A sample lesson, in play format.

THE SETTING. A run-down classroom in a run-down school in a Seoul exurb. 

THE PLAYERS. A beaten-down teacher and the group of fifth graders he tries to teach.

Curtains up on the classroom. We start in the middle of the lesson, about present continuous verbs.

TEACHER: Alright kids, let's open our books to page 113. Do you see page 113?

(silence)

TEACHER: Page 113? Yes?

(silence)

TEACHER: Okay really guys, page 113.

STUDENTS: (mumble something incoherently in Korean)

TEACHER: Great. Now please read the first sentence aloud. 3...2...1!

STUDENTS: (on cue, as this is the only way to get them to speak) We are going to the jew to see the ryans.

TEACHER: (blanching just a little) Okay...let's try that again. Repeat after me, "zoo".

STUDENTS: Jew.

TEACHER: Zoo.

STUDENTS: Jew.

TEACHER: ZOO.

STUDENTS: JEW.

TEACHER: (with a resigned sigh) Fine. Let's try another one. Repeat after me, "lions".

STUDENTS: Ryans.

TEACHER: (holding the 'l' for exaggeration) Lllllllions

STUDENTS: (mimicking) Rrrrrrryans.

TEACHER: (jumps out the window)