Be Like Chris: Enjoy Fun and Fulfilling Term 2 Teaching Experiences in Buriram, Thailand

Teaching in Thailand is often described in terms of big milestones — new terms, festivals, projects, and classroom breakthroughs. But as many experienced educators know, it’s the smaller moments that quietly shape a fulfilling teaching journey.

It’s been months since Term 2 began at Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School. Now, I’m glad to share the balance between routine and creativity, tradition and innovation, and how teaching in one of BFITS partner schools continues to be both energizing and meaningful.

Welcoming Term 2 in Thailand with Purpose

“All the pieces matter.”

With term 2 now in full swing, it is all systems go here at Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School. The kids thundered through the doors as they swung open, seemingly eager to learn, but in many cases, I suspect, more eager to see their friends again after the term break.

The students and teachers each received their class schedule for the new term, and once again, I was very pleased with what was presented to me. As the Math teacher for the BFITS English Program (EP), I was delighted to be given many early morning classes to teach, which were perfect for moulding my students’ minds in the intricacies of the subject. Last period on a Friday always makes that task just a little bit tougher.

Teaching mathematics in the English Program under BFITS Thailand means adapting energy levels, timing, and teaching strategies — especially during a busy academic term.

Balancing Structure and Creativity in the Math Classroom

It’s great to be back, soaking up the pleasant atmosphere around the school, as everybody is full of life and energy, ready to give their all. Of course, if we fast-forward a few months, things may be different as we struggle to gather the last piece of work from exhausted students!

In Math class, we got stuck in and started as we mean to go on, with some traditional teaching being offset by project work. I find that some students seem to prosper in small groups when we do projects, and it can be a catalyst for bringing some of the quieter ones out of their shells. Whatever works is good in my book, as I only want to see them growing in their understanding of the subject.

This balance between structured lessons and collaborative learning is a key part of effective teaching in Thailand, especially in English Programs where student confidence develops alongside academic skills.

Learning Beyond Textbooks: Discovering Student Strengths

A few weeks back, my Mathayom 1 (Grade 7) students had a baking class with one of their Thai teachers, and I was invited to be a taster for some of the cakes they baked.

It was heartening to see what they were able to conjure up at their age, and I was lucky indeed to be asked to taste as everything was exceptional. I always think these kinds of classes are a great way to see each student’s strengths.

Moments like these highlight how Thai schools value holistic education — blending academics, creativity, and practical life skills.

Loy Krathong: Tradition, Culture, and Respect in Thai Schools

Loy Krathong is now almost upon us, and that means another flurry of activity in our school. It’s usually celebrated on the night of the full moon in the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, typically falling in November.

Our students were busy creating krathongs, small, floating religious offerings that are floated across small and large bodies of water across the country on the night of the festival. The festival is seen as a time of new beginnings, where all your worries and illnesses can be carried out on the water, away from you, on these handmade krathongs.

The word ‘Loy’ actually means float. As an agricultural society, water has played a crucial role in Thai life since ancient times. Besides obviously providing sustenance, rivers and canals have always acted as an important mode of transportation. The festival gives thanks to the goddess of water and offers people an opportunity to seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings they may have caused.

At Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School, we usually have an extended assembly during the first 2 periods of the day. This is a regular occurrence on special days in the Thai calendar. Each year, we would hold a parade through the city. This would be a large parade with thousands of students, teachers, and administrators walking from the school to a moat, where we could then float our krathongs.

Participating in festivals like Loy Krathong is one of the most rewarding aspects of living and teaching in Thailand, as it allows foreign teachers to experience Thai culture firsthand.

Celebrating with Awareness: Responsibility and Sustainability

The importance of tradition in Thai school culture cannot be overestimated, nor should it be. Cultural beliefs, local customs, and Buddhist traditions have combined to ensure there is never a dull moment and always something to celebrate or honour.

The national identity of Thailand is defined in part by these things, and as a guest in this country, I feel it is important that I respect those traditions and participate in them wherever it is appropriate. It’s important to say that there have been some concerns about the environmental impact of floating krathongs.

As I walked through our school dome some months back, I saw hundreds of students making their krathong creations, leaving quite a lot of unused paper and such to the side. I am reminded that it is important to be responsible in our celebration of this festival.

Overflowing can pollute some areas, which is ironic, since this festival is meant to give thanks to the goddess of water, as I have stated before. Cleaning up after the festival is no easy task, and we should be thankful to the local communities who do so.

I have even heard about new types of krathongs being made from bread and fruits, which, after they have been floated, can then be easily consumed by fish in the water. A win-win for all concerned.

Gratitude, Balance, and Teaching Fulfillment in Buriram

I think an apt word to sum up my feelings for the past few weeks is gratitude. Gratitude for being healthy and fit, for being back at school among colleagues and friends, and for being back in the classroom with my students and achieving wonderful things on a daily basis.

In the west and in Ireland, where I come from, we don’t have festivals such as this, and any we do have are certainly not celebrated with the same gusto that they demand here. Not in my experience anyway. As I have stated before, the importance placed on such days is not lost on me, and I appreciate the cultural benefit I experience from them.

To all BFITS staff, I wish you a full life of happiness as we continue to excel and move forward throughout the term. More bright updates coming from me soon.

Chris Whearty
Buriram Pitthayakhom (BP) School