So Cool for School

It's fair to say that I am the most popular person in at least three of my schools.

Being the only foreigner in the school and one of a handful on the whole island I attract attention. If you don't mind stares, it's an amusing experience. Kids tend to stare and if their stare lingers, I usually reward their efforts with a goofy smile which earns chuckles. When I start speaking Japanese, that really shocks them. Unfortunately I have a ton of work to put on that front so my conversational abilities are limited. But that doesn't seem to phase them. They keep chattering, bouncing, jumping, and running circles around me wherever I go. It is incredibly entertaining and invigorating!

I really enjoy teaching at my elementary schools. The students are always happy and excited to learn. They seemingly have zero inhibitions which can manifest itself in a willingness to practice English or ask curious questions like "Are you married" or "How much money do you have?" After teaching a few classes and chasing the kids during recess, I crash so hard at 3pm--a mere hour before I am officially off the clock. Coffee saved me on one occasion. It may be a necessary stimulant until my body adapts to the new routine.

Classes are typically 45-55 minutes long. In both elementary and junior high school, I open with an aisatsu or greeting. It's standardized:

1. Hello/good morning/good afternoon

2. How are you?

3. How is the weather?

4. What day is it today?

5. What is today's date?

In the higher level elementary classes and in junior high, I will give a short talk in English to test my students' comprehension. My first one at Sakiyama Junior High was perhaps a little too advanced, but it was my first time testing them so I can adapt. At the same time, I am anxious for them to learn and hear "living English" as opposed to reading out of a textbook. I am not afraid to throw curve balls.

In my elementary schools I will assist the teacher by practicing pronunciation with the students and participating in games. After the lesson and games, the class winds down with student self-reflection. They rate their experience and their progress with skills like eye contact, big voices, and use of English. A number of student volunteers will then announce their reflection (in Japanese) in the class. I think this is a really valuable experience for the kids especially since they appear to take it seriously. It encourages them to be critical and accountable of their own performance. I will then offer praise and end the class. Then it's off to the next class! In some of my schools I participate in "English time", which is just a fifteen minute period of quick practice or singing a song. While schools are on the same page curriculum-wise, the activities vary which provides a fresh experience for each individual class in my four different schools.

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Next week is Silver Week. I think it's called that because one of the holidays is "Respect for One's Elders" Day. Silver Week varies each year; sometimes the holidays run together consecutively so that people get a whole week off from work. This year I only have Monday and Thursday off. The other ALTs are taking paid leave Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday to enjoy the benefit of a week vacation. Some of my friends are traveling throughout Japan while others are going as far as England and Bali.

A decent chunk of my paid leave is set for my upcoming trips to Korea and the States, however. After sending money home, I am pretty low on cash right now too. I am opting to spend the time in Goto. It works out because Sunday I will be going to Sakiyama Junior High and Elementary Schools' joint "Sports Day", which promises to be another unique cultural experience (more on this in my next post). On Monday or Thursday I may choose to go for a drive 60s style and circumnavigate the island. There is a lighthouse and some nice views of the ocean I want to check out. I never get tired of looking at it.

I will aim to take and post some pictures in the coming days. I will also try to take pictures of my schools too. I can't take pictures of the kids though due to privacy and sick people.

Until next time!