So since I got back from Kyoto, things got busy from the outset with work. I was told well ahead that there was a speech contest for the English students at my Junior high were coming up and that we would need to practice a little bit after class hours (and outside my work hours) so that we could help the students prepare. I didn't realize, however, that this meant I would be spending half of my lunch period, as well as everyday after class for about an hour working on it! They wanted me to perfect their pronunciation, their intonation, rhythm and pauses, and add gestures/body language to make it more interesting. It only required that much because all three grades at the junior high had a team that participated, so even with all that practicing and a rotating schedule, one group didn't get practice with me each day. They put alot of effort into it, and we managed to take home a bunch of prizes as a result! (the most of all the schools participating I think even) My first graders took first prize, my second graders took 2nd and 3rd prizes, and one of my third graders took 2nd prize. I'll include some pictures from the event. Overall it was lots of fun being a coach for these exceptional students. They came a long ways in the short time we spent together, and I was quite proud of their effort. I felt like we also got a chance to bond outside the classroom and hang out (I even gave them English nicknames) and reassured them that it didn't matter if we wont or lost, just that they learned and had fun. I also got a chance to make all the students laugh a bit when the JETs present were asked to put on a 'model performance' of each of the three speeches, haha. I have some pictures from driving there, and of the awards being given out I'll post.
Now would be a good time to explain the grade system in Japan too, as Mark requested just a short while ago. The compulsory schools in Japan are divided into 4 parts: Preschool (Hoikuen/Youchien), Elementary school (Shogakkou), Junior highschool (Chuugakkou) and Highschool (Koukou). The preschool encompasses everything from two years old to five, being like a kindergarten and lower. Elementary is much like in the U.S. with classes ranging from 1st to 6th. Junior high is 7th, 8th, and 9th grade equivalent to the U.S. and highschool is the last three years 10th, 11th, and 12th. This would be no problem except that when you ask a student what grade they are in Japanese, they will never answer 7th, 8th, or 9th. They will say 1st, 2nd or 3rd because it's always assumed to be in the context of what grade in their school. Since I work primarily with the Junior highschools, I might refer to my students as first graders, second graders, or third graders, but I mean the twelve, thirteen, and fourteen year olds.
On top of doing this stuff, we also had Bunkasai (culture day) to prepare for. This landed the weekend before the speech competition and it was basically a day for a bunch of artistic departments of the school to showcase stuff, and have a fun day of work. It did mean I had to come in to work on a Saturday though. It was cool, because for each part of the performance it was split into each of the three grades, and every member of that class participated in each one at least a little. Each grade had to sing as a choir, performed a theatrical play, showed some artwork, shared their community involvement projects, etc. I also had more effort to put in since I was in the Taiko (Japanese drumming) group with the students who were performing at the event, so that added another night a week spent practicing just with the Junior high students. It was alot of fun and I'll throw a picture I've got up from one of the songs they sung, and if I can get the DVD my Principal gave to me to work, I can even post the video! (I'm way better than that first one when I arrived)
Outside of work I've had fun with JET get-togethers now and then like our Saga Sake festival. I also went to see Rancid live in Fukuoka (a really good American band I've wanted to see for a while). Also got to go to a Jleague soccer match with a taiko buddy and his coworkers; since his company sponsors them they get free tickets (there's a funny story behind this that's ideal 'lost in translation' material, so ask if you'd like to hear).
Overall a very fun and exciting month, though near the end I could feel myself start to be a little drained and get a little sick even as I came down with a cold. I also had a bit of homesickness creep in that I had been ignoring I think while so busy, and it led to a bit of a funk. But I'm pulling through both right now, and just writing out about all the fun things I've done has helped me feel better about it. I miss everyone at home very very much, but things are good.
BTW, not sure if I mentioned it yet, but please email me lots as it makes me feel loved to hear from everyone, and I would like to stay connected with what's going on with friends and family, especially those I don't get to talk to regularly! My phone's email address is ericraschke@i.softbank.jp so do it!
My allstar 2nd and 3rd graders off to win us some English trophies!
After the competition I wanted to have an impromptu Halloween party for the kids who worked so hard. No costumes to speak of, so we resorted to TP mummies.
My Taiko teacher Mori and the girl part of our team (the boys were off goofing around I think)
They sung along with songs played over the speakers as well as choral ones at culture day
Rancid venue in Fukuoka. This place was packed.
The organized cheering section for our soccer team, Sagan-Tosu!!!
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