Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts

Sunday, June 18, 2017

If I don't do it, / 不做會怎樣?


六月的植標館週六午後,我們來上豆科植物。傾盆大雨的下午,意外地來了許多孩子和媽媽,兩年前還是個孩子的柏輝這陣子都小學畢業了,這次來感覺像是要和過去說再見了。

On the rainy Saturday afternoon in June, we have a lesson on leguminous plants. It comes as a surprise that there are more children than expected on such a wet day. Our special guest is the 12-year-old Po-huei. When he came two years ago, he was still a child, and now he has graduated from elementary school. I feel he's coming this time to say goodbye not only to us but also to his childhood. 



        平常見沒什麼稀奇的阿勃勒黃花,在拆解之後原來有許多奧秘,今年來的這批孩子頗有學習的熱忱。

     The golden shower trees are in bloom now, and though the yellow flowers are commonly seen, the structure of the flowers is actually amazing. It's nice to see the kids learn with such enthusiasm. 



        雄蕊居然有分三種尺寸,雄雌蕊彎曲的線條也是為了傳宗接代設計!

     There are three sizes for the stamens. Even the curving lines of the filaments and the style are the design of nature to help the plant reproduce. 



        想不到男孩把花插到耳邊! 今天居然還有小朋友想做筆記,我好感動!

     I am amused by how the big boy wears the flower behind his ear. More interestingly, some boys take notes today, which greatly moves me! 



        接著是美麗的鳳凰花,只可惜最近雨下不斷,大美阿姨只能採到幾朵完整的花朵給小朋友們觀察。

      Next we observe the flame flowers. However, because of the continuous torrential rain, Guei-mei finds only three to four intact flowers to show to everybody. 



        雖然這陣子看到阿勃勒和鳳凰花都開了,不這麼近看哪知道花朵果實的奧秘呢?

     I see the golden shower flowers and flame flowers only from far away, but without close observations, I would miss the mysteries of their flowers and fruits. 



        就是看起來普普通通的綠豆黃豆芽也很有趣,黃豆芽還有屁味呢! 

     Even the ordinary-looking mung bean and soy bean sprouts are a lot of fun. The latter smell like farts! 



        我們也玩分組搶答,其實只是想黃豆製品,大家也都好投入! 

     We play the brainstorming game: Each group has to think of as many soy bean products as possible. See how devoted everyone is! 



        最後玩沙包,大家不亦樂乎! 

     We top off the day with the folk beanbag game. The kids enjoy it so much! 

        今年我們把活動頻率減少了,有時候做活動出門的路上也會想,如果不做多好,但每個下午結束的時候,就是會感受到一些溫暖和光亮,促使我繼續,而且在我完全不想界定教育這件事時,週六下午總是向我證明教育可以是有意義的。

     This year we have cut down on the times of the activities. On the Saturdays when there are workshops, I sometimes grumble and wonder how great it would be if there were no such thing on my way to the herbarium. But at the end of these Saturday afternoons, I feel there is always a small flame lit up in my heart, a glow of light that warms me and pushes me to continue. When I don't feel like defining the significance of education, these Saturday afternoons always prove to me that education can be fun and enjoyable. 

        活動結束之前,有個八歲男孩要我看他表演,雖然他一直失敗,我對他說:沒關係,在家練好下次再來!他要離開的時候說:謝謝你鼓勵我!有一天我們也許不再做這個活動,不做也不會少一塊肉,或許有些時候還會慶幸這樣的決定,但我會想念那些可愛純真的孩子和他們的話語。

     Before the end of the day, an eight-year-old boy asks me to watch his specially-prepared show. He keeps failing, so I tell him, "All it takes is practice. I believe you can do much better when you come next time." Before he leaves, he says to me, "Thank you for encouraging me." One day we might not go on with the activity, and it certainly won't kill me. Perhaps I might feel thankful for the decision, but I will certainly, definitely miss those lovely and innocent children and whatever they have said to me. 

Sunday, June 04, 2017

On a spring night / 春末的夜裡


春末的夜裡,小男孩瑞瑞和媽媽咪咪來看我,而雙胞胎哥哥在車上睡覺,瑞瑞睡不著,因為怕做惡夢。

On a spring night, Ray comes to visit me with his mom Mimi, while his twin brother sleeps in the car. Ray can't sleep because he is afraid of having nightmares. 

瑞瑞問我:「汪達阿姨,你讀一年級的時候有夢想嗎?」我搖搖頭,很可惜地說沒有。
瑞瑞說:「我想當歌手。」
咪咪鼓勵瑞瑞唱一曲。於是我們在深夜裡開了盡興的小型演唱會。
媽媽繼續說兩兄弟的趣事,例如下田體驗農耕生活時,當其他孩子雙腳深陷於泥濘當中,精力過盛的兩人追著鴉子跑。

Ray asks me, "Auntie Wanda, did you have a dream when you were in first grade?" Unfortunately, I didn't. I felt pity for not being able to give a more creative answer.
Ray goes on to say, "I want to be a singer."
Mimi encourages Ray to sing, and thus starts our late-night mini-concert.
Mimi tells me more anecdotes about the two brothers.  For example, as the other kids panicked, the boys got so carried away when experiencing farming that they started to chase after the ducks.

好寧靜又好有活力的春夜啊!

What a peaceful and energetic spring night!

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

The owl boy Wayne / 貓頭鷹男孩韋恩


I am only eight, 
but I have to wear glasses and braces. 
Well, as long as I can blow bubbles,
nothing can cause troubles. 

Tuesday, April 04, 2017

Clue / 線索


總是在不知所措的時候,看到上帝刻意留下的一些線索。

In moments of confusion, I still see clues that God has left deliberately for me to see. 

        七歲的楷維戴著牙套,也即將配眼鏡,但還是會說出孩子般的話語,要我緊緊抓住童年的尾巴。

     The seven-year-old Kai now wears braces, and his small face is going to be weighed down with glasses, but sometimes he still blurts out childlike remarks.  It's God saying to me, "Hold onto the last traces of childhood!" 

Sunday, May 08, 2016

Paper butterfly / 紙蝴蝶


只是一隻紙蝴蝶,孩子們卻把它當做卡地爾最新品,那樣當一回事。

It's just a paper butterfly, but kids chase it as if it were the latest design of Cartier, as if nothing is more precious than it in the whole world. 

Saturday, May 07, 2016

Stay passionate / 熱情滿滿


今天的假日兒童博物館裡,湧進了好多小小孩,我們好久沒有這麼多年輕的小貴客,於是我們也出動了七位志工帶小朋友玩不同的活動。

In the children's museum today, the herbarium is filled with little kids. In fact, we haven't had so many young guests for a long time. To show our sincerity, we have a strong cast of seven volunteers to wait on them. 

        小朋友有問必答,好多點不完的手,他們還用稚嫩的歌聲唱「蝴蝶真美麗」,完全透明的心思讓我好感動,雖然場面常常失控,我卻不以為意。

     It's amazing that the children do not hesitate to answer every question we ask. I am also moved by the hands that never put down and the innocent singing of the butterfly song. Though sometimes the situation is quite chaotic, I don't mind at all. 

        中午和朋友聊到,我的熱情隨著年紀有增無減,而我也不知道它會領我到哪裡或找到怎麼樣的挑戰,不過最高興的莫過於遇到有同樣想法的夥伴,我們可以一起把一件事做好,把一個簡單的星期六下午做得多采多姿,這真是目前的我最享受的事情之一。

     I have a talk with a friend at noon about my passion that grows with age. To be honest, I have no clue where it will lead me, but I am sure of one thing: I can't be happier when meeting people who share the same passion with me. We can work together to focus on one task, and for now it is to create a wonderful memory for children on an originally ordinary Saturday afternoon. Such a simple thing can   place me in seventh heaven. 

Sunday, May 01, 2016

My dreams always / 初心


最近身體有些不適,還有一些小打擊,雖然不免沮喪,不過我回想自己的初心,總是要緊緊抓住原本的目標,沿路的挫折只是助攻,而不是絆腳石。

I've been feeling kind of unwell. There're always some very minor setbacks. However, whatever happens, I remember to stick to my initial dreams, which helps me to hold tight onto my goals. The frustration only serves to make me more determined. 

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Lesson in the herbarium / 下雨天的植物課


休息了兩個月,植標館的植物課又開張了,有個六歲的小女孩好喜歡我做的小蜜蜂蜜蜜。

After taking a two-month-long break, we are back with more lessons in the herbarium! A six-year-old girl just loves my bee Beebee. 



        這一次我比較是課程策畫者,所以不用說太多話。

     Now I am more like a lesson planner, so I don't get to talk much. 



        貴美阿姨是我們的講師之一,因應台大的杜鵑花節,我們來拆解美麗的杜鵑花,研究花的構造。

     Auntie Guei-mei is one of our teachers. Because of the azalea festival in NTU, our task today is to study the structure of an azalea flower. 



        拿到放大鏡和花朵後,連鬧彆扭的男孩也開始觀察花的構造。

     The magnifying glass and flower work magics, because even the whiny boy seems interested as well. 



        接著我們又認識南美朱槿,並且學小蜜蜂吃花蜜!

     Then we go on to learn about South American Wax Mallow. We eat the sweet nectar like the bee! 



        今天的二號講師彥秀上場帶我們認識草莓!

     Our second teacher Yen-sho tells us about the lovely strawberry. 



        同時貴美阿姨自製的草莓醬上場!

     Meanwhile, the strawberry jam made by Auntie Guei-mei is ready. 



        上完課來吃草莓土司!

     The menu for today's afternoon tea is toast with strawberry jam. 





        配上來自泰國的蝶豆茶,又過了一個開心的下午!右邊那一杯加了草莓醬!

     As for the tea, it is the blue butterfly pea tea from Thailand. The right cup has strawberry jam in it. What a wonderful rainy afternoon! 

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Free World / 隨意世界


沒有作業的寒假,好久沒來畫畫的男孩終於有時間畫圖。剛開始他們問:「這樣畫可以嗎?」我回答:「你想怎樣就怎樣!」楷維冒出了一句:「這裡是隨意世界!」其實像我這樣在工作上一直在訂規矩的人,和得遵守規矩的人一樣,也很需要隨意世界!

The winter break without homework gives the boys time to draw again after a long lapse. In the beginning they aren't very sure, "Can I draw in this way?" I can't help brushing off the question by replying, "As long as you like it." Then Kai blurts out, "Here is the Free World!" To be honest, I am required to impose restrictions on others at work, but I don't take delight in it. Like my students, I am also in great need of a free world! 



        哥哥太久沒畫圖了,一下畫了七張,弄得楷維很有危機感,不過思維好像停不下來。

     Von draws one picture after another. By the time I am aware of how far he has gone, he has drawn seven pictures, which makes Kai very jealous. Yet he can't stop. 







        思維是歷史控,看來他找到了發揮自己所愛的方式,這真的比任何寒假作業都有意義啊!

     Von is a history buff, and he really has a blast drawing the famous figures in Chinese history. I admit that teachers tend to have a sense of insecurity when asked not to give any assignment, but seeing what Von do, I am reminded again that less is more, and not doing any assignment can be very significant! 

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Yours / 愛你的


楷維繪 / drawn by Kai 



因為我唸、楷維寫,所以楷維的每張明信片都附上「愛你的楷維」。

We were playing the dictation game, so the warm greetings "from Kai, who loves you" can be found on every postcard of Kai.  

Sunday, December 27, 2015

What a journey! / 好一趟旅行!


這周末做完週六的植標館兒少之旅之後,我們要休息兩個月,好好規劃明年的課程內容,雖然放手是我的人生課題,現在想起來很感謝做了這樣明智的決定。於是絲瓜為我們的2015年畫下了美麗的句點。

     This weekend we have our last workshop in the herbarium. Then, we will take a two-month long break to plan for next year's activities. In the beginning, I made some effort to accept the decision, but now when looking back, I really appreciate Guei-mei's wisdom in coming up with the suggestion. Thus, the luffa lesson draws a lovely period to 2015 for us.



        從大家擠在一起看我的小白蘋果螢幕,現在有博物館的劇院享受。

     It's hard to imagine that weeks ago kids were still crowding around the desk to watch a video clip on my tiny Apple screen. Now we have the luxury of a museum theater. 



Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin



        我們用味覺感受植物的力量和國際化的下午茶:來自英國的唐寧茶─蘋果肉桂葡萄乾紅茶和印尼的佐迷迭香大蒜薯片。

     We feel the power of plants with our tastebuds. 

     Menu for our afternoon tea: Apple cinnamon raison black tea of Twinings and an array of chips seasoned with rosemary garlic. 





Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin

        今天來的孩子不多,不過我們的VIP館友柏輝回來了,還說:「媽媽說你們要休息兩個月,所以我們趕著來。」他很興奮地和其他孩子分享:「這裡有吃又有玩!」

     Today we have less than ten kids. Among them is our VIP student Bo-huei. He tells me in excitement, "Mom said you will be taking a break for two months, so we feel we have to come." He also shares with the other kids his previous experiences, "Here, you can eat and play!" 



        貴美阿姨上菜:絲瓜蛤蠣湯!

     Guei-mei's cuisine: Oyster soup with luffa. 



Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin

        我的私人貴客宥宥也來拜訪我!

     My personal VIP guest Yoyo comes as well! 





Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin

        孩子在庭園裡奔跑很開心,還一窺因覺蕨展開放的溫室。

     The children have much fun running around in the gardens. Of course they do not miss the rarely-open greenhouse. 



Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin

        這陣子一直在收上帝送我的年末禮物,而柏輝也帶來了一個很大的禮物,九月的時候企圖念我寫的故事給孩子們聽,當時因為帶錯了檔案,只念了開頭的一句,結果這個細心的男孩昨天問我:「上次你寫的故事呢?」我心裡瞬間流過一波暖流,還好我有認真改寫,我回答:「完全不一樣了!」也送出去比賽了!雖然離我的夢想還有一段距離,可是我知道這個巨大的城市的某個角落,有人認真地看待我的夢想。

    This week I have been receiving God's gifts for me as a reward of my hard work and good will throughout the whole year. Bo-huei brings an enormous one with him. I attempted to read a story I had written to the children back in September, but I had the wrong file with me. I wound up reading only the first sentence to them. However, this really thoughtful boy asks me three months later, "What about the story you wrote?" Upon hearing the question, I felt someone putting a warm palm upon my heart. Luckily, I  did rewrite it with full might. I answered, "Oh, it's totally different!" And more importantly, I sent it to the contest a few weeks ago. Though I have not reached my goal of having my story published, I know that in some corners in this vast city, some people take my dream as seriously as me. 

        今年因為植標館,不只長知識,也面對了沒有信心教自然科的恐懼,更遇到了很多好棒的孩子和大人,給我各方面的幫助,這真是很棒的一趟旅行!

     This year I have not only gained much knowledge but also the confidence to teach science from the herbarium workshops. Moreover, I've encountered many adults and children who benefit me in every way. I have to say that this is the best journey of the year. 

        雖然有爸爸媽媽已經急著為孩子報名明年的活動,我們要請大家有耐心地等一等,我們明年春天再見!到時候不只有新課程,我也多了神秘的新伙伴!

     Some parents are eager to sign up for their kids for the coming events, but we have to ask everyone to wait with patience. We will reopen in spring, and by then, we will surprise you with new topics as well as my new mysterious teaching partner! 

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Nice to have you / 有你真好


楷維繪 / drawn by Kyle 

聖誕夜,楷維用充滿決心的口氣和我說:「今天晚上我一定要睜大眼睛,爸爸說聖誕老人是一道紅光,一下子就過去了!」

On Christmas Eve, Kyle says to me with determination in his voice, "Tonight, I will open my eyes wide. Daddy said that Santa is a ray of red light. He flashes by in a sec." 

        聖誕節的臉書上記錄著各家小朋友有多麼期待得到聖誕禮物,宥宥在床上打滾三個小時才入睡,小心心從澳洲傳簡訊問奶奶聖誕老人有沒有送禮物到家裡,楷維起床發現聖誕老人把禮物送到另一個家去了。

     On Christmas, Facebook records many children's anticipation of Santa's visit. Yoyo tosses and turns for three hours before falling asleep the night before. Shin sends a text message to Granny from Australia wondering if Santa has successfully delivered her gift. Kyle wakes up to find that Santa has left his gift in the other apartment. 



        大人用可笑的口吻說,小孩子怎麼這麼好騙呢?這世界上怎麼會有聖誕老人呢?

     I hear many adults remark with a teasing tone, "Children are so gullible. How come they believe in the existence of Santa without a doubt?" 

        我說:有什麼關係呢?生活太真實,我們總是得有些天真可笑的信仰。

     I can't help retorting, "Why does it matter? Life is too real. We need some innocent and even ridiculous beliefs to make life easier." 

        本來我最怕大肆慶祝的節日,不過換了個角度想,孩子們和大人們只是需要有一天,吃吃糖、拆禮物、沒理由地胡鬧一下,看到一線紅光,結果我在這一天裡,也感受到濃濃的愛意。

     I tend to shun away from highly promoted holidays. However, I manage to change my point of view. Kids and children just need a day when they can eat candy and unwrap gifts, have fun for no reason, and see a ray of red light. Then, miraculously, I end up feeling sweet love where I didn't expect. 

        有聖誕老公公真好!

     Nice to have Santa! 

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Fern forests / 蕨類森林


今天我們的挑戰是畫巨大的蕨類森林。看小朋友的畫姿真是視覺上的享受。

Today our challenge is to draw a gigantic fern forest. It's a feast for the eyes to see the kids draw. 







        我一直很著迷於訪客在博物館裡的姿態,孩子們帶來好多可能性。

     I have been fascinated with how visitors make use of the space in a museum. The children have always surprised me with new possibilities. 



        還帶來了一隻恐龍! 

     Haha, they even bring a dinosaur with them!