Good-bye Namseon, It's been a good run!

After two years of faithfully serving the students and staff of Namseon Middle School, Michael Teacher had to offer his final good-bye.

From the very beginning, Namseon Middle School welcomed and embraced the Harrington duo. Taking the couple to a buffet dinner on their first night in Daejeon and even continuing to invite Melissa to a "New Principal Welcome Dinner" and a Seoul-ful Field-trip.

Summer Camp Repeat: Namseon Middle School

With numerous tasks to occupy the weeks prior to Korea departure, Michael Teacher opted to do a camp repeat and made use of his ideas and materials from his first and perhaps most successful camp: Survivor Camp.

The camp involved students creating team names, posters, structures and even an outfit. Teams were 'banded' together by handkerchiefs. The camps included a fashion show, numerous projects and even a game of redneck/cowboy/ladder golf. Overall, the camp went over without a hitch and gave Michael Teacher another handful of good memories to carry back to the USA.

Giving and Recieving: Grateful for Namseon Middle School Students

Reader's of THT should know that Michael Teacher maintained a positive and even casual relationship with his Namseon Middle School students. Often, the Harrington couple would meet Namseon students at the OEC Cafe to enjoy green tea lattes, hot choco's and rounds of Uno (which Michael Teacher had a knack for winning). Not only did Michael Teacher offer his students the opportunity to meet up during his off hours, but multiple mornings, Michael Teacher walked a few blocks to watch his students compete in basketball tournaments.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise the Michael Teacher had a good handful of students whom he knew well and were generous in their actions toward him.

As the end of their two years in Korea came to a close, the Harringtons made their way to the OEC where Melissa would be surprised to receive original watercolor artwork from one of Michael Teacher's students. Readers may not be aware of the man's knack for romantic gestures, yet truth be told the man Harrington comes up with some all out wins in the romance department. Having one of his artistic students re-create a beautiful photo (the work of the beautiful and talented Alla Ponomareva) is just one small example.

Having received a precious gift at OEC, a few days later it came time for the Harringtons to give away a precious gift.

Michael Teacher: The 'Off' Hours

Typically, when the last bell of the school day rings, teacher's all over the world hope to leave most of their teaching duties and responsibilities within the confines of the educational institution.  Native English teachers are no exception, often keeping their fingers crossed that they don't run into their students too frequently (read: never) once the school day has let out.

For Michael Teacher however, those rules don't apply. With a heart of gold and an uncanny ability to build meaningful relationships with folks of all ages, Mike has had a long-running tradition of meeting up with his students at OEC for a cup of hot choco or other cafe specialty.

Having recently decided that Korean Public Schools will no longer be their source of income, Mike has made an even greater effort to convince/remind his students to swing by the cafe for a delicious drink, a round of Uno or in the case of the young boys pictured above, a bit of footy (soccer).

Nameson Middle School Festival 2011

From the archives of long-lost photos and video footage The Harrington Times brings you a small, yet insightful glimpse of a Korean Middle School Talent Festival. Of particular highlight is the group of Harmonica playing young lads who will truly wow you, if you don't have time for the full video at least skip ahead to hear their impressive skills (6:18 with bonus footage at 8:50)!

Would you Rather? - Field Trips Edition

A) Go to Kumdori Land (think, slightly pathetic amusement park but still has rides including roller coasters and splash-mountain-style water rides) with Middle School Students, age 13 and be approached by Middle School Students from another town to have you photo taken while your own students semi-avoid you...OR

B) Go to the Southern Coast for an overnight field trip with the Middle School teachers where you can see a stunning ocean sunset and eat some delicious seafood. Not to mention, get sick on the bus returning home due to having eaten said seafood for breakfast and being loaded on to an infamous Korean bus which will likely be driven on windy roads in a stop-and-go manner, regardless of the road being the expressway.

Mike has done both.

Kiva, Mike and Headlines

As part of previous camps, Mike Harrington has introduced and initiated some Kiva-loaning within his student population.

You can read more about it here from The Korea Herald.

Harringtons in Korea: K-Pop Slam with Nameson Middle School

As the Harrington's time in Daejeon wound toward the end, they made yet another trip into the educational realm of South Korea, this time tackling a Korean Middle School. Waking up early and sharing one small Asian-sized bathroom, six Harrington's made their way to school on Friday the 30th of December, 1 to Samcheon Elementary school to finish out week one of Winter Camp, 5 to Nameson Middle School to play numerous rounds of K-Pop Slam with loads of sweet Korean students.

Per hospitality routine, the Harrington's were served numerous paper cups of Korean green tea, introduced to principals, vice principals, teacher's and students. They were handed cakes, plants and more cups of tea and coffee. Each outing into the middle school hallways elicited countless shouts of 'Hello!' and 'I love you!' Lunch was typical: rice, soup, kimchi and unidentifiable otherness with bitty fish. So it was, the Harrington's passed the day as the biggest group of celebrities to hit the Nameson Middle School scene, learned loads of K-Pop songs and performers and were filled to the brim, yet again, with Korean hospitality shown in a shower of gifts and snacks.

Oh Christmas Cards, Oh Christmas Cards!

One of the most rewarding activities to do with students, particularly when holidays roll around is making cards to send home to the people we, as expats, miss the most especially during the season. Last year, Mike did a fantastic job getting cards sent for both Christmas and Valentine's Day.  This year, both Mike and Melissa enlisted the help of their students to create some Christmas joy to send and give to their family.  (For family who is reading this...we still haven't put them in the mail, apologies, we're getting around to it! Who doesn't  love a little belated Christmas in the new year?)

3rd and 4th Grade Artwork...impressive, to say the least

4th grade card creators hard at work!

Examples AND do see that PILE of cards! So many messages to read ^.^

About Nuclear Power: A Middle School Teacher Trip

Common amongst South Korea's teacher population are 'Teacher Trips'. On July 19th, Mike Harrington was lucky enough to find himself loading onto a party bus, complete with karaoke and dried squid snacks to head to...Techno Valley. A little area about 10 minutes drive time from his school. Here, he began 'learning' about nuclear power (although actual learning would have required a more advanced Korean vocabulary than either of the Harrington's possess). After a few hours of touring near home, Mike and his co-workers made their way to Gyeongju for a series of tourist site visitations, all night eating, snacking, singing and drinking followed by a morning visit to a nuclear powerplant before returning home and conducting final preperations for his summer camp.

Sports Day at Nameson Middle School

If readers want a story to go with these photos, they'll have to petition the male editor of The Harrington Times. You can petition him by leaving your pleading, desparate-for-more remarks in the comments box.

Surprise! We're Going Hiking

Somedays you arrive at your given school setting expecting to bust out some lesson plans, waste-precious-time on facebook, play a little online chess and send of some important emails as you've been informed that you won't be teaching that day. Yet, occassionally you arrive at work on these days to be told that your plans to be productive are being replaced with an all staff hike followed by all staff dinner. It's on these days that you are fully aware of the Dynamic Korea in which you live.

The above photos are from one such day in the life of Michael Teacher. Hiking on the edge of Daejeon city, you can see the haze of yellow dust hanging in the sky - the least pleasant attribute of the spring season in the Republic of Korea. Regardless, trading in a computer screen and squeaky desk chair for a peaceful stroll on the mountain side is always a welcome surprise.

Hot Choco, Uno and Students: a Tuesday Night Ritual

In an attempt to offer his students a more 'natural' and 'relaxed' setting for speaking the English language as well as a mutual desire between the Harrington's to frequent the OEC, Mike Harrington has initiated a type of Social Hour which takes place nearly every Tuesday at the OEC. Each week two or three students show up at the coffee shop and have the chance to practice their English in a comfy, relaxed setting. Most often, the language practice is conducted over a game of Rummy or Uno and a glass mug of Hot Choco (one of OEC's specialties).

These weekly meet ups have not only provided an opportunity for both Mike and Melissa Harrington to get to know a few Nameson students (and teachers) but have also assisted the Harrington's in getting to know the young lady who works at the OEC. OEC Coffee is a coffee house that has captured the attention of the Harrington's since their arrival as it is located within a few minutes walk of their home and has an extremely cozy and quaint atmosphere - not to mention fabulous hot choco and caramel lattes!

Getting there: Exit 2 at Galma sub station - walk forward past the Blue 24 and the OEC will be on your right (unless you're on the main street, then it'll be on your left ^.^).

Fingers and Faces, Captured

Once again, the Harrington's have made their attempt at participating in a photography challenge designed by Beth at I Should be Folding Laundry. This weeks challenge was body parts. While The Harrington's would love to show you to lovely snout of Lady Annyeong, or the sweet smiles of their students, this week, readers must settle for fingers and faces.

The Mrs. at '519' Galma has been on a roll whipping up some delicious treats and snacks. Recently, a bag of multi-colored marshmallows were discovered in an underground-subway convenience store for less than two-bucks. The Mrs. didn't hesitate a single moment to purchase these treasures and pair them up with Korean Binch cookies (half cookie, half chocolate bar) to make some 'oven-roasted-Binch-S'mores'.



Marshmallow Fingers



S'more Fingers


Later in the week, the Harrington's made their way to their favorite coffee shop just 3 minutes walking distance from their front door, OEC Coffee. Here the couple did a bit of reading before meeting with a couple of Mr. Harrington's students to play a couple rounds of Rummi and offer the students a more relaxed environment to work on their English language skills. One huge benefit of the OEC is the sweet and talented Barista behind the counter who put together this work of art on Melissa Harrington's Caramel Cafe Latte.



Latte Face

Getting There: If you live in Daejeon, South Korea and want an opportunity to have a beautifully designed latte simply make your way to Galma Subway Station, exit #2 and right behind the Blue 24 you'll find the sweet and comfortable OEC Coffee! Good music, great hot choco!

Find more body parts here.

Teaching Valentine's Day in South Korea

Here in the land of Kimchi and other spicy foods, Valentine's Day comes with a bit less commercialization yet the same funky desire to have somebody to love and receive gifts from. The Harrington's will be celebrating the day in a traditional Harrington manner and of course, we at The Harrington Times will bring the story in due time. Today however, we bring the story of Valentine's Lessons in Middle School and Elementary School settings.

One fabulous aspect to teaching English in a foreign country is the opportunity to have darling or un-motivated students (whichever the case may be, currently in Korea students fall into the latter category as one school year comes to an end and a new one will soon begin) help the Native English Teacher send some love and joy to friends and family back home. So it was, Michael Teacher conducted a weeks worth of Valentine writing requiring his students to write a sweet Valentine to some of the special women in his life before having the opportunity to write a Valentine to a person of their choice.

At the elementary school level, Melissa Teacher strayed from writing Valentine's with her sweet and darling group of 2nd graders and chose instead to do a little Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes action before using this worksheet to have students add a face to their own cupid. Should you find yourself in need of a Valentine activity or an easily adjustable body parts lesson in your own teaching English as a foreign language try this out:

Introduce the 'topic' with this YouTube video. Ask students what they heard, what they saw, etc.
Play or sing the song; Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, use this video if you like.
Lead students in singing the song at increasing/decresing speeds. Quiz them on body parts i.e. Head, Knees, Eyes (they move their hands accordingly).
Make sure students really know Eyes, Ears, Mouth, Nose before passing out this worksheet and viola - easy end of semester lesson for young English Language learners!





Happy Valentine's Day to all our Readers!

Surviving Middle School English Camp

Winter as an English teacher for EPIK means 1-3 (perhaps more) weeks of English Winter Camp. These tend to look different for all teachers, regarding timing, schedule etc. However, one site proves time and time again to be a life-saver for English Teachers in Korea, that site is http://www.waygook.org/ This site provides teachers a great many resources regarding curriculum, culture, games, PPTs and so much more. It was here, Mike Harrington found inspiration to conduct a two-week Survivor-themed Winter English Camp for the students of Nameson Middle School. Following are photos and a video depicting a few moments from the 2 week camp which included activities such as: knot tying, first aid instruction, peanut-butter and jelly sandwich making, tepee making, totem pole design and creation among a great many other activities designed to engage students and encourage a bit of English language use all while maintaining a fun and enjoyable camp atmosphere.

Team Name and Poster Creation

First Aid



Totem Poles and Tepees



Newspaper Tribal Outfit Creation

Teepee Doorways

This week at Nameson Middle School, Michael Teacher has been instructing his second week of 'Survivor Camp'. Being the primary photographer of The Harrington Times and the Harrington family, it was a welcome surprsie to see that not only did his recent shots from Survivor Camp capture the good times had by his students in the process of learning English, but a couple shots even managed to fit the weeks You Capture theme in which the Harrington's have made decent attempts to participate in.

Without further ado, here are two shots of Doorways as seen on English Camp-made Tepees and in instructions for making Tepees.



Michael Teacher is lucky to have a fabulous Artist in his class to whip out images such as this

for the classes 'Survival Guide"



Each Teams Teepees, lined up in a row.

Find other images and interpretations of Doorways here.

Merry Christmas! With Love from South Korea

The Harrington Times would like to take a moment to wish all their readers a very Merry Christmas. The Harrington's are beyond honored and blessed by your readership, friendship and kinship. The couple would love to thank of you each personally for the joy you've added to their lives, the support you've shown, the effort you've made to stay in touch and keep connected. This journey would more difficult, less rewarding and nearly impossible without the community which has challenged, nurtured, encouraged and loved this couple.

To the community of family, the Harrington's say "thank you for life, values, strength and a support that allows miles to separate us during many special and important moments on the home front. We miss you terribly and love you deeply, we would not and could not be the individuals or the couple we are were it not for your support."

To the community of friends 'stateside', the Harrington's say "we miss you, more than is expressable in words alone. You too are the reason we can take on this adventure and lifestyle with confidence and comfort. You have commented, messaged, emailed and updated us keeping us connected to these freindships which are so dear to us. You are forever on our hearts and in our minds."

To the community of 'expat' friends, the Harrington's say "we couldn't do this without you. Our Korean experience exceeds our expectations because you are here, you are wonderful and you are willing to love us like long-time friends and family in the times we need it most. If we came to Korea, only to meet you, the journey would have been worth it."

To the community of readers and stumble-uponers and such, the Harrington's say "thanks. Thanks for caring. Thanks for researching what you may get yourself into, thanks for increasing our page views because it just feels nice. Thanks for occassional comments and letting us know we've presented something that is useful for you in your planning and preperations."

To the community as a whole, the Harrington's say: "Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Rest assured that All is Merry and Bright in Daejeon, South Korea! With Love, The Harringtons"



Merry Christmas Michael Teacher - from Nameson Middle School Students



One students interpretation of Michael Teacher and the 'rendition'

 

Students grades: 3, 4 and 5 wishing you a Merry Christmas with a little

Seoul Christmas Light Show in the middle. Merry Christmas from the ROK!

Nameson Middle School Students Got Seoul

On Saturday, November 13th Mike and Melissa Harrington rolled out of bed earlier than should be legal on a Saturday and made the short 10 minute trek to Mr. Harrington's Middle School. For unknown reasons Mike, along with his lovely bride, were invited to join a Middle School Fieldtrip to Seoul. Unable to say no to free transportation and a day with sweet Korean students and teachers the couple braced themselves for what would surely be a wild ride.

However, this fieldtrip wasn't a wild ride. It was an extraordinarily calm, relaxing and well organized field trip to Seoul. The attendance breakdown was about 17 students, 7 teachers and 10 mothers - a perfect one-to-one ratio which means a day with middle schoolers was nothing less than enjoyable.


The group began by meandering the cities famous neighborhood: Insadong. In and out of shops went students, teachers, parents and the Harrington's. Leather bound journals, wax stamps, traditional treats, cheap souviners were all to be found within the numerous shops. Before long it was time to sit down for a warm, stone-bowl of Bimbimbab prior to continuing with a bit of shopping. Alongside Nameson's Social Studies Teacher, the Harrington's explored potery shops, antique shops and even a tea museum (better described as a tea house).

Finishing up with the shops the Dajeon crew from Nameson made their way toward some traditional housing which once housed famous and honorable Koreans. From what the Harrington's were able to gather from the itinerary they had the pleasure of touring the home of the Korean who is featured on the 1,000 Won bill. Having toured the beautifully simple home and courtyard, the Nameson group sat down to paint a fan, a precious token of their first day spent in Seoul.

Happy 27th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

On November 5th, 1983 the parents of Mr. Harrington joined the club and began their wedded life.  It's because of these two special people that the Harrington Times even exists today.  In honor of them, Mr. Harrington has created a short video of his students in South Korea congratulating his parents.  It was filmed the day of the anniversary, but not edited until moments ago.  Enjoy!



Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!