I think it is time for an update. Why? Maybe because I have gone through two weeks of teaching....and LOVE IT! It is a great feeling to wake up and go do something that you love. Despite the early morning. You would be shocked to know that this night owl (me) is now going to sleep at 10:30 and waking up at 6:30. I thought it would never be possible, but I proved myself wrong. Accomplishment! Also a new thing: I dress up every day (except the weekends)! It is weird having to look really dressy in a suit every day. I might be able to gradually get the suit jacket off, and just be in a nice blouse and pants/skirt. I am in such a different school system then in America or international schools. It's a new world to me, but I am enjoying it.
The students all stay in one classroom, and it is the teachers that jump from one classroom to the next. Each class has a homeroom teacher. The teacher's desks are all in the same room, including the Vice principle. The desks are right next to eachother, 5 to 6 desks to a group. I have my own desk as well! It's great. The teachers next to me do not speak English so that is a bit of a bummer, but am near one of the English teachers. It is usually really quiet in the teacher's room, but sometimes people have conversations. I understand some words, but feel so lost many times. I have been understanding more of the language, and sometimes I can tell that the teacher's are talking about me and I think they think I do not understand, but I can get a good jist of what they are saying. I think it is positive the way the conversation was going and sounding. (I hope it was positive) I am really wanting to speak more Japanese, but just like the students, am really scared to speak. But if I want them to speak English, I must force myself to join the scary world of diving into a language, mistakes and all. Kowaii!
The kids are great and I am enjoying working with them. I hope that they are enjoying the class, as well as learning. There are so many students, and I am wondering how I am going to memorize all their names. I memorized one class, and today I shocked them by going around and telling them all their names. They were shocked, and clapped and were going on and on. Saying, "Sugoi! Eh? Sugoi!...etc". (Wow). Now for the other 15 classes.....515 students......I want to stay with this school all year, but in the fall I have to move to elementary schools all over sapporo. I will like being with the Elementary students, but I am really liking my school and have great teachers to work with and awesome students! I hope they like me. Maybe they will request me for next year! That would be great!
I get to ride my bicycle to school everyday! I love my new mode of transportation. I get exercise and get somewhere at the same time!! :) I have to enjoy biking while I can before it snows again. But I am told till November I can bike so that is good. Then for 5-6 months I will be off a bike, and using buses, trains and walking in the freezing weather. I can do this!!!! I am going to toughen up! Yesterday was actually a warm day!!!! I finally got to bike in a T shirt! I biked to a park called Lily Park, and saw the garden of tulips. It was so beautiful! I have a lot of pictures of flowers. I might put up some pictures of them. Flowers in Sapporo are amazing!! There are so many flowers. Every house, green spot seems to be filled with flowers of all kinds. And such vibrant colors. We really celebrate spring, because it is such a long winter here. Maybe its the snow that makes the flowers look so healthy and happy, but whatever it is, its beautiful. But there are not so many Sakura trees here, and so have seen sporadic blossoms. Also for some weird reason, the leaves come first, and then the blossoms. In some cases. Weird. But anyways, spring is here, despite the still chilly weather. At least there is no more snow to be seen, except on the mountains. Which is fine. Makes the mountains look so beautiful.
Well I think that was a good update. I hope you enjoyed and got a glimpse into my life here. Later I will expand on my teaching itself. I have to really work my creative juices sometimes to figure a fun but learning activity for the kids. Hope to hear your comments if you have some!
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen