Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Packing up and bringing back

I'm currently trying to wade through the packing mess that I have to sort out relatively soon. I have to figure out what I want to take home and what I want to leave here. Then out of the stuff I'm taking home, what I'm leaving there and what I'm bringing back. And I'm trying to sort through all my teaching stuff, which is really exhausting. It's just papers and papers of stuff!

I'm also making a list of what I want to bring with me next year for teaching. I want to bring a nice color map of the US and some pretty books to show the kids pictures, of course stickers and other prizes (I buy my kids' affection), kiddie song CDs, some leveled readers, some kiddie books to learn vocab with, and if I can find it some ESL stuff from the States because I'm so sick of everything being England-centric in France! Sure, they live next door to England but I'm an American darnit.

Any other suggestions for teaching supplies? Or other things for myself from the US that I'll miss like crazy when I'm stuck in France for another year? (unfortunately bringing a 24 hour Target that is open on Sundays isn't an option)

It's really weird that I'm only going home for a vacation and then I'm coming back here, doing the same thing and living in the same place. It's like I live in France now or something. And that is the strangest part of all.

11 comments:

islandgirl4ever2 said...

Is there a Lakeshore near you??? They have great teaching supplies... Also.. go to Borders or any other big bookstore and look for books... Side by Side method is EXCELLENT... They have 4 books..the 3rd Edition... Get the regular book and the Activity book --- I LOVE this teaching method.. It's great .. PLUS.. it's American English.. NOT British English!!!! I think you should check out the series... It's pretty popular for teaching English to second lang. learners... You can also get used versions on Amazon.com for a lot cheaper... Take care and have a good trip.. See you on Friday... Leesa

Monique Geisler said...

that is such a weird concept to grasp!!

But you sound way energized for Year 2 :) Good luck and have fun at home! Catch some baseball games!!

shannon said...

At least you get to leave stuff there!! Like your winter clothes which are bulky and take up a lot of room. I had to haul it all across the ocean just to haul it all right back again.

Leah said...

Sounds like you're getting yourself pretty organized, I gots to start doing that this weekend with either everything or some things. Arg. Your teaching stuff sounds good, the only thing I would add would be if there's anything holiday-specific that you won't be able to get until next time you're home(Halloween, T-giving, Xmas/winter) that you would like to get, now would be the time. Also, I like "Brown bear, brown bear" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" which are good for animals/colors and days of the week/food, respectively.

As for American stuff, maybe stuff to celebrate Thanksgiving? Any food things you can't get here or are chers...mac&cheese, PB, microwave popcorn, etc. Also, things that you like from home and/or are cheaper...a certain hair product, deodorant, contact solution, batteries, etc. I could go on, but I'm hoping something helpful was in there somewhere already. Good luck with your packathon 2008!

BlondeInFrance said...

I get to put off serious packing for another two weeks . . . NOT looking forward to it. But like Shannon said, it'll be so much easier leaving some stuff here. I donated a bunch of clothes and shoes to Secours Catholiques which helped lighten the load.

The US map is good, but I wish I had had one of my state, or of my town. Did you do a direction theme this year? "Where is the pool?" "Walk left then turn right" So a town map would have been cool for that.

au soleil levant said...

Thanks for all the tips guys! There are always things I forget. Before I came to France I shopped sales after holidays for stuff (Valentine's ,Halloween decorations, etc) and of course being in France this year, couldn't do that. Will have to buy it full price now!

HUGE thank you Leesa for the teaching method tips!!!! That's exactly what I was looking for!!!!

islandgirl4ever2 said...

Hey... One more thing that might be fun.... If you stop at a Party City or Michaels... Try to pick up some holiday sprinkles for cupcakes or cookies... pick up some choc. chips/white choc. chips etc... and you can make some for the class (or for yourself and friends) when the holiday comes around.. esp. Fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving.. The stores should carry these sprinkles year round.. Just an idea.. PS.. You're welcome for the mention of Side to Side books.. I really think this method is great.. and I have been working with second lang. learners since from 1989 to the present.. I think you will really like the series.. You might want to order from Amazon.com and get used copies in good condition (Just make sure the workbooks aren't written in already)... I saved a lot of money that way.. I bought all 4 books- and could only find the workbooks for 3 and 4 online from Amazon.com Also of great interest... The Side by Side picture dictionary... I really LOVE this one, too... Good luck.. Leesa

Anonymous said...

Like Leesa mentioned I think if you get yourself a textbook that will put you in good stead for organising the class syllabus a bit better! Looking back I think my classes were a bit random, it would have been nice to have some continuity! Also if you can buy a songbook with a cd that's a great idea too. It's annoying to pay for things but I think it will make next year a lot easier for you! And maybe rewards too like stickers and pencils and things.

au soleil levant said...

And the great comments keep rolling in!

Leesa, holiday baking stuff is a great idea and I would never have thought of it.

LT, I am planning to look for a songbook CD. I think you used the Karen Graham? Unfortunately I don't really like her... but yeah, definitely looking for songs.

Anonymous said...

Also I tried the Beatles with CM2 which went down fairly well. They liked the change, the songs were less baby-ish although a little challenging in areas but you can just get them to sing the chourus or certain parts and usually the lyrics are available in french online.

Monique Geisler said...

please tell me you were able to catch all the All-Star insanity in the MLB right now?!