to help with chores around the school; like raking leaves, taking out the garbage and mopping the classrooms.
Also, some kids go straight to ‘cram school’ after school. Cram school is a huge part of Taiwanese culture -- it's where students go to study more so they can stay ahead of their studies. There are a few cram schools nearby, and I often see students walking there after class. About 30% of my students are in cram school, but this number will probably increase as they get into middle and high school. My most advanced English students are usually getting a lot of extra English practice in their cram schools. Gaby says her cram school gets out at 9:00 p.m., which is pretty normal!
Gaby and Sherry walk to school by themselves -- I’m guessing they live pretty close by. Luca, Andy, Zoey, Selena, Sophia and Lydia must live further away, because their parents have to take them. Andy says his mom usually takes him to school on her scooter.
All the students eat school lunch. I haven’t seen any students bring ‘cold lunch’ like some kids do in the U.S. Also, unlike in the U.S., my schools in Taiwan do not have a cafeteria. The students eat in their classroom with their teacher.
Gaby, Andy and Zoey’s favorite food is noodles. Sherry likes tofu and seaweed; Luca likes tomatoes; and Selena likes braised pork rice. Lydia likes hot pot, which is a broth (usually shared between the table, but sometimes individual) filled with various meats and vegetables of your choice. Sophia says her favorite food is ice cream and Konpeitō (a hard Japanese candy).
