Training and Tears--Saying Good-bye (August 1-22, 2016)

Sep 1

Sep 1 Training and Tears--Saying Good-bye (August 1-22, 2016)

Brigg and Janet

August 1-12--CTP (China Teachers Program) training at BYU. Our classes included training in the Mandarin language, Chinese history and culture, and Chinese religious laws; travel, safety, and health concerns while in China; and an assortment of teacher training focusing on TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)--kept us busy and engaged from 8 a.m. until various times in the evening ranging from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. We slept at the Wallsburg cabin while we were there, and most evenings we left BYU, drove straight to Wallsburg, and went right to bed. Brigg was still feeling the effects of his July 20 rotator cuff surgery and spent the nights alternating between the bed and various chairs trying to find a comfortable spot, but I have to admit that I don't think I've ever slept better! We opened all the windows at night and enjoyed the canyon breezes--loved listening to the sprinklers, horses, and roosters (not sure about the dogs, however). We do love that cabin!! This is the 2016 CTP group:

On Friday, August 12, following the last of our training meetings, we said our goodbyes to Lucile, Grandma & Grandpa Allred, and Brian's family. Very teary afternoon/evening (notice that you haven't read too much about the drought lately? I've personally taken care of that one . . . ) On Saturday, August 13, Reagan was baptized and Jack received the Aaronic Priesthood--we were so happy to be there with them! After a couple of fun days with the Rasmussens up there in Ammon, Idaho, we continued our drive across the Sierra Nevadas (gorgeous!!) to see the Napa Steeles. Following some time in Napa (more goodbye tears!) and a brief stop in Laguna Hills, we headed toward Arizona to say goodbye to the Phoenix Steeles. The Gants were again waiting for us when we returned to Laguna Hills, and they will be our final goodbye on Saturday morning, September 3. Unfortunately, I see that September 3 is supposed to be the best college football kickoff day EVER . . . . . sigh . . . . . and sigh . . . . .

(Just click on the pictures to see more of our "goodbye" visits . . . zai jian!)

We’re Back!!

I can’t believe it, but at the invitation of PKU and with the encouragement of BYU, we returned to Beijing for the 2018-2019 teaching year.

Brigg continues to teach some of the most popular classes on campus — this, at least, according to many of my students who are hooked into PKU social media during registration time. It seems that there is continuous chatter about how to get into one of Mr. Steele’s Business English classes. The students have an allotment of “points” they can use to “bid” for priority in registration, and many students report using ALL of their points just to get into one of Brigg’s classes! He teaches these Business English classes on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and again on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

I continue to teach four sections of Critical Thinking/Academic Writing — Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and again on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Both Brigg and I teach a section of Oral English for English Majors on Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. We enjoy teaching the same course, although in different buildings, and have even switched things up on occasion, sharing our “expertise” with each other’s classes.

We were asked this year if we would teach an additional children’s oral English class, available only to those affiliated with PKU. We were told that this was a request from parents who wanted to enroll their children, but only if we were going to be the teachers. I know! Flattering! How could we refuse?? So we’re teaching the same Grade 2 class we taught last year (with a few new faces) on Wednesday evenings, but we’re also teaching a group of “beginners” (mostly 6-year-olds) on Monday evenings. We’ve had a lot of fun sharing American culture with them, including the carving of Halloween jack-o-lanterns in October and the decorating of various holiday-themed treats.

I continue to tutor my 9-year-old Thomas as well, sometimes twice a week. He loves to come to our apartment even when not having a formal lesson just to play games or read stories. Brigg has to hide his treats, though, because Thomas eats EVERYTHING he can find!

We love our continuing relationships with our former students and friends, especially our BYU China Teacher colleagues, who are our “family” while we’re so far from home!

Hi.

Sep 1 Training and Tears--Saying Good-bye (August 1-22, 2016)

(Just click on the pictures to see more of our "goodbye" visits . . . zai jian!)

Sep 10 We live in China now! (Sept. 2016)

Aug 31 Love, The Phoenix Steeles

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