Second Class for Thailand Learning!

Oops!  Unfortunately, I was a little late for this class, I had something at school that I needed to deal with, so I left late.  Leaving late from Marshfield for Hopkinton = TRAFFIC! 

Well, I think I'm going to see a lot of traffic in Bangkok, I've read it is one of, if not the, most congested cities in the world!

 

In our second class we talked more about schools and culture of Thailand.  The National Anthem is played on loud speakers twice a day, at 8AM and 6PM throughout the cities and towns across the country.  People stop and listen.  How nice!  I look forward to seeing this.

Manners are very important in Thailand.  Be kind, be patient, be nice, and if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.  Manners and respect are important in school.  Student wear uniforms.  They take their shoes off before going into their classroom.  They all greet their teacher with respect.



I can't wait for this trip!

First Class For This Adventure

So, I attended the first evening of several professional development classes that will be held before we leave for Thailand.   I met the 23 other educators who will be on this trip.  We learned  a lot from Michael, the speaker for the evening, who spent his entire career in Thailand or it's surrounding nations.
This post will be about the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej.

He is known as Rama IX. Now 85 years old, he has reigned since 1946, he is the world's longest serving current head of state.  The people of Thailand adore this king.  He was actually born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as his father was a medical student at Harvard University.  He is 85 years old.  Anyone who approaches the King does so on his/her knees, with arms up over head and palms together, as in prayer.  This position shows the utmost of respect for their leader.  I'm going to let some students model this at our monthly Daniel Webster School PRIDE Assembly in December!

I'm Going To Thailand!

I can't believe it, but I'm going to Thailand!  I've always wanted to go on an educators' professional development tour of a country far, far away... well I'm going!  Yes, I'm going to Thailand in February  2014 for 10 days with a group of  about 20 educators, only one of whom have I met.  The professional development part of the trip actually starts this week with a gathering in Hopkinton for all travelers and a speaker about Thailand.  Follow me where I go?  Visit this blog and you will see!