Halloween Party (2)

After the madness of last night it was time to do it all over again.

At lunchtime today I held a Halloween party at school. The 3 exchange students helped me decorate the room and get ready. (Thanks Wayne, Victoria and Julie)

Again we had a movie playing in the background while we all drank crazy punch, bobbed for apples and played the candy jar guess game. Last year about 20 kids came, this year around 60 squeezed into the room to see what we were all up to!

Halloween Party (1)

I did go to the hospital this morning. The Japanese health system is great but sometimes the machines look like they’re from the 60’s. Today was no different and they even used bent paper clips to show which was the left and right arm on the x-rays. Luckily there are no fractures, just bad bruising. I’m all strapped up and ready to go.

Tonight was the Halloween party at the orphanage. We only have 5 students so we invited the other children from the orphanage and we were happy that around 30 showed up. We all got there early to set up all the different activities we had planned.

We had a candy bag corner, fruit punch, grape bobbing, craft corner, pin the nose on the pumpkin, candy jar guessing game and a Halloween movie! Each time the kids completed an activity they had to shout “Trick-or-treat” to get candy. After about 45 minutes, everyone’s candy bags were full so we all sat down and watched the movie.
It felt so good doing something for all of them and at the end of the party they all wanted a little reminder of the night. They ran around pulling the smallest of decorations off the walls and asking if they could keep them. I guess we’d better strat planning the Christmas Party!

Obaachan Attack!

Hands down riding a bike is the most dangerous part about living in Japan. Today I was cycling down a small road just round the corner from my school when an old Japanese lady appeared out of nowhere. I didn’t even know what was happening until I was picking myself up off the floor. I went flying, scrapping my legs and hands, denting my basket and when I looked up, there was a grandma just stood there. She must’ve been made of stone! I did lots of bowing and apologizing and hobbled to school.

My elbow got worse as the day went on. I couldn’t bend it or lift my arm. I was a little worried as I fractured it a few years ago and the pain is just like it was then. Maybe it’s time for a trip to the hospital…..

English Rules!

(In my best grandma voice) I remember the good old days….. when I was at school and we were taught not to begin a sentence with the words and, but or because.

Due to the changes in our language this rule is being relaxed and is used in certain circumstances if it makes sense. However it’s very annoying when the students over here get away with doing it when their work makes no sense.

They don’t learn the difference between spoken English and written English. Even a lot of the teachers here don’t understand the rule or why so many ALT’s get mad over it.

I was on a one-woman mission to drill this into my students’ heads today. Not sure if they will remember it but I hope so!

Debate! Judge Rebecca Part 2

Some of the high schools in the city are SELHi schools; Super English Language High Schools. Their English programs are amazing and it shows in the ability and confidence of the students. Today I was asked to judge an English debate between some of these schools. They were debating whether the age of adulthood in Japan should be lowered to 18. An interesting topic as it affects them. We had a few knockout rounds before the big final and I was excited but nervous to be chosen as one of the three judges of the final.

I was blown away. It was an all Daiichi High School final and I swear they could beat me in a debate. Not only did they prepare their opening and closing statements all in English but they then had to think of questions and answers on the spot with the added pressure of time. It was a real boost to see just what they can achieve given support and time – well done everyone!

Judge Rebecca

My first two years in Japan were spent at junior high schools and October was one of the busiest times as everyone was busy practicing for the recitation contest. Basically two or three students from each year choose a chapter from their English book and have to recite it. I have spent many hours with many students perfecting pronunciation, intonation, rhythm and stress.

This year I was on the other side as I was asked to help judge the contest. It was hard work as we listened to about 70 teams recite their chosen chapters. It was clear that they’d all worked very hard and I wanted them all to get some recognition but unfortunately only the top seven teams were given awards.

As a bonus I also saw some old students and teachers from Sanwa, Jyosei and Tenmei – I still miss them!

Halloween Time Again!

As a break from all the exams they have to do I was allowed to do a fun Halloween class this week complete with candy for the winning teams. I had them do a true/false quiz, listen to Halloween songs and do Halloween puzzles.

I think they enjoyed the class but the best part was at the end as I handed out the candy to the winning team. The others were very jealous and so I “pretended” to find extra candy in my bag (put there on purpose) and then asked who wanted it. Obviously they all did and so the only way to resolve the issue was to throw it bouquet style and see who could catch it. That definitely got them jumping up and down.

Good or Bad?

The exchange rates are beginning to fall. Great for me – is it wrong of me to wish that they tumble and fall for about a year so I can send double the money home?!?

Good to be back!

I got to spend 3 days at elementary school this week.

It’s nice to be back with the little ones for a change!

Odd ramblings...

I’m a bag of germs today – cough, sniff, sneeze, sneeze, cough, sniff!

I need some of this!

Since moving to Japan I’ve definitely become more aware of world events. I keep an eye on news at home and also in America as whatever happens there seems to rule everything else. I have to say I’m getting a little nervous about the financial stuff they keep talking about. Time to keep your eyes on the pennies people!

Just Do It!

When I first moved to Japan I imagined all of my students would be motivated to learn English, their level would be high and we would talk about world politics and debate cultures and society. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case and even on a good day “How are you?” can be challenging for some of them.

However, since moving to high school you get the odd student who takes a chance and has the courage to come and talk. One of them is Yusaku; the student who went to America on an exchange program. Today we talked over the Japanese education system, the possibility of him moving to America to go to university and his future plans to become a politician and turn Japan on its head!

Fun times – I just hope he does it!

Happy Beer Day!

We had to go to the German bar in town and enjoy Oktoberfest!

The organiser of the evening was Jon - here he is enjoying his beer!

On the way home we also ran into a few drunk Japanese boys - one of whom was wearing this coat. We had to take a picture!

Rain & Pain

It has been raining solidly for two days!

I went to bodyjam and super-waist-shaper at the gym tonight!
Ouch!