OK today I went to see an elementary school. The kids were soooo cute. They treated us like rock stars! They all wanted our autographs and giggled when we tried to talk to them. They don’t speak much English but they obviously have learned and practiced how to say “hello my name is…” and “pleased to meet you”. My Japanese is getting much better now but I still don’t know very much. Our group translator says that my accent is very good and she is surprised because many Americans have trouble with Japanese sounds. That made me feel good. So, the school. In the morning, people from the town come out to make sure the kids get to school safely. Then the principal does crossing guard duty and greets every single child who comes to school. Each of the kids bows and says “Ohayo Gozaimasu” which means good morning. We observed a few classes and then they put us in a class (mine was 3rd grade) where we were taught calligraphy. It is much harder than it looks, but the kids were good teachers. After that we ate lunch in the classrooms with the students. They do not go to a cafeteria and no one brings their own food. Everyone helps get ready again. The students (even the littlest ones
!) help to clean up and serve the food. I was so impressed. Our lunch was really good and relaxing. They played pop music over the loud speaker and the kids danced in their seats while they ate. We had a lot of fun. They planned to play a game with me outside but we ran out of time. They have a very long recess—I think it was close to an hour. They work very hard but they get lots of play time as well. We were treated to a concert by the 4th graders after lunch. Their band is better than many high school bands that I have heard. WOW! After lunch we checked out a few more classes and then had a meeting with some PTA members. Of course, we watched the students do the end of day clean up as well! Even the really little students were helping to mop the floors and sweep etc. The little kids didn’t do a very good job but they were still feeling useful and practicing. They will be better at it in a few years J By the way, when you go to the bathroom, you have to use different slippers. They keep them in the bathroom for you to use.
I was happy to be at the elementary school because it felt a lot like being home. The kids were very similar to kids in the United States. They like music and video games and computers and books and playing soccer and baseball. They acted silly and sometimes got in trouble. Kids are kids, no matter where you are.
!) help to clean up and serve the food. I was so impressed. Our lunch was really good and relaxing. They played pop music over the loud speaker and the kids danced in their seats while they ate. We had a lot of fun. They planned to play a game with me outside but we ran out of time. They have a very long recess—I think it was close to an hour. They work very hard but they get lots of play time as well. We were treated to a concert by the 4th graders after lunch. Their band is better than many high school bands that I have heard. WOW! After lunch we checked out a few more classes and then had a meeting with some PTA members. Of course, we watched the students do the end of day clean up as well! Even the really little students were helping to mop the floors and sweep etc. The little kids didn’t do a very good job but they were still feeling useful and practicing. They will be better at it in a few years J By the way, when you go to the bathroom, you have to use different slippers. They keep them in the bathroom for you to use.I was happy to be at the elementary school because it felt a lot like being home. The kids were very similar to kids in the United States. They like music and video games and computers and books and playing soccer and baseball. They acted silly and sometimes got in trouble. Kids are kids, no matter where you are.
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