If you tried to follow along at home and translate the letter I shared, great! If not, then file it away in your “come back to sometime” folder and take another crack at it!
Today I read it to my 6th grade students. It was a little emotional the first time, but I manged to get though the other readings without too much trouble. Then we played Twister!
Anyway, here is the English translation of my letter:
Dear 6th grade students,
It is almost summer vacation. You are really looking forward to it, aren’t you? Today is our last class together. I have some things I want to say, so I wrote this letter. I came to Korean in August of 2006 when you were in the 4th grade. Before that I had never lived in a foreign country so my life suddenly became very interesting.
Do you remember the first time we met? I have almost 600 students, so I can’t really remember well. However, I will always remember how you would greet me with a loud “Good Morning” each day. Because of you I felt welcome each day.
You know that during class I almost never spoke Korean. I did that so that you would grow accustomed to hearing English. It is best if native teachers only use English. It forces you to listen carefully and practice speaking! But, if you haven’t studied English for a long time, I know that it is also difficult. Thank you for studying so hard. I’m sorry that our classes were not long and I couldn’t teach you everything that I planned. I hope that I showed you learning a foreign language can be fun. Starting next semester, a new English teacher will come. Don’t worry about it. It is good for you to meet other foreigners. Even though, I don’t know anything about the new teacher, Seungbuk Elementary students are so kind, I am sure you will get along.
This fall I am planning to do some overseas travel. I want to study Spanish in Central America. I also will attend Graduate School. If you are curious about what I am doing, I will send pictures and letters to the school. If you want to contact me, you can send me an e-mail!
As you continue to study English, don’t worry about making mistakes. If you practice a lot you can learn to speak English fluently. If you continue to study diligently, English will become easier and easier.
In closing, these 2 years have been really fun and fulfilling. I have enjoyed spending time with you. Korea has become like a home to me. The teachers and students at Seongbuk Elementary School have treated me like family. As time passes I don’t know if we will meet again, and in a little while I will leave Korea, but I will carry memories in my heart. I will not forget you. Even when I am old, I will remember you fondly.
I love you all,
Mr. D
