My first job in Korea was at a Hagwon (private school) that was set up like a kid's cafe. Every day of the week we had different classes where we would use arts and crafts, science, story-time, songs, etc. to teach kids English while having fun. Classes were a half hour long with a half hour of playtime. Parents could sign up their kids for up to two hours per day. We also had special camps on weekends where we would have a theme like superheroes, holidays, or secret agents with special activities. We taught kids ages about three to eight with different level classes.
In Korea, English teachers typically are specifically not allowed to use Korean with the students. Classes are fully immersive, with Korean staff nearby to help if needed. However, knowing at least some Korean is helpful, especially with the little ones.
Doing activities and playing with the kids really taught me as much as it taught them. Many of these kids were still learning how to read and write in Korean let alone English, and the younger ones didn't always understand that the teachers spoke a different language from them. I had to nod along in play time and respond in English even when they used Korean, whether I understood them or not. I loved the kids so much and was so proud of how well we learned to communicate with each other. Naturally, while they were learning basic English words, I picked up on some basic Korean words, especially from the kids who didn't know the difference yet.
Hajima 하지 마 = Don't (Do it)
When a bunch of little kids are playing with each other, you are going to have some fights and bickering. "Hajima" was my cue to step in and save the day before anyone got too angry or broke down in tears.
Shil 화장실 = Bathroom
Shil is a short version of the full world for bathroom, Hwajangshil. Since little kids have a hard time with big words, Shil is common baby-speak for bathroom. Shil is a word ending that means "room," so as an adult using it alone instead of the whole word might not get you to the bathroom.
Shinbal 신발 = Shoes
At my first school, kids put their shoes in little cubbies before entering the school. Especially with the new kids, we would have to coach them in English to take their shoes off while the Korean staff translated. That initial entrance was usually met with wide eyes since we looked so foreign to them and spoke so differently, but a few high fives and smiles usually broke the ice. Also, best to check your pronunciation here. 시발 (shibal) means fuck. You might also run into the same problem with 십팔 (shippal) which means eighteen.
Jamkkanman(yo) 잠깐만(요) = Please wait
I actually learned this one from my co-teacher. Sometimes, when a kid was really upset, she would say this to them meaning "hold on a moment" while she went for help from the Korean staff. We often had a lot going on at once in our little school, so sometimes a little Korean helped to calm the situation with the little ones. I heard wrong for the longest time. I was saying "chokomanyo" which Google tells me means "just chocolate." Now I always look up the spelling and pronunciation of a word before I start trying to use it.
Gwaenchana(yo) 괜찮아(요) = It's okay
A reassuring "it's okay" is another phrase that is super helpful when little kids are overwhelmed, hurt, and/or crying. The "yo" makes it more polite, which you use for strangers and anyone older than you.
Eomma엄마 = Mom
Self-explanatory. Little kids always want their moms!
Appa 아빠 = Dad
And little kids always want their dads!
Sunsaengnim 선생님 = Teacher
Although I was known as "Melanie Teacher," some of the little ones still used the Korean word for teacher. It's always good to know when they are trying to get your attention in any language.
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