Be Sweet

So, I had my first "I strongly dislike Korea" experience this week. On Monday, a 5th grade student of mine told me he was having a bad day because his mother slapped him. He completely caught me off guard and I didn't really know what to say. I asked him why, and he said it was due to a bad grade on his grammar test. He got a B. My heart broke for him. I told him he was a good student, not to give up, and that I was sorry that happened. I couldn't believe that a mother would completely overact about a B. Geesh. There was nothing that I could do about the situation. There are no procedures to follow or anyone to call and report to. Korea is advanced in many ways, but when it comes to family matters, all hands are tied. I was talking to my friends about the situation and they couldn't believe that this was my first time hearing about children getting abused by parents due to bad grades. Apparently, public schools have been sending letters home with students discouraging parents' harsh punishments and intense pressure on students. They believe that there is large correlation between the pressure students face and with the suicide rate, which Korea ranks as 8th largest in the world. Speaking of death, my students are always talking about death in class. I'm not sure if that is a common topic of discussion for all students in elementary school, but it is here. If a student is absent from class and the class doesn't know why, they tell me that he or she has died and then they laugh about it. I think it is really strange.

Since I began teaching, I never realized how important it is for children to get positive encouragement from their parents,siblings, teachers, and loved ones. Sure, we all enjoy encouragement, but these kids THRIVE off of it. When I read their diaries, they always write about how someone said they did a great job in academics or activities. They will write a full page about happy they feel and how they are going to keep trying hard. Kids don't need the latest toys or electronics. Yes, they have a blast playing with them for a while, but what they need is free of cost. The things that really matter to them is feeling loved and encouraged. Please remember that when you are with your child or someone else's. Have you told them today how important they are and how you are proud of their accomplishments with the ABC's or on their effort in math? Do it. Spend time with them. You never know, your small, simple words of encouragement may be their next diary entry. It could be the
highlight of their week, month, year, or lifetime.



A mom with her children at a museum. Showing them how to draw.
xoxo