What does racism suddenly have to do with this? They come up to me to practice their English and I pretty much look like a Chinese nongmin. I am seriously getting sick of that new trend of foreigners forcing their way to play the victim.

I honestly wouldn't mind if a kid came up to me, as long as they/their parents weren't too obnoxious. I was expecting more things like that when I came here, but so far nothing but wide eyed stares from kids and comments to their parents. Then again, I haven't really been in the foreigner ghetto, so maybe that's part of the reason.

Wow some right moody people about these days, not like the kids stealing your sweeties.
Kids approach people in our own countries doing homework, maybe not language as such but other topics they often do!

@mmkunming: It doesn't bother me and I often enjoy it. I can understand that it might be annoying to some people and/or at certain times, and of course you're not obligated to get involved, but I think it's important to be polite in refusing, as there are already more than enough minor annoyances when different cultures meet that can easily get blown up into dangerous prejudices and attitudes, and that actually do so all around the world. So just play the game if you want to and don't if you don't - the most important thing is not to make a big deal over it.

I agree. Most students don't have an opportunity or the guts to speak to foreigners. Kudos to those that have the courage to try.

I don't have an issue with children chatting with me to improve their English but I really don't want to support the procedure of information gathering even if it is as innocent is giving my name (real or false) and having my photo taken. There is more than enough prying going on in this country.

I agree that there's too much surveillance here & everywhere these days, but I very seriously doubt that you need to worry about giving names to kids & having your photo taken - yes of course it could be abused but unless the kid asks you your opinion of the operations of the Central Committee I don't think you have to worry about it.

I was not worried about giving my name or photo. I just don't want innocent kids to learn to become the future agents or informants of the state.

Yeah, it is Codi's school (or at least it's one of them) running this vacation homework assignment.

And if the kids don't get foreigners signatures and photos or not enough of them they will get in serious trouble, which could even then lead to their suspension from the entire school, ...for good.
Although that school is an educational nightmare and their teaching methods are not even at a 20th century level. I have to say that the owner is a very smart business strategist and they don't mind to cash in big time on the fear and misconceptions about English education.

So be easy on those kids, they are just trying to make it though this idiotic school, because the parents are too dumb to or too stingy to actually get their kids a better education.

On the other hand, the suckitude of those schools got me so much business, just by kicking the 'bad ' kids out and just helping those wonderful, as I help damage controlling those schools series of magnificent f*** up's,is really doing me a massive favor.

So the kids that you may see they are required to run down a memorized list of sentences, (man it's so ridiculous but Chinese parents love it), then take a photo, which you have to sign, so they are 'sure' they didn't cheat.

Just a thought but, take the time requirements for those activities and imagine how much cool stuff you could do with real homework, or just giving the kids a break and watch a movie or go outside and play, rather than wasting time.
So if you want to entertain yourself, ask some follow up questions that are not expected.
Or in short instead of answering just ask a question and enjoy the parents face when they look at their kids in spastic stupor. Usually I tell the parents that it's ok, since this is not how English learning or practicing work. They usually nod in disbelieve and then start blaming their kids.-And that's where I usually educate the parents a little and some actually like to listen-lol

Anyway I think they are back at class next week and then the those stunts will be less frequent.
@redjon77
If you really think those kids are good, then ask them how long they have been studying there, how much time they spend on homework and how long they did study before they joined that clown show and then you will see that they are more like ok-ish (at best).
Sooner or later the parents will see the rip off and then they are happy for all the phone numbers they can get.

I got kids from those schools that were (according to them) a failure and I changed some of them, into class bests. Not because I am a better teacher but just by spending time with these poor kids and seeing where their strength and weaknesses are, plus giving them what they actually need, rather than just feeding BS, did all the rest.
And in the end, less parents and kids falling for those ridiculous "Hey talk to Captain Longnose-Monkey over there!" lol

Besides the sad part it is very entertaining how parents ruin a good chance of good education to safe a few bucks on proper classes. I just feel sorry for the kids

OK maybe i to easily impressed, suppose they not going to be able to have a proper conversation :o)