Back to school

The teaching has begun! Friday started with opening ceremonies, which basically involved me just trying to do what everyone around me was doing. I had to give my big speech in Japanese, which was nerve racking, but they all clapped, so maybe they understood?

After the ceremony, all the teachers had a lunch party where I gave a more casual self-introduction and along with my most fluent JTE, told everyone about myself. Kyoto-sensei (vice principle) sat next to me, trying to make conversation, but when that failed he called over the JTE to come sit with us so we could all talk. Everyone at the school is really nice - a few have said they would like to invite me to their homes, they just don't speak English. Maybe the invitation will still stand when my Japanese gets better...because I'm sure that will happen longggg before their English improves. So while the lunch was winding down, they decided to play the 'ask Nicole questions about herself' game, which in true Japanese style turned into do you have a boyfriend, what type of men do you like, and do you like Japanese men. oh Japan - nothing here seems out of bounds...

Then today was my first real day of teaching! I taught 5 classes at the junior high and gave my introductory lesson. Each class starts with a moment of silence, a morning greeting and bow, and then ends with a closing greeting and bow. For my portion of the class, I had previously blown up and laminated some photographs of Boston, USC, friends, family, etc. and using simple English, explained them. Afterward, I brought in some flyswatters and divided the classes into 2 teams. I would make a statement describing one of two photos I put on the board and then the first student to swat the appropriate picture would get a point for their team. Getting the students moving and having fun brought a whole new level of energy to the class and it was really fun! If there was time following that game, we played a True/False game where I said 5 things about myself and they had to choose either T or F - pretty straight forward you would imagine, but it required a good deal of explanation! My non verbal communication, especially my hand gestures, is getting pretty elaborate (next time you see me, ask for my impression of a fly swatter...) so I carried it over into this game. The kids especially loved my attempt at moonwalking when one of my statements was that Michael Jackson is my favorite singer.

I ate lunch with one of the second year classes, where we discussed very important topics such as Zac Effron and Miley Cyrus. Junior high really is perfect for me...

School lunch is an interesting experience. A couple of students head over to the lunch building to pick up food for everyone in their class. I get mine in the teachers room and then bring it over to a classroom of my choice - this is extremely nice because the children are expected to eat everything they are given, even if they don't like it (school lunches are really healthy, but about 800-1000cal) and this way I can do my own portions and leave out little surprises like the whole little dried out fish (eyes, tails, everything...) I was given today. The students serving the meals wear white jackets and hats that look like that of a chef - pretty classy. Once everyone has their food, we say a quick "Itadakimasu" and put our hands in a prayer position, only then can we all start eating together.

After lunch all the children clean the school. There is no custodial service, so the kids are responsible for tidying up. Some students are good at cleaning, but most are good at looking like they are cleaning when a teacher comes around. I mopped up a hallway with a couple of third year girls who basically sat there and just wanted to ask me the usual questions - do I have a boyfriend, what type of men I like etc.

After cleaning there were two more class periods, one of which I had free. The school day ends around 4/4:30 (Japan, I believe, has the longest school day in the world) and then it was time for club activities.

I had previously asked if I could join the tennis club, and was met with some surprised looks. Supposedly I'm the first ALT at the school that has asked to participate...So after school I borrowed my JTE's racket and hit with some of the girls on the team. They thought it was hilarious when I did the warm-ups, stretches, and sprints with them, but if I cared about making a fool out of myself in front of them, then I wouldn't have signed up for this job! They asked me if I would come back everyday - quite a lofty request - but I said I would come whenever I could. All and all it was a successful day and I'm excited for my day at elementary school tomorrow!

Just an FYI - my predecessor's contract on the internet runs out tomorrow, so it could be a little while until the switch over to my account happens and I have internet again. Hopefully it won't be too bad, but you never know. I'll still try to post at internet cafes and what not, but my pred said it took them over a month to hook her up. So until then...sionara

But wait, last but not least - happy birthday Rachel! Have a great 20th!