Teaching

So classes have been going pretty well so far. I started my first official day of school on 9/3/2010. From there, it was all a rollercoaster ride that I didn't know what to expect until I actually stepped into the classroom. Back in America before we were even thinking of stepping foot in Japan, we had orientations and classes that helped to train us on how to teach. However, it's much different being in a seminar than actually being in the front of the classroom and teaching!

I'd say that it took a little longer to get used to teaching the Elementary schools than the middle school. I only say that because I make rounds to 5 different elementary schools, while I'm at only 1 base middle school!

So with teachers, that means only having to plan with 2 teachers at the middle school, vs. the many grades/classes at the 5 different elementary school. Having to be organized and staying on top of what you taught is key, to say the least! (And organization/planning is not one of my strongest points!) haha, but overall, I'm getting used to it all and it helps that the kids are all full of energy which I soak up and can use to get through the classes! The kids also do and say the funniest things. So that makes it all fun and very interesting!

The elementary schools all had welcoming ceremonies which included marching in while a band played, and all the kids clapping and cheering or what not while holding these tunnel things that I walked through to the front of the gym. It always felt like they were welcoming royalty there! Haha, it was fun and very cool. You can see pics that one of my middle schools posted on their website of their welcoming ceremony for me!

https://ns.chiba-a.jp/kuniyoshi-e/index.php?action=pages_view_main&page_id=13

I must say, though, that I really enjoy what I am doing up to this point. There are some days where the students are awesome and I just love being there, and other days where....well, I would have rather been able to stay in bed and sleep all day and not have to teach. But either way, it's a great experience and I know that I'm learning a lot about my students and about myself! All the while, I'm having a great time in Japan and am glad that I have the opportunity to be in Japan and experience the culture and all its goodness!

So in all of my classes and free time, I have gotten plenty of questions. Much more than I expected I would ever get. Below is a compilation of the kinds of questions I have gotten so far. Some of them are to be expected, and others not so much....:)

The range of questions I have gotten from all my students:
-What sports/music/tv shows/famous people do you like?
-What is America like?
-What is your favorite food to eat?
-Can you use chopsticks?
-Are you really from America? You look Japanese!
-Where do you live?
-Do you like Japan or America better?
-What is the current exchange rate? (Asked by a 4th grader!!) followed up with, Is inflation affecting the American economy more than the Japanese economy?
-Do you have a girlfriend?
-Are you married?
-Are you a model?
-How do you get your hair to stand up like that?
-What's your favorite animal?
-Do you like hamburgers?
-Where did you learn Japanese?
-Are you a college exchange student?
-What's your favorite flower?
-Can you eat natto?

And the list continues, but these are the ones that I could think of off the top of my head. All the teachers at the school are extremely nice and helpful. I've heard some horror stories before coming to Japan that some teachers don't necessarily like ALTs in the classroom and think of them as a burden. Or others that the teachers would sometimes ditch the class and expect you to take over the whole class by yourself. So far, I can't say that I've experienced any of these....(knock on wood)

But I know that as I continue further, I may run into some of those types of teachers and have to experience both sides of the spectrum at some point! But overall, it's been a positive experience and I like all the people that I work with.