Recommendation #2: 茶 (cha)

I love tea. 

Chinese tea.
English tea.

Japanese tea.

Love.  Tea.

Favorite flavor though?  Matcha (grounded green tea leaves)

The past three weeks I've been addicted to matcha everything: candy, cake, cookies, ice cream, mochi, pudding, parfait, and much much more.  I'm pretty sure I will go through a harsh matcha withdrawal when I return to the U.S.

On Sunday, I was invited by the neighbors to go to a Japanese Tea Ceremony. First, my host family and I traveled to Yokogawa Station and ate ramen for lunch.  Then we met up with Hiromi and Toshie and rode a taxi into the mountains to a tea dojo.

At the dojo, we walked through a small but tender garden.  Walking on a path of slightly crooked rocks, but neatly paved. 

The wooden gate was dark, entrance wide open, and the shoe room was dim. 

After taking off our shoes, we went into the paying area where an excited old lady greeted us.  I wrote my own name in Chinese (Kanji) into the guestbook. 

We then entered the waiting room where some people were dressed in their full kimono.  Gorgeous.  Everyone had to dress up.  Females had to wear kimonos, long dress/skirt with pass knee lenth, and absolutely no pants allowed.  Males can wear kimonos, but if not, they need to wear some form of casual dress cloths (khakis).

Prior to entering the main room, we had to be in seiza form and bow at the door.  Once I entered the room with everyone, I was invited to sit at the front.  I sat at the "2nd seat", second person served from the main tea maker.  It was pretty frightening because it was my first time.  I didn't even know where to start when they served it.  However, I ended up having a great time thanks to Hiromi guiding me through.

The process seemed like a long time only because my legs were numb from sitting in seiza form.  I was in pain before the tea came out.

When the lady with my matcha brought over my tea, I had to do the following.
1) Full out bow
2) Lady says a greeting
3) I thank her
4) Full out bow
5) Take the large cup
6) Place it on my left palm
7) Turn it clockwise twice
8) Using both hands bring it towards myself
9) Drink it once little, twice little, and third time all

When finished...
1) Turn it twice again on left palm
2) Place it slightly further in front of me
3) Lean over and use both hands to turn the bowl left and right
4) Take time to appreciate the beauty of the bowl
5) Place it down
6) When lady comes back, full out bow and thank her

I had two servings of fresh Matcha tea. 

Ingrid is a happy.

My piano is good because I eat mushrooms.

Yesterday, teachers and students have been slightly anxious of the typhoon that was heading towards Hiroshima (from Okinawa).  Word got out that there might not be school this morning.  Not really knowing how serious Japan's typhoons could be, I just floated along. 

Anyways, we had school.  The feeling was similar to waiting for a snow day. 

It rained heavily all day, this is nothing new by now.  I went to school as usual and assisted with each period. 

Suddenly, an emergency meeting was announced for teachers only...

At the meeting, one of the teachers told us that the typhoon will hit soon; so we must change our schedule.  I just thought, Okay, cool, we're getting out a few hours early.  Boy oh boy... I guess it's been a long time since I was around middle schoolers.  As soon as the early release was announced, the energy level of my students sky-rocketed. 

It.  Was.  Crazy.

My 8th graders that are always tired after lunch, suddenly spoke and responded the whole period. 

Shocked, I was. 

My 7th graders that are usually ALREADY hyped up, were even MORE hyped today.  Their regular responses became united shouting during practice reading time.  Also, without planning it, they all somehow synchronized (all 40 of them!) and read the material together!  Normally, it's disjumbled and sound like a subway station.  Today, it was special. 

Amazed, I was.

We were able to leave school around 2pm after our cleaning and homeroom time.  Most teachers stayed to prepare 1st term exams (Wed-Fri this week).  It will be a new experience for me because there are only three exams per day.  I was told students can leave around noon.  Teachers, of course, stay and grade tests.

Tonight, I learned that if you want to learn a language, hang out with a 7 yr old child.  My new homestay's daughter is absolutley precious.  This 1st grader laughs randomly, runs to her targets, and tilts her head when she listens to you.  I was playing some piano before dinner and she thought it was the coolest thing ever (some Bach and Beethoven).  My guess is she's never seen live piano music other than her own.  She kept running around and peeked over furniture to watch me practice.  She would silently say "oh. sugoii" then change to a different spot and say "wah. sugoii."  Now, keep in mind my playing is not the greatest, but I can get by...  :P

At dinner, Itsuki (the same little girl), refused to eat her shitake (mushrooms).  I turned over to her and said "demo, watashi no piano wa ii desu, shitake o tabemasu kara" (but, my piano is good because I eat mushrooms).  A few minutes later, she ONLY asked to eat shitake...hahah.  Her mom was so surprised because Itsuki ate ALL the shitake in the miso-nabe (miso boiled stew). 

Oh my gosh, what have I done.....

When in Hiroshima...

One of the most important skills is understanding the transportation system.  JR trains, other densha lines, Hiroden, taking the bus, and walking are all ways to get around Hiroshima.  I haven't truly explored on my own yet... but I want to.

My first home stay drove me everywhere because we lived an hour away from the school.  The past two weeks I had the luxury of riding in a car.  Then, my first challenge started.

A week or so ago, I made a new friend at an exchange student party.  Ririko and I decided to meet at Hiroshima Station last Thursday so we can eat okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake-like pizza).  That was the first time where I had to figure out how to get somewhere on my own.  Super HYPE!
Thank you Google and Mapquest!

I first walked from the school to the Mukainada-Eki with the help of three little (and super adorable) 7th graders.  Then near the station, four of my 9th graders were also riding the JR to Hiroshima-Eki (saved again).  Next I chilled out at Hiroshima-Eki while waiting for Ririko. 

After having a great time (had some cute and handsome okonomiyaki chefs), the second part of the challenge began... 'how to get home'.  :/

Of course all this was done with prior research: which train to take, which station to change lines, how much does each train cost, which station to get off, etc.  Even after thorough research and asking my host mother many questions the night before, I STILL had trouble. 

I was very lucky that people directed me towards the right train or Hiroden.  At Itsukainichi-Eki, a lady happened to be heading towards Rakuraku en-Eki as well.  She guided me through the entire process of taking a station ticket and how much money I needed to prepare.  I barely understood what she said, but I knew just enough Japanese to get by.

In general, I was helped and guided by at least 12 people (students, strangers, and friends).  That was only my first adventure and I look forward to many more.  Hiroshima Center is like Chicago's Michigan Ave., but more shops and resturants!  Hiroshima station has many okonomiyaki resturants and also kareoke bars! 

Just arrived at my 2nd homestay today.  The house is near the school and it only takes a minute to walk to the bus station.  My last homestay had a rabbit, this homestay has birds!  I've never had birds!  This entire neighborhood is like Broad Ripple (dogs everywhere).   :)   I met my first shiba-inu today!!!  The next door neighbors have a healthy 11 year old schnauzer.

I AM SO LUCKY!  My homestays are all working out so well.  My 2nd homestay has three children (1st, 3rd, and 7th grader) and they are so sweet and funny.  I'm pumped for the beginning of my Week 3- Japan.


Rock.  On. 
Sweet.  Beats.

Good.  Times.

Everything will be okay.   :D

Classroom Management. Boosh.

After the first couple days of school, I have accepted that I'm not here to make the students like me.  I'm here for my students to learn.  If I'm not the cool teacher from the US, I'm fine with that.  It's hard enough to not cross any cultural lines, but it's harder to deal with poor behaviors when you cannot speak the language.  I want to explain to them why their behavior was unacceptable.  I want to share how good time management will be useful.  I want to tell them to finish their tasks quicker so they can be let out on time. 

Instead, I can only say "please stop this" or "please do this", which results in glares... 

Last week's homeroom (9th grade) was challenging.  During homeroom time, most of them talk or run around instead of doing announcements or turning in papers.  And even during announcements, students are still talking!  Since everything is student-managed, some students take FOREVER to do these daily tasks.  In the morning, the 5 minute meeting that consists of putting on a name tag and doing a proper bow turns into a 7 minute drag.  The 20 minute lunch break gets shortened because students take their time to pass out the milk.  The end of the day meeting starts late because students are running around when they should be passing back workbooks. 

On my last day in that homeroom, the teacher asked me if I could play piano for them.  I honestly thought they could care less about music at that point... BUT.  They said they wanted to listen!  I gave the students two options, tanoshii (fun) or kurashiku (classical).  They instantly shouted classical!  I was amazed at how many of them like classical music!

Then I played a short version of Chopin's nocturne #10 for them (my favorite).  While I was playing, they were so quiet.  When I finished, they cheered and clapped.  They were so kind and completely opposite of what I had observed all week.  Due to this, I reflected on the classroom management.

Conclusion: Every teacher is different.  Some teachers catch the students' attention with their goofy personality.  Some teachers scare the daylights out of students and get work done.  Some teachers allow communication and participation through discussions.  Everyone has different characteristics. 

Perhaps my first homeroom was a bit chaotic, but I realize during English class that this group can be managed.  Toward the end of my first week, I laid down the LAW.  Boosh!  My tolerance for talking, messing around, and poor behavior completely ended.  I made no exceptions every day and kept a consistent insistence on every student.  By setting all these high expectations (in which they noticed), they in return took care of business!  So it is POSSIBLE. 

It doesn't matter what state or country I'm in, good classroom management will always be needed.  I don't need to speak Japanese to realize a student isn't participating.  I can ask students to repeat a word again if I feel they didn't say it correctly.  I could ask a student to tuck in his shirt because it's not the "style" of the school.  Things you can see, feel, sense, touch, and hear will be evidence to a productive classroom. 

I will be myself and apply my classroom management philosophy. 

I will learn Japanese so my students can understand the "why's". 

I will not tolerate poor behavior whether it is in the US, Japan, a music class, or English class. 

If I need to use my teacher face, I'll use it!!!  -_-


Game.   On.

Recommendation #1: 銭湯 (Se n to u)

Sentou, or public bath, is pure bliss. 

My host mother was very kind in taking me to the closest sentou by our house (5 minute walk).  We arrived at the bath around 5:30pm and there were already lots of people walking around the lobby. 

You would first enter into a wooden floor area where you must take off your shoes and store it.  Then you head towards a cashier area to recieve a tag to keep track of extra activities (massage, stone boards, etc).  We only went to the general public bath, but sometimes, it is the simple things that really matter.

For people who might attend a sentou in the future, here are the general guidelines...  ;)
(keep in mind, most people in Japan have known these customs since they were babies, so for me, I really had to think about every step in order to "fit in")

Before the baths...

1- you have to be okay with being naked around strangers, NBD if you've done drum corps
2- have a wash clothe with you
3- shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are provided
4- leave the locker area, head to a pre-bath area
5- find an open spot, sit down, take a shower
6- wash the area you just used and return everything EXACTLY back to where it was (bucket, chair, and shower hose)
7- make sure you towel is complete clean too

In the baths...

1- there will be multiple types of baths depending on which sentou you go to
2- if the sentou is more formal, then you must use the given ladel to take some of the water to briefly rinse your feet and then enter into the bath; if it is informal (when in doubt, see what others are doing), then you can just enter
3- keep your towel ABOVE the waters, on your head is fine, on the side of the bath is good, but do not soak your bath towel in the bath water
4- if someone bows at you, bow back, just a slight courtesy to say "go ahead" or "thank you"
5- do not rush to a bath
6- drink water if you feel light headed
7- after a sauna, rinse yourself with the provided bath water by the room to clean off your sweat
8- it's okay to stay for 4 hours or more because I did  :)

Why?

After my second sentou experience (once two years ago, and also this past Sunday), I can honestly say Japanese people LOVE baths.  The cool thing is, these baths are so healthy.  There are baths for smoother skin, germ killing mineral water, herbal water that eliminates pain/exercise/any type of sore, and much much more!  It's not cheap, but definitely reasonable.  I can only relate this to balancing work and relaxation. 

I attached a link to the sentou that I went to.  You can look around the website and just check out the pictures because it is in Japanese...  Enjoy!

http://www.honoyu.jp/rakurakuen/rakurakuen/

Soccer!!! (without crabb band...)

At Shinonome, we have clubs after school every day.  On Saturdays, some clubs (mostly sports) will choose to practice in the morning until noon/1pm.  I haven't exercised in so long, so I decided to join Matsumura sensei during soccer practice on last Saturday.  It was pretty epic.  -.-

We first jogged around the school, which is about 1 mile.  Then we stretched  :)  Good thing I love stretching because the boys were so surprised that I could do all the stretches so well.  Afterwards, we moved on to the field...

The team begin to do short distance passing while I trained the goalie (short little boy), adorable.  I just shooted for about 30-40 minutes total while the rest of the team moved on to long distance passing, three way passing, and finally to multiple passes.  The goalie and I took breaks and practiced different blockings, catchings, and etc.

Then the fun begins here.  There were two field cones, one on the left and one on center.  The left fielder begins and passes the ball to the center and the center needs to shoot.  I participated by staying in the shooting line up.  I got two goals in!!!  Most of the boys missed recieving the ball or kick too hard.  I was able to stop it and shoot it several times. 

This event was so fun because I finally got to know my students outside of the classroom.  I also learned how to say more words in Japanese.  Many of the boys were very nice and cheered me on when I was shooting.  It was just. FUN.  The students had great sportsmanship and raked the field when they finished practicing (teamwork).

Lastly, since we started rehearsal with bowing and greeting, of course we had to end the rehearsal with the same thing to each other.  THEN!  We bowed and thanked the field!  Only difference this time, is the boys shouted "ありがとうございます!!!"　(Thank you so much!)   It was so interesting to me seeing their pure appreciation for the practice and the field.  In US, most schools do a mental warm-up, moment of silence, prayer, or a song before starting. 

Party at the Hospital!!!

On Friday.  June 8, 2012.

My host mother, Ritsuko-san, took me to the Hiroshima University Hospital to participate in an international exchange students party.  At this gathering, there were students from Nepal, Indonesia, other parts of Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, and many more.  When I first walked in, I had to make a name tag for myself.  I tried to pick the brightest color because...I like colors.  Then I took a quick glimsp of the room...

Three tables of food, six small groups of people chatting, open cafeteria with chefs working, wall of windows, medium lit ceiling, rather quiet atmosphere, and humid from head to toe. 

Ritsuko-san noticed the table with the most food left, so we headed straight to that table.  :)   Near that table were two other girls.  I first bowed and introduced myself (slowly).  Then, I stopped, they were very shy and didn't speak much.  Ritsuko helped translate only a little bit and then told the two girls to practice their English.  The two girls and I stood in awkward silence and finally one of them asked me questions.  It was basic questions, they were able to listen and understand, but speaking is very difficult.  Our conversation consisted of what I think of Japan so far and why I was in Japan.  I soon found out that one of them played clarinet in high school.  I practiced my Japanese as well by asking where they are from.  These two girls are from Fukuoka and they are both medical students.  Wow, my FIRST realization that I'm no longer at the music school.  YES!

Moving on around the table I spoke to two other girls from Nepal.  They were bio-chemical and technology science majors.  Woah!  Another Nepal girl I met was a medical student as well.  I was so impressed.  Funny thing was, when I told them I was a music student, they were impressed too!  I said that our majors were so different.  One of the girls responded with something I will never forget, she said, "yes...but sometimes, different is very good." 

>_<

Just like anyone's student teaching, or first year of teaching, it is so difficult to find people our own age.  Yet, I believe it is very important to maintain a balanced social life. 

So, I did.   :D

I later met another medical student, her English was very good.  We had a great conversation going on and really enjoyed sharing each other's backgrounds.  We exchanged contact information so that we can stay in touch the next 7 weeks.  I think we are planning to eat okonomiyaki and she will show me the Kendo dojo.  Awesome!

YES!  My first friend in Japan!!!  :D

Raining Season-It's serious...

At first, they told me June through July is raining season.  So I thought, oh, no big deal.  Then I found out, they were not kidding.  Thankfully, I like rain, a lot, because it's reflective.  However, it rained heavily from 7am-8pm yesterday.  Full out pour for 13 hours... that's amazing. 
During the week, we begin class every time with "good morning class...how are you today...what day is it today...what is the date today...what's the weather like today..."  This routine is good because it's a simple warm up with answers that changes daily.  The morning classes always respond with "I'm fine.  I'm hungry.  I'm tired.  I'm sleepy..." and the afternoon classes respond with "I'm fine.  I'm okay.  I'm tired."
 
Hilarious.

I finally decided to shock them one morning and told them I was "super happy!"  Immediately their eyes widened because I told them "I love the rain!"  The students looked pretty confused, but at least it caught them unaware. 


Here is a typical schedule every day...
Wake up around 6am
Leave around 7am
Get to school at 8am and sign in (a little stamp book to make sure I don't skip)
8:25 is a meeting for all 20 or so teachers
8:30 is homeroom meeting where students are in charge (homeroom president leads)
8:45 First period (I try to go order a bento after this period, 350 yen)
9:45 Second period (if I forget to order, then I'll do it after this period)
10:45 Third period
11:45 Fourth period
12:40 Lunch with homeroom (I sit with students in small groups and we cannot start eating until everyone is there with milk provided by the school.  We put our hands together and say "Itadakimasu!"  (Let's eat!)
1pm Break time (students either hang out, practice their instruments, or go play a sport outside)
1:20 Cleaning time (because there are no Janitors, the school is divided into 6 teams, each team is assigned a different floor/area every day and students clean it.  Teachers...cheer them)
1:40 Fifth period
2:40 Sixth period
3:35 Homeroom meeting
3:50 After school activities (art, music, sports, etc.)
6pm End of school, go home.

It's a nice schedule, but several things that tired me out this week were greetings, speaking English, and stairs.

Greeting is SO important.  The proper greeting is this:
"Hajimemashite.  Watashi wa Ingrid Cho desu.  Amerika kara kimashita.  Indiana Daigaku no gakusei desu.  Watashi no senmon wa ongaku desu.  Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu."
It's fine say this, but when you have to say this almost 20 times every day, it's pretty tiring.  It doesn't matter if I already introduced myself to the whole school at the Tuesday assembly, it doesn't matter if I introduced myself to the entire class, as soon as I try to speak with a student, they are so shy and scared that I MUST introduce myself AGAIN personally. 

Speaking English... it makes me super happy to read to all six periods of English class everyday instead of listening to a CD player.  Yet, I've gotten used to five years of music education preparation where we don't talk that much.  As a matter of fact, I try to NOT talk during a band, orchestra, or choir rehearsal.  Then.  I came to Japan  :)  Talking for six hours is soooooooooo hard.  Although this seems weird, but my mouth is so tired from talking all day.

Lastly, stairs, oh my goodness....I'm all for exercise, but four flights of stairs is quite the work out.  Every class is a different floor because each class stays in the same room all day.  I'm getting used to it, but I wish every floor didn't look the same. 

Field Trip- JICA

Yesterday, we had a field trip to JICA at Koksai taking all the 9th graders (about 80 total).  JICA, or Japan International Cooperation Agency, is a program that concentrates on globalization (providing support and education).  I felt very lucky to participate and gain more knowledge on a dear topic while I'm in a foreign country.  The schedule included awareness of Africa's culture and economic status, the world's current socio-economic status, and also why some countries have different gender, life-expectency, and food supplies than Japan.  Although I could not understand most of the lectures, the passion of the speaker definitely came through. 

Students were so excited about this trip.  They sang during the entire bus ride (about an hour).  When we arrived, students made formations inside the building and waited for the next set of instructions.  We had to greet the organization with a bow and a formal greeting.  Then they led us to the gym and we had to take off our shoes.  The first session included some interactive games, but several techniques stuck out to me. 

First was the many types of formations that students know.  Yamasaki sensei just say the type of formation and they will get into lines faster and better than a beginning marching band.  This immediately eliminates most talking problems and creates a sense of unity and teamwork.

Next, each student has a number.  When the speaker finished his/her presentation, the students are given a period of time to ask questions.  Problem is, most are very shy and do not want to ask anything.  So the speaker can then start calling numbers and the student must stand up and ask a questions.  I guess this way, the students know that they need to have at least one question prepared. 

Third, the students are all very supportive at Shinonome Jr. HS.  There is always a sense of cooperation and teamwork.  At school, students are always given time to discuss with a neighbor before answering questions.  While we were at JICA, students would constantly discuss with one another for the best possible solution.

All in all, I'd say this was one super fun field trip.  We tried on clothes from different countries and got to play on many different percussion instruments. 

I think I'll look into JICA for future involvement.  That way, I'll have an excuse to come back to Hiroshima AND still travel around the world.   :)

Takusan yama

Hiroshima is gorgeous, full of mountains, relaxing, and simply delightful.  The air is so clear and every where you look will be accompanied by mountains in the background.  Most people say it is hot, but I think Hiroshiima has the best summer breeze ever.

I've only had three days, but oh my goodness... every minute is packed from 8am-6pm.  English classes are so well prepared.  Matsumura sensei and Yamazaki sensei are two of the best Japanese English teachers I have ever observed.  I am so honored that I have this opportunity to work with them.  Every lesson is set up in the following order: review (speaking), exposure to new content, evaluation of new content, and application using previous concepts as well.  This language teaching technique is the same as Dr. Gault's methods class.

[The following observations are only based on Shinonome, NOT all Japanese schools]

Here are some general differences so far...
1) taking my shoes off going into the school and wearing slippers all day
2) remembering to order bento after 1st period, then trying to finish it in 20 minutes during lunch break
3) every morning there is a staff meeting
4) every Tuesday morning there is a school assembly
5) no snacks at school (if you want to eat it, you need to hide while eating it)
6) water and tea only (I LOVE this)
7) no janitors and no school rules (BUT there are school Values and Mission)
8) greeting is KEY

Some classroom management/behavioral differences...
1) before class starts, students must stand, wait, bow and greet (same applies at the end of class)
2) seats are the same all year as are homerooms
3) they correct each other or help each other without hesitation
4) all chair set ups or assembly line ups are student led, teachers just wait
5) they always greet you in hallway (bow+saying)
6) one student leader per class
7) day starts with homeroom meeting: class rep waits as various students stand and announce
8) day ends with homeroom meeting: same as morning meeting but more like reminders
9) students don't like to raise their hands to ask/answer questions

Some things that NEVER change about students all around the world: they are naturally curious.  I had to introduce myself breifly in English and Japanese.  The only two questions that students want to ask... is my age and if I had a boyfriend.  This is absolutely hilarious to me, but the sensei was so embarassed for his class. 

There is so much more to share about the brass band club and also the amazing field trip I had today with the 9th graders.  Yet, there is so much that happened and I need to reflect first. 

I hope YOU are having a great day!  :)

Arrival- Hiroshima, Japan

I've finally arrived in Hiroshima and started my first day of student teaching at Shinonome Junior High School!

My arrival included meeting my first host family, the Ota family.  I even got to attend my first festival in the central area of the city, Tohkasan festival.  There were many different food, games, and everyone was wearing their yukatas. 

I am very lucky to start my Hiroshima experience in the Ota home.  Ritsuko-san can speak English very well, and her two daughters are very sweet.  They helped me get a calling card and also took me to a Chinese restaurant for dinner.  Their home is very multi-cultural including art, traditional Hina Dolls, a Kawai piano, and a rabbit!  I've never experienced a rabbit!  Hedgehogs, dogs, hamsters, mice, you name it, but not a rabbit!  SO adorable ne~

==========================================================================

At the school, I had to take off my shoes immediately at the front door.  Then we get lockers and slippers are provided for you.  Next I went straight to the principals office with the help of Honomi-chan.  I met the vice principal, principal, two English teachers, and several others.  We started the day with meetings and the principal and English teachers prepared an AMAZING plan for my 8 weeks.

There are three grades and three classes per grade.  Each week I will be assigned to a homeroom for meetings, cleaning, lunch duty, and so forth.  By the end of my teaching experience, the principal hopes for me to meet every student (total 260) and work with every teacher.  I am so excited about this well-rounded experience that I will be participating in. 

I was able to introduce myself this morning during the brief teachers' meeting (in Japanese!)  Then the principal and the English teachers took time to describe the school and their plans for me.  This school has no rules.  It is a very interesting concept.  I think I will discuss this another time.  Also, there are no janitors, therefore all students and teachers work together in the middle of the school day to clean up.

Every day school starts at 8:25 and ends at 3:50, but there are after school activities everday.  Monday through Friday, I will stay until 6pm; for teachers preparation, they can stay until 7pm; for student teachers like myself, the school is opened until 9pm for me.

I look forward to understanding this educational system a little more because Shinonome has a unique curriculum set-up.  It is a small school, but the students are very energetic.  The coolest part?  One of the English teacher is the soccer coach the other is basketball coach.  Awesome!  I have also decided to participate in Brass Band club.  This is going to be sugoii!