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!  :)