A Goodbye Video to my Students

As part of a package of things I will be giving to my students to say goodbye to them, I made this video. It's a collection of photos and videos from our various field trips over the past two years. There was a lot I could put in but I narrowed it down to the following that you will see. I'm not looking forward to my last class time with the kids, because they really gave me the strength and inspiration to be a teacher. But I hope this video and my other gifts will leave a lasting memory in their hearts.

Enjoy ~

"Life" in Korea ~ a video

Dug up some videos in the archive and threw this little ditty together. Maybe you will be able to spot familiar scenes. 

Enjoy. Music found here. 

Drum beating and twirling: Video

So energetic and colorful, it certainly was mesmerizing. 

Oasis (오아시스): Korean Movie Review

source

Oasis, the movie directed by Lee Chang-dong, is an incredible piece of work where you can see a very acute and tactful observation of the human condition. The kind that is brought on by the people in society who are forgotten and at the very end of the line. Scenery within the movie evokes emotions ranging from rage to sympathy, and yet you don't want to stop watching. 

The story focuses on the retarded character Jong-du who was recently released from prison, and finds himself back at home amongst family who doesn't want him. Scenes show how as outcasted from family and society, not just for the way he acts but also his reputation. The crime in which he was involved (sort of) takes him to the victim's family, where he meets the physically disabled Gong-ju (Korean name for Princess). 

source (I didn't know this but apparently after you get of prison your suppose to eat a block of fresh tofu.)

What happens is they fall in love, but their relationship is of course not favored. However, you can't help but feel your heart swell when he makes the poor girl happy and imagine that she isn't disabled. 

There is a lot intertwined in the plot of this movie and you realize that the misfit of the film is really just a victim of his family's shameful actions, along with the girl whose family takes advantage of her disability. 

I don't want to give too much away, because not knowing key elements of the film, I feel are important to thoroughly enjoying this movie. That is why I highly recommend accessing it and giving it a try. It's not going to be a blockbuster-blow-your tv out, sort of movie. But will give you insight into the fringe side of Korea. Here's the trailer to get you ready:

Yeoju Ceramic Festival ~ Video

I put together a little video here about my trip to the Yeoju Ceramic festival a while back. It was a beautiful day and the scenery was lovely. Enjoy~

Fantastic Baby? Or Fantastic Chicken?

The students have been singing a funny song in class. Another infiltration of Korean popular culture in the classroom. So I started to wonder what the source was, as I am kind of out of touch with Kpop these days. Turns out they were singing a parodied song to "Fantastic Baby" by BigBang in the tune of "Fantastic Chicken."

After having watched both videos I find the "Fantastic Chicken" a lot more amusing. Of course it's hard to get over the new looks of the BigBang members, and their cuteness. Here are the videos so you can see for yourself...

Fantastic Baby - BigBang



Fantastic Chicken - SLRHYMO

The Nude Collection : Video

Enjoy!

Video as a Tool For English Education in Korea

I noticed something the other day while teaching my winter camp classes, and that is Korean kids love Youtube just as much as kids back home. Of course, this should come as no surprise as Korea is a very wired country. But I think seeing videos in the classroom has been a part of their lives since they started school. I for one have used a multitude of math-song videos and for fun, played those cutesy and catchy ones that get their attention.

An excellent evolution has occurred with the use of video in the classroom, and that is teachers making educational videos with their students. The forum waygook.org has already shown areas where teachers are integrating a video-creating lesson into their classes. Also, you catch teacher made videos on youtube with some that are awesome and others quite simple. Here for you are an example of teachers taking the video camera in the classroom and making it a fun tool for English education.

1. Mike Karlan's "Bandit" Videos:

The following is called, "The Color Bandit":

A quirky and fun video with a great example of kids using English in a fun and enthusiastic way, you see the theme of an evil bandit who stole colors. The kids must think of a plan to destroy him so they can use colors again. At least, that is my interpretation. Nicely edited and it shows that the kids were involved and had a good time.

2. Daft Punk's Harder...Faster Song:

I recently was creating a lesson about comparatives and found that other teacher's out there used the Daft Punk Song, "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" with their students.

This one from "miathetraveler"

First off let me congratulate these teachers for getting their middle school students to participate in something like this. From what I understand teaching Middle school is challenging in that the students are hard to motivate. 

This one from "danitravels"

I like this one better as you can tell they were really into it and I like the way they organized their signs. This would make a great project for a camp session or an after school group. I think with some patience I might even be able to do this with a group of my first graders. 

3. Make a Movie Camp:

Sometimes it is best to just let the kids figure out what to make, and you can do this with a themed "movie camp." Found on waygook.org, are lesson plans and worksheets to use for the camp. The following are video examples of what came out of the project.

What are the benefits?

In my opinion this gets students excited for learning English and the result is something definitely different from the usual hum-drum lesson. However, I am sure if you tell your students, "We are going to make videos!" That there will be a group that sighs and says, "No, I don't want to." Like all lessons it is all about getting them motivated, and this should be no different.

Also, they get to see what their English looks like and sounds like in the final product. This is a great tool for them to understand where they need to improve. Throughout the project, students work on plot, character design and story therefore getting to use their English skills in a productive way. 

Some pitfalls might be that you don't have enough equipment for the students, like cameras and computers to edit with. Also, students will work in groups and as you may already know this is sometimes a hard thing for them. I recall one group I had during a camp where they argued over everything the whole time.

In the end, I think making videos with your students is an overall beneficial part of the English classroom here in Korea. Why not add this to your curriculum? 

Do you have any teacher-student made videos you would like to share?

A Fresh Reaction to K-Pop: From Kids

You have to watch this!

It interviews several young adults (elementary and middle school) about Kpop. What is awesome is that they have no clue what it is and come to see it as something strange. 

Although, I have in the past enjoyed Kpop I can pretty much say my reaction to it is the same as these kids. Especially, when they start talking about how Kpop groups are manufactured from a company. 

All in all, this was highly entertaining and pretty much expresses how it is hard for Kpop to cross over 100% beyond Korea. 

Judy is a Punk!

The viral video, "Judy is a punk in kindergarten"...exemplifies how being a teacher here in Korea has changed. People have brought their talent to the schools here and are allowed to share it with students. The video is really great with little toothless wonders bopping up and down and singing.

But let me point out a few things that are unique to having a "punk rock" experience in a kindy, here in Korea.

• You will notice the other teachers not dancing or moving to the song. This is because, if they did, the crowd would go more wild and out of control.
• Some kids formed groups and jumped together, while others stood and just sang. I think this shows how there is still that deep "shyness" and "must conform" in the kids here. (Could be speculation.)

I have to say I think these kids had themselves a very unique experience in their young life and I hope it transcends and carries with them into Korean adulthood. See kids...letting loose can be fun!

*Originally discovered at Geek in Korea.

Bulgolgi and Kimchi on The Simpsons

A recent episode of The Simpsons was a take on Foodies and food blogging. It was quite hilarious as most of it was a great satire of the real thing. At one point they played a song in the tune of, "Empire State of Mind" but talking about foodies.

"Rolling into K-town...bibimbop and bulgolgi..."

Watch the video for the whole thing and feel great that Korea was mentioned. :)

Our Neighborhoods

A recent video, by the Qiranger, goes into the neighborhood of Itaewon, which has been Paul Ajosshi's home for quite sometime. I like this video because it shows you how you can go from one interesting alley to the next and end up at some oddball places, with just a little exploration. I wrote recently about a new back alley in Itaewon that is already taking shape and getting popular, check out the post here.

It makes me wonder if my neighborhood, Nowon, has anything interesting beyond it's bar and chicken hoff street. I do know of the little parks here and there between apartment complexes, but a street with galleries and coffee shops...hmmm? Guess I should get out there and find out.

Sung Si Kyung - Even Now

I'm not much into Kpop anymore, but while flipping through the old Korean TV I stumbled upon this video.

I have to say it accurately portrays how I have been feeling lately and in the past. Besides it is a sweet song.

Artist: 성시경

Performance Art in the Subway: Video

The video is here for you to get a better understanding of the whole thing that went down last week. For more information and a view of other performances go to my post here.

:)

Seoul Living: Video

Made a little video about how people live in Korea. The embed feature is being a bit of a pain so you have the little video below, or you can click on the link to see a larger version.

SEE THE LARGER VIDEO HERE!!!

I'm Past My 1,000th Post! Tom Video

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 THAT'S NOT WORKING SO FOLLOW THIS LINK.

Wow! Already I have made over 1,000 posts on this blog. I suppose it is inevitable, and so I am celebrating with the above video I made of Tom the cat. Really, though I made it because I wanted to figure out an editing technique in Final Cut Pro X. The software is a lot easier to use than previous versions, but my lack of video-editing knowledge makes things a bit tough.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy watching it.

Itaewon's Secret: The Video

I am sure there are other secret areas of Itaewon that please the eye too, but this one is literally being made in the moment. There were buildings still under construction as I walked through there. I think this area is going to develop into one that is known for cafes, galleries and cute little shops. 

A post with pictures and more thoughts to come, in the meantime give me your reactions to this video. Also if you like it why not share it with your pals, huh?

Seoul Rain a Video

It's a little poetic and on the short side, but I like it! If you like it too why not share it with your pals. But really this video captures how the rain can make you contemplate life and all it's wonders.

Korean High School Life: Perspective

Got this from Ahlumdapda's site first, but want to spread the word. An American high school student in Korea, with intentions on making a documentary about the culture here, ends up finding so much more. Watch her video and possibly take part in her cause.

Certainly, even it at the young age I teach the pressure to do good in school and be beautiful has already affected them. Only they get to leave school at 2:30 instead of 9pm.

The Naminara Republic Experience: VIDEO

Part three will be coming, but in the meantime let's take a look at the video experience of visiting the island. I hope this entices you to go there and enjoy the sites.