Caught Green Handed

Look at what cha made me do.  I don't understand her.  "Barang ch-goo-ut (crazy)!"

These are children who have never used paint or water colors in school.  Getting messy while learning is a brand new concept.  Rote recitation and copying things from the chalk board are the norm here.  It's not the other teachers' fault.  They are just doing as they have learned.

I don't think my 1st graders will forget the day cha taught them about "2 Hands." 

There are, as well, many unforgettable teaching moments for me in 1st grade.  For example, one day, I was explaining something of great import (naturally), and one of my boys wasn't paying attention.  This was not surprising since he is usually screwing around with something, which I have to take away and then stand by his desk for several minutes until he starts listening.  On this particular day, he was examining a blue item and was peering through it like a telescope.  To my horror, I realized that it was a plastic tampon applicator.  Not just any applicator, but one of MINE.  I knew this because Cambodian women use pads, and it was MY brand which I brought along from the U.S.  Of course, he had no idea that  I had recently inserted it into my vagina and was having a grand time checking out his new toy.  I calmly walked over, took it from him, ran to my apartment next door, and threw it inside.

I'm sure you are now wondering how this object came into his possession.  Well, it's simple.  I put my garbage in bags and throw them in our trash pile outside by the pond.  There must have been some food in the bag too, and a dog ripped it open, causing the contents to scatter.  This boy likely saw it and thought, "Hey, this is cool.  I wonder what it is?"