately.

although the sun might be setting at my school. want to see our new list of "classroom principles", recited before school every day? some of them are actually helpful, but it gets pretty hilarious. and supposedly we're supposed to have them recite before every class too, but for sanity's sake...[the horrors of daily recitation? this is from memory...even the grammar and spelling problems...]

1. start and end class with prayer.
2. take daily attendance.
3. start and end class on time.
4. do not play a joke, go around, or chat during class. if you are sleepy, go to the back of the class and stand.
5. speak only english in class.
6. raise your hand if you have a question.
7. study with proper posture and attitude (do not stretch your legs, put your chin on your hand, cross your legs, or lay down on the desk)
8. do not use electronic devises (without permission)
9. do not leave the classroom during class
10. keep your classroom clean

always nice to start the morning with a stand-up routine, no?

in order to exert their almighty control, the administration has also decided that during our free periods (one a day, more if we're lucky) we will be their spies, writing up fellow teachers if any of their students break these rules. i have been written up twice for students resting their head on their chin (although the paper says chin on chin, which would be a lot more difficult). i refuse to blow whistles, so i hold up inspirational signs instead (e.g., "best teacher ever", "high 5", "don't stop believin'"...).

seriously, besides the fact that every new administrator thinks of new ways to earn respect gain power by making up ridiculous things for the teachers to follow, the students remain surprisingly benevolent and patient. and we've had some good times in class, joking together about the classroom policies, among other things.

time for class.