Hey,
Just a super quick post to tell you I have started at Jinseki Chugakko (junior High). Somehow I went from assistant teacher to student. Third grade student, so I hang out with all the 13 year olds. They love it, but it's very very odd. The teachers are trying to be really good - the Maths teacher even marked my FAIL of a Maths test that I couldn't read the instructions on and just made up answers from the numbers I could read - but I fear Ken-sensei might have been a bit overenthusiastic throwing me in here. I just hope that a) I'm not making life too difficult for the other teachers and b) I actually learn. At the moment I feel like a piece of plastic floating on the tide of Japanese-speaking 13 year olds, but it's true I pick up a couple of key phrases or words every day.
I figure I will give it a shot for a couple of weeks and see if I feel I am learning anything. As I said, I'm concerned I'm making life difficult for the other teachers, even though it is great for the kids practising their English and getting experience hanging out with someone from a different culture. And the lunches are great :D
Anyway, Jeff is waiting on the laptop so we can watch an episode of Outrageous Fortune - get a taste of home!
Let me know what you're up to...
Charly
Hi Charly, sounds like you're settling in so well over there! and I am very impressed by how well you are going with the Japanese and getting integrated into the school and everything! Must be so good for you being there -- like you say, picking up key words and phrases!
ReplyDeleteSounds like they are being so friendly and lovely as well -- they must love having you over there!
Just a quick reply, great so far with the blogging, I feel well caught up with life over there, although like you say I am sure there is so much else that is going on that is different to here, that you cant update us on everything!
Love and hugs to you and your Husband ;)
Love Holly and Kris xx
Good to hear from you. How is house shopping going?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I pick up a couple of key words or phrases each day. Can seem frustratingly slow, but I have to remind myself that I am also consolidating what I already now.
'Ima wa nan desu ka?' is the most handy sentence I've figured out - if I'm saying it right it means 'What now?' Very helpful for when I'm traipsing round school after the 13 yr olds! It's funny, I'm like their puppy. Sometimes they realise I'm not with them and they stop at the door, 'Charly! Charly!' waving for me to follow them, lol.