How We Treat Others

How We Treat Others

How we treat others says a lot about us. It's okay not to like everyone and we definitely don't have to be friends with everyone, but we should extend a certain level of respect to everyone. At school, at church, on the street, or at work we are bound to meet new people. Sometimes we will welcome those individuals other times we may not. Regardless of whether that person is an angel or a villain. We owe to ourselves, them and God to extend basic kindness. Fred's Immaturity Some weeks ago, I was at church, a man named Fred (not…
Our Backgrounds and Paths as Learners

Our Backgrounds and Paths as Learners

Recently I read the story of two very smart individuals. The story comes from Outliers. They were both recognized geniuses, but unfortunately only one was successful. A person’s up bringing has a lot to do with whether or not they will be successful. The first man Chris Langan grew up with an alcoholic father. He was emotionally neglected and even abused. The second man Robert Oppenheimer grew up privileged. His parents were wealthy and they gave him a rich cultivating environment. He was regularly encouraged to think outside of the box and asked questions. Robert developed great social skills and…
Choosing What to Care About

Choosing What to Care About

Wealthy parents provide their children with a rich cultivating environment. Their kids learn good habits and discipline. They learn to expect the best from themselves and others. When someone is unkind to them, they don’t sweep it under the rug and forget about it. Instead they learn to deal with all different types of social dynamics in a positive manner to achieve a positive result. Then when they are adults they good on to make go decisions for themselves. As adults we are always choosing what to care about. Asking Questions A child from this kind of background would be…
Something Gained Something Lost

Something Gained Something Lost

Teaching wasn't what I expected. Years ago, I went into teaching thinking that I would make a difference in the lives of young people. Now years later, as I reflect, I realize that there was something gained and something lost. I gained skills and experience to become a better teacher, but I went through a lot of loneliness to get to this point. I teach in a band 3 school. For those of you who don’t know, there are 3 bands and band 1 is the best. Students are “banded” according to their academic performance. Lots of people have asked…
A Summer Camp Full of Happy Faces

A Summer Camp Full of Happy Faces

Alright I know we can't force kids to have fun, and 2 weeks is a scary long time for some of them. But I visited the camp twice this year and I saw a summer camp full of happy faces. Here's a link for last week's Friday and Saturday activities. Sure it takes some time for students to warm up to each other, but once they do some of them don't want to leave. The environment was good. I arrived at about 2:15 on Wednesday afternoon and I got to see students from my school. Here's a 2 minute photo…
The OxBridge Teachers Are Back

The OxBridge Teachers Are Back

Wow, I am surprised, Oxford and Cambridge, OxBridge teachers are back to TWGH’s English Summer Camp. It’s been a while, last year they hired teachers who lived in Hong Kong to teacher and before that the camp was canceled due to Covid19. Anyway, it felt good to have them back. The picture below has both the Hong Kong counseling staff and the teachers toasting each other. The HK counseling staff are a critical part of the program. They handle disciplinary issues and keep things running smoothly. This is my 5th year participating in the summer camp. My school, currently has…