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Published: November 21st 2006
Playing at Free Play
This class allowed me to play with them while I learned a new game. It was fast pace and even if you were out, you were still in the game. Finally we visited a school. Today we were guests at an elementary school and to no surprise we received a warm welcome. After a quick introduction to the teachers, we were off to the media production room for morning announcements. The equipment used to make the announcements was quite impressive.
After this, we were free to visit any classroom. Some classrooms tried their best to go about their regular routine, while other classrooms were definitely entertaining their special guests from America. Whether things appeared to be orderly or pure mayhem, there was no question as to who was in charge. The teacher basically just needed to speak in a regular voice and the students listened quickly. What also greatly impressed me was the high level of tolerance to noise. A classroom next door could be making enough racket to be heard a block away, but yet the teacher and students carried on as if that was normal and expected. I also liked how in one classroom a student was giving a presentation and afterwards the other students were given a chance to comment. But before they could share, they had to stand. It just shows respect. I also
School Entrace
Notice the green slippers. In Japanese schools, you are not to wear your outside shoes inside the building. Before you step up onto the green tiles, you must remove your shoes and put on the slippers. Also notice the shoe rack behind the student. liked how the students would bow to the teacher before the class started and at the end of that class.
Free play was incredible to see. The bell rang throughout the school and every student went outside. They had a variety of games to play and it seemed like in every direction you looked there were students playing. I enjoyed going from spot to spot joining in and trying to play with them. Each time, the students were excited to see me participate and often times they tried to explain the rules if I didn’t understand.
When the bell rang, it was neat to see over 500 kids immediately make their way inside. Back in the classrooms, it was time to get back to work. Before I knew it, it was time for lunch. There was no cafeteria to go to, plus lunch was served in each classroom and the teacher and students did the serving. Once all the food was passed out, words of thanks were offered and finally it was time to eat. The students were well behaved and went back for seconds until it was gone. When the time was up, the same
Keeping the Grounds Clean
A group of boys stop working for this picture, but they are all outside before school starts to keep the grounds clean. They are doing it because they want to. students helped collect the bowls, silverware, and pots and returned them to the kitchen.
The rest of the day was spent in meetings with parents and with teachers. It was interesting to get their perspective on issues such as homework, bullying, and other issues concerning our schools.
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Iva
non-member comment
Too much fun!
It looks to me like you and those children are having way TOO much fun to be in school!! I'm really enjoying your travelblog and I know it takes lots of time on your part to do it. Thanks for making us a part of your trip! Happy Thanksgiving.