Tottori JET ALT Shadowing Day

Today I was able to participate in something really cool - shadowing a senior ALT! I don't think that other prefectures really do this, but I think its awesome. Shadowing another ALT is far more informative than any other kind of orientation.

We were paired up with a senior ALT depending on what level school we teach at, so 5 of us newbies were shadowing another JHS/ES ALT. We were shadowing S, who works and lives in Tottori-shi. The five of us new people were me, L, R, S2, and D.

R and L were really kind and offered to give me a ride into the city. In the end I think it took longer than it would have on the train, but it was fun to ride with them and it was cheaper! (I had to ride the train ~30 minutes to Koge station to meet them where they live)

We drove into the city and arrived at S's school, Nishi JHS, with minutes to spare. However, we somehow managed to drive into the back lot and when we tried to find the entrance we got trapped in the courtyard and couldn't find the way in! Luckily the school nurse spotted us and let us in through the nurse's room...But then we didn't know where to go and wandered around the hallways before thankfully running into S! She brought us to the meeting room which we would inhabit for the day, and we met S2 and D there as well.

Next we all went up to the teacher's room and introduced ourselves to all the staff. After that S and one of her JTEs took us on a tour of the school. The school is massive! There are at least 4 floors, a massive courtyard, a gym, and a pool. 

We had a bit of time to relax, but then we went off to observe S's first period lesson (3rd graders)! We also did self introductions as part of the lesson. 

We didn't have a class 2nd period, so we went back to the meeting room and were supposed to discuss the lesson. We did a bit, but mostly chatted about a random assortment of things.

Next was a 1st grader lesson. We only observed during this lesson. M and some people from the BOE also came to observe and video tape the lesson. Afterwards we all went back to the meeting room with 2 of S's JTEs and talked about the lesson and just general concerns and questions about teaching and school life. It was really nice!

After that was lunch time! I decided to take a gamble and purchase school lunch, because its just so cheap! Y325 for rice, stew, milk, salad, and fish. It wasn't my favorite lunch ever, but it was edible. 

S's school does cleaning time after lunch, so for 15 minutes we helped some students clean the teacher's room. 

Then we had our last class of the day, another 3rd grader class. They were studying the grammar, "I know how to (verb) something," ex. I know how to bake a cake. S had us all go to the front of the class and give one example. I said I knew how to ride a horse and everyone seemed pretty impressed (yeah! good choice!). D said, "I know how to make pastry," but the kids were all confused. She tried to explain by talking about croissants, but one kid thought she said she knew how to eat croissants! Pretty funny mistake. 

We had another free period after that, and again, we just chatted about a bunch of stuff. It was really nice to hang out with other ALTs, actually! I am pretty segregated out here in Chizu. Even though R and L are closest, I don't see them very often. They are also much closer to the city than I am and have cars.

Finally the day was over. We went to say goodbye to all the staff. We stopped in to see the office ladies, who apparently just randomly have adorable animals at school! Today there was a super cute grey bunny! S said there have been hamsters and kittens too! Best school ever! I would spend all day in there!

We were meaning to leave then, but were offered coffee and cake and sat talking with the principal for a while, mostly about fireworks and Disneyland. 

R and L drove me back to Koge, where I managed to arrive JUST as the train pulled into the station, so I rushed out, bought a ticket (hoping it was the right fare), and ran across the tracks onto the train! 

Choosing a Japanese Preschool

I want to talk a bit about my experiences choosing a school for my 4 year-old.

In Chizu there are only 2 options: Suwa Hoikuen (Suwa nursery school) and Mori no Yochien (forest kindergarten).

I had heard about Mori no Yochien before I even left for Japan and I thought it was an amazing idea and I definitely wanted to send Yana there.

You can watch this documentary about the school:

By chance I happened to meet a group from Mori no Yochien one day while I was watching my students practice for the sports festival. I talked with S, who is married to a Dutchman and who's son attends Mori no Yochien. I arranged through her to have a trial day at the kindergarten, which cost Y1,000.

Doing a trial day is a great way of getting a feel for a school. We attended on Monday, which was cooking day. Yana was able to learn to use a knife for the first time, and she helped make miso soup over a fire.

I thought it was really great that she was learning these kinds of practical skills. And experiencing the fresh air and environment of the mountains. But there were some problems. Because the kids are playing in the wild, they have important rules to follow. So naturally, the first thing Yana did was break the most important rule - always play where an adult can see you. I don't know if it was because we were there, but the teachers completely ignored the fact that Yana had run off on her own and was unable to be seen. Because Yana can't understand or speak Japanese, she tended to isolate herself and play on her own. I felt like in this situation it could be dangerous for her to always be by herself.

The cooking area at Mori no Yochien.

There were some other things that made me hesitant too. I felt uncomfortable with the attitude of the teachers. I felt like Yana might not be able to pick up the language very well outside of a classroom. I felt like the school in general was too extremist. I wondered how these kids did when they had to suddenly adapt to regular elementary school.

So we decided to do a trial visit to Suwa. It was free, although we could pay a small fee to leave Yana there alone for a trial day.

One of the classrooms at Suwa.

Immediately I felt at ease and very welcomed at Suwa. The kids have lots of room to play outside, but are fenced in, so no worries of Yana wandering off on her own and falling in a river. The kids were very friendly and even gave Yana hugs when we left. The kids follow an educational curriculum during the week and they also have Saturday school, where the kids are allowed free play. The school also takes walks in the forest, so the kids get to experience nature up close as well.

The library at Suwa.

In the end, both schools have pros and cons. I really wanted to send Yana to Mori no Yochien, but I feel like right now the right decision is to send her to Suwa. I still like the idea behind Mori no Yochien and I hope to attend occasionally, so that she can experience things like chasing lizards, hiking, and playing in the river. But the relaxed feeling I felt being at Suwa definitely solidified it in my mind as the right choice, and I am really glad we decided to give it a chance after all.


Edit: After writing this I was informed that Suwa is only for children who have both parents working. Justin talked about it with one of the locals and he said that a lot of the moms just work in a garden or something. Anyway, I mentioned it to my supervisor, so there's now some sort of discussion going on about whether or not Yana will be allowed to attend...

Eastern Tottori Speech Contest 2014

Today I had to wake up very early to arrive at school by 7:00am. Today was the eastern Tottori speech contest! Junior high schoolers from all around eastern Tottori gathered today for the competition. There are 3 parts of the contest - the 7th and 8th grade recitations, 9th grade recitations, and 9th grade original speeches. The winner of the original speeches gets to go to Tokyo for the all-Japan contest!

I had 2 speech students this year; both 2nd graders (grade 8). A did a recitation about the rabbit of Inaba, a local folk legend. N did a recitation about a demon who wanted to be friends with children. We spent the last few weeks practicing for this contest, sometimes staying at school past 6pm!

We all rode together in my JTE's car. We arrived pretty early, because my JTE was helping with the contest. But soon enough all the other students, ALTs, and JTEs began to arrive. The competition was at a library and there was a museum across the street with a huge courtyard, so everyone was practicing there.

The contest started with an opening ceremony in an auditorium at 9:00am. After that we divided up into our groups, so I went with my students to a smaller meeting room, where they would be giving their speeches. A went second and N went 7th. There were 17 students in total in that group. I was the only one with 2 students giving speeches in that group, but many other ALTs had 9th graders as well (and I didn't). My students did really great! Their comment cards mentioned that they were nice and loud, and I was very happy to see that because it was something we practiced for.

Inside the auditorium.

After their group was finished we went outside and ate lunch in the museum courtyard. We then went back into the auditorium and listened to TWENTY EIGHT of the 9th grade original speeches. It was very long, very hot, very dark, and everyone was extremely sleepy. I admit I fell asleep a few times. I really respect the judges for being able to deal with that!

The 9th grade speeches finally finished 3 hours later and at 4:00pm we had the awards ceremony. My students didn't place. To be honest, I don't agree with the student who was chosen as the winner from their group. She went over the time limit, among other things. She wasn't bad, but I don't think she was the best. I DID agree with the girl who was chosen as winner of the 9th grade original speeches. She was very good and her pronunciation was amazing! She very obviously stood out, so I'm glad she was chosen!

All of the participants in this year's contest.

I feel a lot more prepared for next year's speech contest now. Going into this I really had no idea what I was doing, so now I feel better having experienced it!

A Day at Elementary School

The hallway outside the teacher's room at
elementary school.

5:45am - I wake up to the sound of my cellphone's alarm. After laying in bed for 3 minutes I decide to get up. I go to the living room and check Facebook and my email on my laptop. I usually eat some kind of bread and yogurt.

7:30am - I rush out the door, later than I meant to leave. I say goodbye to Justin and Yana and catch the elevator down to the first floor. Occasionally I run into a lady who works at the city hall (she lives in the same building). 

7:32am - I walk across the street to the bridge which goes over the train tracks. A large group of elementary school kids are gathered on the steps, waiting to walk to school together. I say good morning to them and walk past.

I cross over the train tracks and walk to what I call the "town square". I usually run into a group of three JHS girls and say good morning to them as I pass. I follow the road through the square, over the river, past the bakery (Mmmmm, smell that fresh bread baking!), over the river again, and up the hill. Along the way I pass several groups of students, both elementary and junior high. Near the school I greet the crossing guards. and join whatever group of kids is currently arriving. This morning a cat visited the school and was being carried around by the students, who were all following it around like the god among mortals that it is.

7:50am - I arrive in the teacher's entrance. I remove my outside shoes and pad across the tile to my shoe locker. I place my outside shoes inside (Wow, it smells in there...) and change into my indoor shoes. I turn the corner into the teacher's room and shout "Ohayou gozaimasuuuuu!" and everyone responds in turn. I sit at my desk and collect my items for the day's classes. I also see whats on my desk (Any papers I can't read? Any treats from teachers who travelled somewhere?).

8:10am - I meet with the 2 teachers who I co-teach with that day. I only ever have 2 classes a day. We go over the material and make a lesson plan. It doesn't take long; they're mostly pre-made already. 

8:25am - I go up to the second floor to grab a book from the library. Every morning I do reading for 10 minutes to a different class from 1st to 4th graders. Today I grab a Richard Scarry book about Lowly Worm.

8:30am - I arrive in 3-2 class and read them the book. Debatable about the success of said reading. Can't tell if they're bored to tears or just attentive.

8:40am - Reading is over, so I return downstairs to the teacher's room. I sit at the communal computer doing research on activities for my classes. I'm working on a giant compendium of things for each unit.

10:40am - Finally my class begins! I go up to the 6th grade class on the 3rd floor. Today we're learning about directions. The lesson is a bit boring and I try to stay  attentive. This is our 2nd or 3rd class on directions and I do the same thing for both 6th grade classes, so in the end I teach 6-10 classes on the same subject. Halfway through class a boy walks in. His entire hand is bandaged up. The teacher tells me he broke his finger playing dodge ball...intense.

11:25am - Class ends. I rush downstairs and exchange my 6th grade stuff for 5th grade stuff and climb back to the 3rd floor. Today is 5-1 and we're learning about colors. This class is really great at English. Today they show me how awesome they can pronounce "white". Seems silly, but its a sound which is difficult for many Japanese people. Even the teacher is surprised.

12:15pm - My second and last class of the day ends. I make my way back downstairs to the teacher's room. I'm now both starving and extremely apprehensive about what lunch could be today. I sit at my desk and write about the classes in my logbooks. Then I grab my lunch tray and carefully walk to wherever I'm eating lunch. 

12:20 - 1:05pm - Today I eat with the 4-1 class. The kids are super happy to see me and have a janken (rock paper scissors) battle for who gets to sit with me. The kids are shy at first, but then start asking me questions. One kid asks how old I am and when I say "Twenty four" he translates it as 50. Near the end of lunch a girl comes and closely examines my hair, which is in braids today. The girls all ask if I did it myself. Yes, yes I did. The girl decides to cover my eyes with her hands...while I'm eating. I attempt tickle her. She does not release me. I accept my fate and silently sit there with my eyes covered. She later drags me along to help clean up from lunch. The kids are in charge of picking up, serving, and returning the school lunch. 

The front of the elementary school.

1:05 - 1:30pm - Lunch break time. The kids from 4-1 ask if I want to play with them. I put my water bottle back in the staff room, change my shoes, and meet them outside. We decide to play onigokko, a Japanese variant of tag. Seems like most of the kids play it. We race through the playground. I've learnt that the best way to keep from being tagged is to run into a group of kids doing something else and look like you belong...well, it works for the Japanese kids, but it seems like I stand out a bit too much to blend in so easily. Near the end of break my supervisor S-san appears at school with some papers for me. The bell rings and I go back inside and collapse at my desk. I chug water and break out my fan. When I feel like I can move again, I go over to the computer.

2:00pm - The teacher of the class I ate lunch with (4-1) comes into the teacher's room and hands me the hair elastic one of her students had absconded with. We laugh.

2:30 - The principal wanders through the teacher's room and makes random conversation with me. Usually he asks where Yana is. Seems like somehow we have the same conversation every time.

3:00pm - I hear the bear deterrent bells on the younger kids' backpacks and go out to the hallway to say goodbye. Sometimes I end up being mauled by children, but today I escape unscathed.

3:55pm - Two students come up and give me a present. Its a small piece of cooked sweet potatoe. They had their monthly club activities today and were in cooking club.

4:20pm - I leave for home. Sometimes I chat with the teachers first. Officially I'm done at 4pm, but usually I finish up whatever I'm working on and then go. Sometimes I pass a few students on the way home and say goodbye to them.

Respect for the Aged Day

Today is a national holiday, so I got the day off! My mom actually came to visit on Thursday, but they went to the Oki Islands in Shimane for Saturday and Sunday, so today (Monday) was our only time for an outing.

We took the train into Tottori-shi early in the morning and went to the tourist support center at the station. The lady there was super helpful and nice. We decided to hire a tourist taxi, which is a huge bargain at Y1000 for 3 hours of time. Normally they only take 5 people, but since Yana is small, they managed to get a taxi which would fit her as well! Since the bus is Y370 per person each way, it was a pretty big discount. Also, since we used it we got some discounts and free gifts!

The first place we went was the sand dunes, because it is the most tiring and we didn't want the sand to be too hot. I've already been once before of course, but this time we went down to the water. The water was really refreshing, but it meant an extra walk back up the largest dune and a Yana coated in wet sand. The only way we got her clean(ish) was to completely rinse her in the place to wash feet, so she ended up totally soaking wet.

We also each got a free pear jelly at the gift shop, which our taxi driver helped us with!

Next we went to the Sand Museum, which I didn't get to see last time. It was really neat and the sculptures are very impressive. We got another free gift here - our choice of a Sand Museum post card.

We drove back into the city and had the driver drop us off at Aeon for lunch. We went there because there is a McDonald's and I really wanted to try the new purple sweet potato milkshake. Unfortunately it was kind of gross and overly sweet. It was also convenient, though, as I used the opportunity to buy Yana a dry pair of shorts.

Then we walked back to the station and hired another taxi, since our 3 hours had been used up. The next taxi driver was really nice and talkative.

Firstly we went to Yoshioka hot springs to try out the foot bath. It was about a 20 minute drive from the city center, and not really in Tottori-shi at all. It was free, though! Its literally just a bench on a street corner. The water is scorching hot, and I could only keep my feet in for a minute at a time. It felt really lovely after trekking up and down the sand dunes, though.

Next we drove a little ways to Hakuto Shrine, a famous place from a famous Tottori legend about a white rabbit. It was a bit of a boring shrine, to be honest, although the rabbit sculptures leading up to the shrine were pretty cute. Oh, and we got another free gift here! A keychain with the white rabbit on it.

Lastly we had the taxi driver take us to Genchuji, a tomb/temple. Its a special place because the rice paper doors inside are painted with some pretty interesting portraits. Unfortunately we arrived about 15 minutes after closing, but our taxi driver went in and it ended up that we got a personal tour! I felt really bad, but the old man giving the tour was very obliging. He gave detailed descriptions of all the paintings and the garden, but I barely understood any of it and everyone else was lost. At the end he sent us home with packages of shrimp crisps. It wasn't quite what I had thought it was, but still a neat experience.

After that we went back to the station and caught the train home to Chizu. We went to a local ramen restaurant for dinner, and actually its the first time I've been out to eat in Chizu. It was pretty tasty, but its difficult ordering from a menu all in Japanese. I just got shoyu (soy sauce) ramen because I knew what it was. I also ordered what translated as "unpeeled potatoes" and "chicken steak", which ended up being fried potato wedges and fried chicken wings. Yana was happy with the potatoes, anyway.

Chizu Chugakko Undokai 2014

A gorgeous view of the mountains from the ground.

Today was the JHS's sports festival! Everyone from the school participates and for me it was treated as a work day, even though it was a Saturday. However, we all Monday off in lieu, which is great. On Friday Kyoto-sensei invited Justin and Yana, so we packed a lunch and all came along together. They had tables and chairs set up for important guests, so we got to sit right in the front row.

The festival began at 9:30am. There were a lot of people there too, sitting all around the ground (thats what its called...Chizu ground). The students had been practicing almost non-stop all this week, so I kind of knew what to expect, but there were still a few surprises! The festival began with all the students doing a military-style march onto the ground. As a teacher, I had to stand along the long side as they marched. The procession began with the school flag and the Japanese flag and then each class came in separately, with a flag bearer holding their hand-made flags. After that there were some speeches, raising of flags, and singing of the school song. Next we had to do taiso, which is like warm-up exercises. Everyone did them, even the visitors!

Some of the flags for each class.

There were 8 events before lunch and another 9 after. There were all sorts of different events and most of them are very different to western eyes. The first event was a catapult ball catch relay thing - students had to run and get a ball and bucket, one went to a catapult and stomped on it to launch the ball, and the other had to catch it in the bucket. There were lots of other relays, one including a staff team, so I participated! I was the 6th runner...unfortunately our team was last place.  Justin and Yana and I also participated in this "treasure hunt" which was basically a fishing game, where we had to catch a prize bag with a hook on a string and pole and then run with it to the finish line. The prizes? Three packs of tissues. Before lunch there was also a girl's dance, which was pretty amazing, especially since they did all the choreography themselves. The boys had their own display, which was some amazing gymnastics and strength displays.

Chizu boys' event.

This incredible feat done during the boys' event.

We had a pretty long lunch break, so after eating I wandered around with Yana. We met up with T, a cute little boy who is the son of a Japanese lady and her Dutch husband. They recently moved to Chizu and T attends the forest kindergarten. On Friday night we actually were invited to a potluck with them and a bunch of their friends, so Yana was happy to see T again. We went over and talked to his mom, S, and she brought me over to meet another S, a British guy who lives in Chizu with his Japanese wife. Two of their kids are actually my students. Anyway, Chizu is really international for such a small town! I called Justin over and we really enjoyed chatting with them. S's wife is pretty good at English, so its nice to have an easy conversation without the need for a translator. Yana enjoyed playing with a bunch of kids.

Other events included a massive group tug-o-war,"Chizuneyland" relay, Love Love pants relay, and various relays where teams and pairs were tied together at their legs. Parents of students participated in a lot of the events, which I thought was nice.

Tug-o-war.

"Chizuneyland" relay.

The weather had been pretty hot and sunny, but after lunch it started getting cooler and overcast. This was a really nice change until it started raining and getting so windy that people had to hold the tents down. After some deliberation, it seems they decided to end the sports day early (around 3pm), so we missed out on seeing the group jump rope competition. They are doing it as a tie-breaker on Tuesday, but that's an ES day for me, so I won't be there to see it.

Afterwards, Justin, Yana, and I walked home in the rain. We passed two old ladies, who offered a small umbrella for Yana. It was really very sweet, but...the umbrella was covered in some kind of nasty black grease.

At home I had time to rest a bit and change clothes, but at 6pm I was picked up for my very first enkai (work drinking party)! We went to a Chinese restaurant in Tottori city. It was a celebration of sports day and also my welcoming party! I only discovered the last part upon my arrival, when I was informed I would have to make a speech. Luckily I'm not really expected to make long speeches, so it wasn't too bad.

At the enkai teachers were seated by lottery. I had a predetermined seat, though, beside the vice principal. The enkai started with a speech by the principal. Then we all did a kampai (cheers) and then the food started arriving! We were brought out all sorts of plates of food throughout the party. My favourites were the shumai and some sort of beef, onion, and pepper stirfry. There was also an amazing mango ice cream at the end.

After eating for a bit, I had to give my speech. I just said something about how everyday in Japan is interesting and fun and I'm learning about Japanese culture so I want to study Japanese. It was all in Japanese, but I got lots of applause anyway, so that's a good sign I guess. Next was Anje question time, so some people asked me questions, like what food does Justin like to cook?

The rest of the enkai basically followed suit - lots of speeches and drinking and clapping and cheering. Mostly about sports day, but one girl actually just passed her test to become a teacher yesterday, so she talked about that. The vice principal translated some of it for me. I also had some fun talking with the 3 guys I was sitting with. The computer teacher liked having me guess what all the other teachers taught. I got them all wrong.

The enkai ended around 9:30pm, and then we drove home. Often there are second and third parties, but the teacher who drove me went straight home to Chizu and I was kind of glad because I was so exhausted!

Sports Day Practice

A view of the courtyard from the second floor of the JHS.

Lately the kids at JHS have been preoccupied with practicing for the sports day on Saturday. They have been practicing for over a week and even have full days off classes for practice. It seems a little crazy, but they actually benefit from it I think, because they have to do crazy intricate dances, group jump roping, and military-style marching, to name a few activities.

After my two classes this morning (both self-introduction classes still), I went to watch them practice for a bit. It was pretty intense! They spent about an hour just on getting positioned properly for the dance practice!

The entrance to the school, with all the shoe boxes for staff and guests.

I went back to school early, and since there were no students around, I took the opportunity to wander the school and take some photos. I popped my head into the shop classroom too, and saw that the students had made some amazing things out of wood! There are also painted banners in the front hallway from each grade for the sports day. These students are really talented!

Oh, and lunch today was actually pretty good! It was a hamburger patty with a bun and ketchup, vegetable and some kind of fish salad, 4 delicious grapes, milk, and an alphabet soup with mushrooms, a weird white sausage, and vegetables. The soup was okay, but torturous to eat. I still don't know how I was expected to eat freaking alphabet noodles with chopsticks!

Murals in the front hallway for sports day.

Some things I've noticed about school here:

The ES kids who walk to school do so in groups. There is a leader for each group, who carries a yellow flag. Near the school, teachers guard crosswalks and also carry flags. The local police also guard the crosswalks as well.

Students are responsible for bringing a teacher's materials to class. I felt really awkward today as one kid carried my laptop and the other carried my projector.

One of the classrooms I teach in.