Unhyeongung

운현궁

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Happy Face

Every morning, I write my kinder kids' names on the board. They earn smiley faces for good behavior, following directions, or whatever I feel like giving smiley faces for. For every three smileys, they earn a sticker. The threat of losing a smiley face holds incredible sway over these kids.  We discussed feelings in speaking class. This is a dangerous topic to address with a dozen exhausted kindergarteners. Nevertheless, we talked about things that make them happy or sad or excited. When we got to angry, I received an education in how these kids treat each other when teachers aren't watching. I also learned that Peter accidentally broke Justin's toy gun hours earlier, and Justin still was not over it.  A few minutes after this conversation, Peter raised his hand.  "Teacher, take my happy face please and give to Justin." Peter is my tallest kinder kid, and he's high on the list of energetic and loud students. I forget sometimes that he's also my mo...
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Spider Pig

We've been discussing animals in kindergarten science. We're into really difficult things ... which animals walk or crawl or swim and what body parts they use for those movements. Like I said, very complex stuff.  I was flipping through photos of various animals and insects, and the kids were answering questions about them. When we got to the tarantula (or the "tarantura" as my kids say), I got a few anticipated screams from the girls. Peter looked at me completely straight-faced and began singing "Spider pig, spider pig does whatever a spider pig does...." I haven't seen the Simpsons in years, so Spider Pig was new to me. Even if I had known, Peter's rendition still would have been stellar. What's not to love about a 7-year old's monotone, Korean-accented, and rather serious take on "Spider Pig"? He made it through the entire song without cracking a smile. I was dying. 
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Coffee Break

The couple sitting beside me is perfectly stereotypical. She uses her baby voice and whines. They each ordered a coffee and waffle, but he still feeds her his food. Partway through, they break for a cute cellphone photo op. It occurs to me that, of all the solo patrons here, I am the only female. And while the others appear to be doing important things on their laptops and cellphones, I bet you a latte at least half of them are just putting on a good show. Like me. The guy in the corner quit pretending a while back and settled in for a nap. A group of women occupies a few tables in front of me. Their conversation is animated but incredibly quiet. As they sign back and forth, they pause occasionally to pass stacks of Won across the table. If I ever write a mystery novel, they'll be in it.
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