Fangshan World Cup Update

Camp Fang shan updates.
Right now we have 110 kids divided into 6 classes. Here are their updates

Kindergarten class -Brazil (9 kids)
The 5 and 6 year old kids are learning about colors, fruit and vegetables and greetings. We.ve had a great time watching and helping these kids learn English! We've noticed different learning styles and speeds, and some of these young learners have really impressed us! There is always a lot of energy, whether welcome or not but we're working hard together to make sure it is a positive learning experience for all of our students! We hope to make some lasting impact on these students' lives. ~Geryl, Mitch and Alice

Beginner 1 -Australia (20 kids)
Hello friends and family . Today i was given the opportunity to write on the blog and i jumped at the chance. Right now i am sitting and coloring with some of my students and having a great time spending time with them. First let me say that your loved ones are wonderful people! I had the privilege to be at the Hohhut and Fang shan camps, so i got to know both teams. Even though the days and long and tiring, everyone always has a smile on their face and is willing to do whatever is asked of them! The Chinese students are a joy to work with. Some speak fluent English and others only know a few words but they are all beginning to ope up. As we all get to know each other more they are answering more in class, learning tons and showing their enthusiasm. It is amazing to watch their progress. Finally the Chinese assistants are fantastic, they are so so helpful ALL of the time and we couldn't do it without them. Just and shout out to my family.......
Dad- I have been doing my soccer workouts every morning.
Mom - My students love coloring & I can't wait to eat one of your delicious meals
Matt- I get to play soccer with the kids at night! I'm sure you did great at nationals- I'm so proud of you! I can't wait to hear about it.
I love you all so much ~Alyssa, Liz

Beginner 2 - Uruguay (20 kids)
Hello familiy and friends of the Uruguay team !
We have made it safely to Fang shan camp and are already on our 4th day of camp. I am so glad to have been given 20 happy students between the ages of 8-11. My beginner level students are quickly learning about family and emotions. One of my favorite responsibilities was when we were talking about our favorite pass times. The kids were brainstorming things like read a book, or watch tv. When one little girl excitedly waved her hand until i called on her and she shouted tidy the living room! My class has loved playing the games and singing our many songs. Their favorite activity is the soccer game at the end of the day. It has been wonderful getting to know my kids. I could not have done any of this without my amazing assistants; Christina, Anna and Sylvia (our Chinese translator) They make any lesson fun and every activity an exciting one. Thank you for thinking of us!
~Corinne and Anna

Intermediate 1 - Greece (20 kids)
We are Greece and are having a wonderful time with them. It is incredible to think that we are in the midst of this teaching, something for which we have been preparing for months. We have been giving a really great group of kids to work with and though our students English speaking ability is minimal at best and our Chinese speaking ability is even less, we are able to communicate with them. We are also seeing them begin to make progress for which we are excited. Bringing even more excitement are those incredible moments in which we have been able to share the real reason for being here. PLease keep this in mind as you think of all of us here. ~Dave, Courtney and Sam

Intermediate 2- Spain (20 kids)
OUr students are having a fun time working on their pronunciation and trying to sound like Americans. Their new favorite's are tractor, trailer, truck and toilet paper. This class has been very attentive and love to take notes in class. Also they love to help the teacher do clean up or anything that needs to be done... they love to get points for their team. This class also has a great sense of humor, can laugh at themselves when they make mistakes and work very well together.
~Karen and Grace

Advanced - Germany ( 21kids)
Team Germany, taught by Jen and assisted by Evan, has had a great start to camp! The class has covered three lessons thus far; Getting to know you, Clothing and directions. The kids are enjoying the activities associated with the lessons, such as the blindfold maze, drawing and partner activities. The students in this class have very good spoken English and can therefore hlod discussions. The challenge is that the age range of the class is 7-17 years old. It is hard to cater to a wide range of needs. Outside of class the kids are learning respect for each other and to work as a team to clean up after themselves. The students and teachers are growing closer as they learn about each others interests, personalities and lives. (and the girls think Evan is a handsome man ) ~ Jen and Evan