Atsushi: Hello, please call me Atsushi.
Me: Ok, Atsushi. Got it.
A: How old are you?
Me: 26
A: I am 15. 15 isn't bad.
Me: (Laughing)
A: Are you free next Sunday?
Me: (Laughing more) No, I'm very busy.
A: Why don't you come to Starbucks with me?
Me: Maybe I will see you there sometime.
How great is that? My 15 year old student is asking me out. I can tell this kid is going to make me laugh a lot.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Umm, yeah...
Student: Are you married?
Me: No.
Student: Our homeroom teacher is single. He has a small apartment, but a big heart.
How sweet is that? The kids are looking out for their homeroom teacher...cracks me up.
Me: No.
Student: Our homeroom teacher is single. He has a small apartment, but a big heart.
How sweet is that? The kids are looking out for their homeroom teacher...cracks me up.
Lunchtime...Japanese Jr. High style
I never finish my lunch. Let me explain...Lunchtime is about 50 minutes, but only about 10 of those minutes are for eating. It is mass chaos. At my last school I ate in the teacher's room and had tons of time. At Katsutadai I eat with a different class each day. I go to my assigned lunch class, then sit and wait for them to say 'itadakimasu', which is said before meals. At this point, you start inhaling your food as quickly as possible. I'm the world's slowest eater, so this is horrible for me. I usually come home with at least 1/4 of my lunch un-eaten. After 10 minutes have passed, the bell rings and then everyone says 'gochisosamadeshita', which is said at the end of meals.
Lunchtime is stressful for me since I'm trying to eat all my lunch, and try to talk to my students. They get their textbooks out and try to ask me questions. That part is actually fun, but I think I'd rather go back to having my 30 minutes to eat...
Differences in lunchtime (other than the time):
-No cafeteria--they eat in their classrooms
-The students serve each other. They bring the food and trays, etc to their classroom and then the 'lunch leaders' serve the food.
-They eat rice (just about) everyday. (I only say 'just about' because today they didn't have rice, but that was the first time I've not seen rice on their plates.)
I will try and take pictures sooner or later of lunchtime.
Lunchtime is stressful for me since I'm trying to eat all my lunch, and try to talk to my students. They get their textbooks out and try to ask me questions. That part is actually fun, but I think I'd rather go back to having my 30 minutes to eat...
Differences in lunchtime (other than the time):
-No cafeteria--they eat in their classrooms
-The students serve each other. They bring the food and trays, etc to their classroom and then the 'lunch leaders' serve the food.
-They eat rice (just about) everyday. (I only say 'just about' because today they didn't have rice, but that was the first time I've not seen rice on their plates.)
I will try and take pictures sooner or later of lunchtime.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Today was a 10...for sure
First of all, the sun was shining and that made me smile. I love the sun. I can't wait until it's really spring, but unfortunately we still have a couple months of winter here. Today was just a fluke. I was told not to get used to the warm weather just yet.
Church this morning was really great. I really just love all the people there and I couldn't have asked to be around nicer people. After church this morning a lady came up to me and asked 'Nihon go wakarimasu ka?' (Do you understand Japanese?) I sort of laughed and said, "Umm, no" Then she said, "Ego only?" (English only?) I said, "Well, Nihon go skoshi." (Basically, I understand a little Japanese) She then proceeded to ask me questions in Japanese AND I actually understood her. With my broken Japanese I was even able to answer her questions. I was on cloud nine. I couldn't believe I actually had a conversation in Japanese, even if my Japanese was really sloppy, she understood me so that was great. So-now I'm totally ready to get serious about my Japanese. Maybe that was just the push I needed to get serious about studying.
This afternoon Lauren and I sat in the courtyard and read since the sun was out and it was so beautiful. However, after about 30 minutes, the sun went away and we went inside to make something warm to drink. When we came back out, Liz was getting home and she was about to walk down to the Korean church so we tagged along. Everyone down there was so sweet. I'm excited to get to know them better since we will be using their building for bible study. They also need some help with teaching English, so I might help with that.
We met Yuya for dinner at Mos Burger. We were there for several hours, so of course the conversation got interesting. We prodded him with questions about Valentine's day in Japan, because it is VERY different here. I will write about it when I get a chance.
Church this morning was really great. I really just love all the people there and I couldn't have asked to be around nicer people. After church this morning a lady came up to me and asked 'Nihon go wakarimasu ka?' (Do you understand Japanese?) I sort of laughed and said, "Umm, no" Then she said, "Ego only?" (English only?) I said, "Well, Nihon go skoshi." (Basically, I understand a little Japanese) She then proceeded to ask me questions in Japanese AND I actually understood her. With my broken Japanese I was even able to answer her questions. I was on cloud nine. I couldn't believe I actually had a conversation in Japanese, even if my Japanese was really sloppy, she understood me so that was great. So-now I'm totally ready to get serious about my Japanese. Maybe that was just the push I needed to get serious about studying.
This afternoon Lauren and I sat in the courtyard and read since the sun was out and it was so beautiful. However, after about 30 minutes, the sun went away and we went inside to make something warm to drink. When we came back out, Liz was getting home and she was about to walk down to the Korean church so we tagged along. Everyone down there was so sweet. I'm excited to get to know them better since we will be using their building for bible study. They also need some help with teaching English, so I might help with that.
We met Yuya for dinner at Mos Burger. We were there for several hours, so of course the conversation got interesting. We prodded him with questions about Valentine's day in Japan, because it is VERY different here. I will write about it when I get a chance.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Yes-this was a real conversation...
Ben: you were in my dream this morning
Jenn: oh yeah? what was i doing?
Ben: what were you doing?.....this is weird ok. are you ready?
Jenn: yeah, i'm ready...
Ben: you and i...you and i were shopping for bathtubs...in our bathing suits
Jenn: that's hilarious
Ben: we had to get in every bathtub in every store and try it out. i don't know if we were married or what
Jenn: well, that is funny
Ben: and you had to try on different bikinis in each bathtub so you would run to the bathroom to change 2-3 times for each tub
Jenn: oh my gosh...
Ben: it was very real and very crazy and fun. i'm not kidding. that is my dream
Jenn: well, you have some crazy dreams ben
Ben: that is easily in my top 4 craziest dreams ever
Jenn: it's as weird as my dream that i always had where i was pregnant and had kittens...and one of them was always blue
Jenn: oh yeah? what was i doing?
Ben: what were you doing?.....this is weird ok. are you ready?
Jenn: yeah, i'm ready...
Ben: you and i...you and i were shopping for bathtubs...in our bathing suits
Jenn: that's hilarious
Ben: we had to get in every bathtub in every store and try it out. i don't know if we were married or what
Jenn: well, that is funny
Ben: and you had to try on different bikinis in each bathtub so you would run to the bathroom to change 2-3 times for each tub
Jenn: oh my gosh...
Ben: it was very real and very crazy and fun. i'm not kidding. that is my dream
Jenn: well, you have some crazy dreams ben
Ben: that is easily in my top 4 craziest dreams ever
Jenn: it's as weird as my dream that i always had where i was pregnant and had kittens...and one of them was always blue
My newfound love...
So, I have fallen in love with my new heater. I bought it on Friday and haven't left its side. (just kidding)
Japan is so stinkin' practical and they are all about making things easy for you to carry on the train. Even though the box had handles, they proceeded to make the box just a little easier to carry, with a new handle on the top of the box.
I'm blown away by these people sometimes. Why aren't Americans this smart? Well, maybe it's not necessary in America since everyone just goes and gets in their car.
It may not look that great, but it's a miracle worker, I swear.
Japan is so stinkin' practical and they are all about making things easy for you to carry on the train. Even though the box had handles, they proceeded to make the box just a little easier to carry, with a new handle on the top of the box.
I'm blown away by these people sometimes. Why aren't Americans this smart? Well, maybe it's not necessary in America since everyone just goes and gets in their car.
It may not look that great, but it's a miracle worker, I swear.
Mexico Dec. 26-30
So, I guess since I'm just doing laundry, I will update you guys on Mexico.
I left the day after Christmas and was there for 5 days. I had a good time playing with kids and spending time with my mom too. There were a few funny times when I spoke Japanese to the Mexican people. It was great.
We did VBS for 3 days in Acuna, Mexico. You guys know I love kids, so I had a blast.
This is Omar.
He's 13 and didn't leave my side the entire day he was there. Of course we couldn't really communicate, but we kept finding Angel, a translator, to help us out. Omar told me that he was jealous that I lived in the states and that he wants to go there someday. He said he wants to get out of Mexico like his uncle. I wish I could have just taken him back with us, but then again I know that's not really the solution. Since we couldn't really talk, we spent about an hour just kicking a soccer ball back and forth. Sometimes I think things like that don't really matter, but at that time, I think it was exactly what I needed to be doing.
This is Omar's cousin.
She did not understand why I couldn't understand Spanish. She kept trying to talk to me, and Omar kept telling her I couldn't understand. Then she proceeded to yell Spanish in my ear, thinking that if she spoke just a little louder I would understand her. It was adorable. I really loved those kids.
Here are some boys that were there all 3 days.
The short one in the front was great and had the best smile. He came in his cowboy boots everyday and played soccer.
Here are a few more pictures from the week.
The boys...
Pinata time
The cutest little boy EVER
I left the day after Christmas and was there for 5 days. I had a good time playing with kids and spending time with my mom too. There were a few funny times when I spoke Japanese to the Mexican people. It was great.
We did VBS for 3 days in Acuna, Mexico. You guys know I love kids, so I had a blast.
This is Omar.
He's 13 and didn't leave my side the entire day he was there. Of course we couldn't really communicate, but we kept finding Angel, a translator, to help us out. Omar told me that he was jealous that I lived in the states and that he wants to go there someday. He said he wants to get out of Mexico like his uncle. I wish I could have just taken him back with us, but then again I know that's not really the solution. Since we couldn't really talk, we spent about an hour just kicking a soccer ball back and forth. Sometimes I think things like that don't really matter, but at that time, I think it was exactly what I needed to be doing.
This is Omar's cousin.
She did not understand why I couldn't understand Spanish. She kept trying to talk to me, and Omar kept telling her I couldn't understand. Then she proceeded to yell Spanish in my ear, thinking that if she spoke just a little louder I would understand her. It was adorable. I really loved those kids.
Here are some boys that were there all 3 days.
The short one in the front was great and had the best smile. He came in his cowboy boots everyday and played soccer.
Here are a few more pictures from the week.
The boys...
Pinata time
The cutest little boy EVER
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
New school, new questions...
Yesterday was my first day back at work and also my first day at Katsutadai Jr. High. So, I walked outside at 7:30 to get on my bike and leave for school. However, I got a big surprise.
Yeah, I got to ride my bike for 30 minutes in the snow. It was freezing and I really need to find my gloves that don't have the fingertips cut out. I gave my speech to the teachers, then the students in an assembly. This school is a lot smaller than my last one, so I'm excited. I think I'll be able to get to know more students with the smaller classes. During soji (cleaning time) I walked around with the 9th grade teacher who speaks 1/2 English, 1/2 Japanese to me. I'm hoping that instead of getting frustrated, it will help my Japanese. We shall see...
Since it was the first day of the quarter, I got to leave at 11:00...which was great.
So, today was technically my first day actually working. I had to do my intro lesson for the 7th graders. They are always the most fun classes because they actually want to participate.
Here are some questions that they asked me during 'question time'.
-Is your hair color natural?
-Are you married?
-How many boyfriends do you have?
-Have you kissed a boy?
Then one boy said, "Between me and these 2 boys, who is the cutest?"
They had me laughing so hard. It was a fun first day back to teaching. Of course, I finished my classes at 11:30 so I was wondering what I would do to fill the rest of my day until 4:15. However, I actually helped prepare stuff for a lesson tomorrow so that kept me busy, then I just read my book.
That's all I have to report for now. I will try and put some pictures from Mexico up sooner or later.
Yeah, I got to ride my bike for 30 minutes in the snow. It was freezing and I really need to find my gloves that don't have the fingertips cut out. I gave my speech to the teachers, then the students in an assembly. This school is a lot smaller than my last one, so I'm excited. I think I'll be able to get to know more students with the smaller classes. During soji (cleaning time) I walked around with the 9th grade teacher who speaks 1/2 English, 1/2 Japanese to me. I'm hoping that instead of getting frustrated, it will help my Japanese. We shall see...
Since it was the first day of the quarter, I got to leave at 11:00...which was great.
So, today was technically my first day actually working. I had to do my intro lesson for the 7th graders. They are always the most fun classes because they actually want to participate.
Here are some questions that they asked me during 'question time'.
-Is your hair color natural?
-Are you married?
-How many boyfriends do you have?
-Have you kissed a boy?
Then one boy said, "Between me and these 2 boys, who is the cutest?"
They had me laughing so hard. It was a fun first day back to teaching. Of course, I finished my classes at 11:30 so I was wondering what I would do to fill the rest of my day until 4:15. However, I actually helped prepare stuff for a lesson tomorrow so that kept me busy, then I just read my book.
That's all I have to report for now. I will try and put some pictures from Mexico up sooner or later.
How could you not love her?
George: Where will I sleep if I come visit? Don't you have a twin size bed?
Jenn: It's ok. I have a fold out lunch.
George: No, if I come there we're totally spooning.
Later in the conversation:
George: Next time you're at home, put your finger in my belly button.
Jenn: It's ok. I have a fold out lunch.
George: No, if I come there we're totally spooning.
Later in the conversation:
George: Next time you're at home, put your finger in my belly button.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Things I learned (or confirmed) while in Hong Kong
1. I like Chinese food better than Japanese food.
2. Chinese guys are better looking (than Japanese).
3. Chinese people tell it how it is--lying isn't 'part of their culture' like I've found out it is in Japan.
4. Everything is cheaper in China.
5. They are proud of their roots. They haven't "Americanized" everything, like, umm, another Asian country I know of...
2. Chinese guys are better looking (than Japanese).
3. Chinese people tell it how it is--lying isn't 'part of their culture' like I've found out it is in Japan.
4. Everything is cheaper in China.
5. They are proud of their roots. They haven't "Americanized" everything, like, umm, another Asian country I know of...
And now...the moment you've all been waiting for...
Ok, sorry for my lack of posting as of late, but I've been, umm, busy? lazy? Well, maybe a little of both, but mostly busy.
Anyway, I will see many of you in less than a week, so I figured I should get caught up on here, so you can't flog me in public.
So, without further adieu, my Hong Kong trip...
Technically they don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Japan, so Lauren and I took matters into our own hands. We took some vacation days.
We picked Hong Kong for the following reasons:
1. They speak English.
2. It was cheap.
3. Did I mention they speak English?
As you can tell, it was a very calculated decision. Also, Lauren has a great aunt and uncle in Hong Kong, so we figured we could see them as well.
We we first landed we already knew we would love it. There was English everywhere. We did get a little turned around trying to make our way to the hotel (we couldn't find the subway), but of course we simply asked directions--and got them--all in English. (Now please don't get me wrong--I love foreign languages, but I just needed to be around some English for a few days...I've had my fill of bowing.)
Our hotel we incredible.
Langham Place Hotel
We still don't know how we got it so cheap. (Thank you No. 1 Travel!)
Our first order of business when we got our stuff to the hotel was dinner. We wanted turkey, chicken, some sort of bird. Of course our goal was to eat bird everyday, just to prove we wouldn't get the bird flu. We got a turkey and chicken wrap-2 birds-and it was super. We walked around the area and just took it all in, and also decided what we would do for our few days there.
The next day we decided we would visit the many markets Hong Kong has to offer. Before we left the hotel, Lauren called her great aunt, and she invited us to dinner with them that evening. We were to meet them at Star Ferry, so we figured out how to get there, then went out for the day.
We went to the fish market. (I also have some VERY disturbing video to go along with this venture.)
Here are some eels...yum yum!
Oh, and don't forget the frogs...
The fruit market
The flower market
We also went to the Jade Market and met a guy named Angus there that was nice...or so we thought. There were 2 American guys hanging around him too, that talked to us and were nice...or so we thought. Of course there is a story to go along with this, but you'll just have to ask me when I'm home. Needless to say, we don't care if we never see them again.
Now, that evening we had dinner at the Hong Kong Yacht Club, thanks to Lauren's rich great uncle and aunt.
Lauren and I with Auntie June
Lauren and I with Uncle Fook Hing
They are so adorable. It was fun watching them interact. It was also great because they took us to eat places we'd never have afforded on our own.
The second day we were headed to The Peak (i.e. where all the rich people live) We took the peak tram up the mountain.
We went shopping, then came down to have lunch with Auntie June at her church.
Here is another picture of the church--but the point of this picture is the white car and the lady standing by it. She is Auntie June's servant (her word-not mine). This is just an example of how stinkin' rich they are.
On a side note, we found out later that they are rich because Uncle Fook Hing's family has been in the ship building business for many years, so he inherited his riches.
Sights from the day
Gotta represent...
Rickshaw fun
Protestors outside the court
We also went to dinner that night with Auntie June and Uncle Fook Hing at the Hong Kong Country Club. We had Peking Duck (and lots of other stuff) which is now my favorite Chinese food.
The next day we went to the mall by our hotel.
Here are the rainbow stairs.
Lunch at the hotel
A cat sleeping in a pan that was for sale (the pan, not the cat)...SICK!
Random alley--We don't see much filth in Japan. (I know this isn't very dirty, but it's dirtier than anything I've seen in Japan.)
The Starbucks we went to everyday...
Stanley Market
Cute kid hanging out the sunroof
That night we went to the light show. We were excited about this, but it turned out to not be so cool. Anyway, we made the most of it and had fun.
L and I
Our last night, we met up with Angus and went to a fun spot in Central district. It was a fun way to end our last night in Hong Kong. We got to the hotel at 3:00 a.m., then had to get up at 4:30 a.m. to catch our flight.
In conclusion, we had a great time in Hong Kong. I want to go again--who wants to go with me?
Anyway, I will see many of you in less than a week, so I figured I should get caught up on here, so you can't flog me in public.
So, without further adieu, my Hong Kong trip...
Technically they don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Japan, so Lauren and I took matters into our own hands. We took some vacation days.
We picked Hong Kong for the following reasons:
1. They speak English.
2. It was cheap.
3. Did I mention they speak English?
As you can tell, it was a very calculated decision. Also, Lauren has a great aunt and uncle in Hong Kong, so we figured we could see them as well.
We we first landed we already knew we would love it. There was English everywhere. We did get a little turned around trying to make our way to the hotel (we couldn't find the subway), but of course we simply asked directions--and got them--all in English. (Now please don't get me wrong--I love foreign languages, but I just needed to be around some English for a few days...I've had my fill of bowing.)
Our hotel we incredible.
Langham Place Hotel
We still don't know how we got it so cheap. (Thank you No. 1 Travel!)
Our first order of business when we got our stuff to the hotel was dinner. We wanted turkey, chicken, some sort of bird. Of course our goal was to eat bird everyday, just to prove we wouldn't get the bird flu. We got a turkey and chicken wrap-2 birds-and it was super. We walked around the area and just took it all in, and also decided what we would do for our few days there.
The next day we decided we would visit the many markets Hong Kong has to offer. Before we left the hotel, Lauren called her great aunt, and she invited us to dinner with them that evening. We were to meet them at Star Ferry, so we figured out how to get there, then went out for the day.
We went to the fish market. (I also have some VERY disturbing video to go along with this venture.)
Here are some eels...yum yum!
Oh, and don't forget the frogs...
The fruit market
The flower market
We also went to the Jade Market and met a guy named Angus there that was nice...or so we thought. There were 2 American guys hanging around him too, that talked to us and were nice...or so we thought. Of course there is a story to go along with this, but you'll just have to ask me when I'm home. Needless to say, we don't care if we never see them again.
Now, that evening we had dinner at the Hong Kong Yacht Club, thanks to Lauren's rich great uncle and aunt.
Lauren and I with Auntie June
Lauren and I with Uncle Fook Hing
They are so adorable. It was fun watching them interact. It was also great because they took us to eat places we'd never have afforded on our own.
The second day we were headed to The Peak (i.e. where all the rich people live) We took the peak tram up the mountain.
We went shopping, then came down to have lunch with Auntie June at her church.
Here is another picture of the church--but the point of this picture is the white car and the lady standing by it. She is Auntie June's servant (her word-not mine). This is just an example of how stinkin' rich they are.
On a side note, we found out later that they are rich because Uncle Fook Hing's family has been in the ship building business for many years, so he inherited his riches.
Sights from the day
Gotta represent...
Rickshaw fun
Protestors outside the court
We also went to dinner that night with Auntie June and Uncle Fook Hing at the Hong Kong Country Club. We had Peking Duck (and lots of other stuff) which is now my favorite Chinese food.
The next day we went to the mall by our hotel.
Here are the rainbow stairs.
Lunch at the hotel
A cat sleeping in a pan that was for sale (the pan, not the cat)...SICK!
Random alley--We don't see much filth in Japan. (I know this isn't very dirty, but it's dirtier than anything I've seen in Japan.)
The Starbucks we went to everyday...
Stanley Market
Cute kid hanging out the sunroof
That night we went to the light show. We were excited about this, but it turned out to not be so cool. Anyway, we made the most of it and had fun.
L and I
Our last night, we met up with Angus and went to a fun spot in Central district. It was a fun way to end our last night in Hong Kong. We got to the hotel at 3:00 a.m., then had to get up at 4:30 a.m. to catch our flight.
In conclusion, we had a great time in Hong Kong. I want to go again--who wants to go with me?
Tokyo Disneyland
Yuya has been asking us to go to Disneyland for awhile now, so we finally went last Friday. We had a great time, mostly just because we all enjoy each other's company. Yuya was VERY organized about the trip. Here is the e-mail he sent us in preparation for going to Disneyland:
Yeah, he is hilarious, but we did enjoy TDL to the MAX!!
Yuya, me, Lauren, Liz, Daisuke, and Kenichi
Lauren and I on the carousel
Yuya and Daisuke, umm, sharing a hot dog?
Kenichi acting REALLY cool (-:
Just another fun picture...
Ok, I imagine you're sick of all these Disney pictures, SO, I'll spare those of you that want to be spared. Those of you that don't, can go here:
Disney pictures
Dear friends
How are you all doing? I hope that you are having blessed days in GOD!!
By the way, I am e-mailing about TDL. I found out that they will be open
from 8 to 22 o'clock.
My suggestion plan:
07:30-08:00 Breakfast at near Nishi-funabasi station
08:13-08:25 Train to TDL(Maihama)
09:00 Lining up and getting tickets
09:00-21:00 Enjoy with Mickey Mouse
21:00-22:00 Shopping
22:05-23:50 Arriving at Yachiyo-chuo
Originally, I thought that it would be the best for us to be there by 8.
However, it may make us so exhausted at night. Also, I realize that it is
Friday so that TDL won't be as crowded as weekends and holidays. So, I
like to suggest us to meet at the ticket gate at Nishi-funabashi station
at 8. If we want, we can eat breakfast before 8 or even after 8. We can
discuss about it later. Preferably not in TDL due to the cost and
availability of the food at that time.
I hope that we can catch the train leaving at 8:13 and it will take us to
TDL around 8:25. I assume that by the time when we buy tickets and
enter into the park is around 9.
-----We will enjoy to the MAX in TDL-----
If we get on a train leaving at 22:05, you will get back to Yachiyo-chuo
at 22:50. The alternative is that we play in the park until the closing
time
then, we shop for 1 hour. If we get a train at 23:15, it will take you to
Yachiyo-chuo at 23:51
What do you all think?
Yuya
Yeah, he is hilarious, but we did enjoy TDL to the MAX!!
Yuya, me, Lauren, Liz, Daisuke, and Kenichi
Lauren and I on the carousel
Yuya and Daisuke, umm, sharing a hot dog?
Kenichi acting REALLY cool (-:
Just another fun picture...
Ok, I imagine you're sick of all these Disney pictures, SO, I'll spare those of you that want to be spared. Those of you that don't, can go here:
Disney pictures
Are we having fun yet?
In my 7th grade classes last Tuesday, the students made Christmas posters. They had to use the word Christmas and find words for each letter. (i.e. C-cookie, h-home, etc...)
Student: Can I put Satan for 's'?
Mrs. Matsuda: No! Satan is Jesus Christ's enemy.
Yeah, it was hilarious. I love my students.
Here they are hard at work
The boy on the right in this picture was telling me to wait so he could look serious for the picture.
Student: Can I put Satan for 's'?
Mrs. Matsuda: No! Satan is Jesus Christ's enemy.
Yeah, it was hilarious. I love my students.
Here they are hard at work
The boy on the right in this picture was telling me to wait so he could look serious for the picture.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Kayada Choral Contest
My school had a choir contest where the classes competed against each other. Everything was done by the students. Each class had a conductor and piano player chosen for the competition. It was really fun to watch.
I was shocked to see some of my students that never participate in class get so into the contest. One boy that never talks in class (b/c he's too cool) was the conductor for his class. I'm amazed at the respect the students give each other. I'm afraid that would be very hard to find in the states.
At the end of the competition the teachers sang a song. Technically I was supposed to be up there too, but I never went to practice so I weasled my way out of it. I don't think I'm quite ready to sing in Japanese on stage yet...
I was shocked to see some of my students that never participate in class get so into the contest. One boy that never talks in class (b/c he's too cool) was the conductor for his class. I'm amazed at the respect the students give each other. I'm afraid that would be very hard to find in the states.
At the end of the competition the teachers sang a song. Technically I was supposed to be up there too, but I never went to practice so I weasled my way out of it. I don't think I'm quite ready to sing in Japanese on stage yet...
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