Wednesday

Woke up a bit late at 7:15am, had a mandarin, banana, and cookies for breakfast, then cycled to school. Had a very relaxed day today with only 2 classes, so I spent the spare 4 periods making props for 1st grade and 4th grade’s plays. Also caught up on updating my budgeting spreadsheet. Today’s lunch was quite special because it was the first time in a long time that beef was being served again – sukiyaki with rice, kimchi, and egg + tofu soup. I’m not sure if 5th graders get served extra large portions, or if the kids just eat really little, but 5-2 always seems to have a lot of leftovers, so I got a second serving of the soup today to help out. Today’s lunch was also really fun – the kids in 5-2 are truly more affectionate and chatty. Today’s group talked about siblings, birthdays, how living overseas seems “freer” and how they think Takasaki is super 田舎, and how Tokyo is so much cooler.

Went around the school at lunchtime to test my little character headbands for the 1st graders, all their heads are so tiny! Cleaning time was a bit noisy today so I was strict and didn’t give them sticker rewards. Finally a lesson in period 5 with 5-2 and it was pretty good. We didn’t get through all the planned activities cause the first one took way longer than expected – they didn’t understand the instructions so we had to explain a 2nd time. But at least they all did the one activity properly! They can now ask “What do you study on (weekday)?” and reply “I study (subject) on (weekday)” and they know all the subjects by heart now so it’s really great. 5-1 was the same as well – didn't get through everything but they did the one activity with great English as well so it was fine. There was one minor scuffle where a pair of kids had an argument and some tears ensured but they both apologized to each other in the end after some prompting from my JTE. I was also pretty happy with today’s class with 5-1 because I switched some kids around. I paired up with the kids who don’t do any work, and moved their partners to other kids so that they could actually do some English work. It worked out really well! The kids who got moved were happy they got moved (cause they never get any work done when they’re stuck with a partner who doesn't want to speak English) and the naughtier kids that I paired myself with completed the activity so I was really happy.

Got off work at 16:30, but hung around a bit because some 6th graders saw me walking towards my bicycle and got all curious. We then had a really good conversation that started with their neighborhoods/homes (some kids live so close! Literally just next door) and then about English classes and what games/activities they like. They all don’t really like the jingles (as expected – I don't like them either to be honest) and they told me they like musical chairs and しりとり (word chain game) so I told them we can do that for this Friday’s lesson and they were like YAY. It was just extra adorable because it was the kids who aren’t the most participative kids or anything, but talking outside class with them like this really showed that they’re just the same as the studious kids – they just don’t show it much! Cycled home in gusty wind (I’m so going to drive tomorrow…) and had noodles and daikon for dinner.