I just finished my last 1st and 2nd grade class for my fave school. Again I am feeling pretty sad about the fact that I won`t be here anymore. I do love this school. It`s weird...it feels like the teachers here are less obsessed with doing everything for the kids...but the kids are generally a lot better behaved...and humble..and innocent. Whereas at my other school....everything is done for the kids...I know it should be like that..but it`s more than that...it`s this obsession...of being these happy clowns...almost patrionising for them. But I think it backfires a little....the kids..aren`t that thankful in my opinion...and act more spoilt...and less like they care about stuff....so I don`t know what the difference is, but there certainly is one.
Yesterday I had my last grade 6, 4 and 2nd grade classes at the other school..the hated wednesdays. Of course...they didn`t behave any better...6th grade were all in some mopey pubescent high (aka I don`t give a damn..I am gonna do EVERYTHING in slow motion, just to make the point that I don`t give a damn). 4th grade were actually a little better...they got addicted to my fire water storm game so we played that like 5 times. Though I still don`t get this aversion between the boys and girls which is so high that even at a chance of winning , a girl will lose via free will if the cost is to touch a boy. Strange children. It`s the other way too...but still...guys you are only 9/10 years old....there shouldn`t be any sexual tension between you yet!
Grade 2 were angels...as always, they`re actually a highly intelligent bunch of kids...I am very impressed. I wonder what factors make some classes real good and some not at all....something like the collection of kids that year...along with the teacher`s inlfuence. But they all get taught different subjects by different teachers...so it can`t all be the teachers fault. I guess it`s to do with leaders too. Some children are more natural leaders...and polarise the group in one direction. Whether that is `intelligent good` or `rebellious stupid`...I guess...is probability.
I do wonder what our parents must have thought of our outbursts of drama that came on such a regular basis. To us it must have been very important to make that point....and our parents must have thought what I am thinking on a regular basis; "get over it". I wonder if I`ll be a mean mum as a result. I guess this has shown me a little more about children...and what they are like...not quite as straightforward as a developmental psych class I must say.
Wednesday night club was great again of course. We went for some pasta! But with a twist...as always...we are in Japan after all...so on the menu they had dishes like sausage of frank which I roasted myself". Interesting.....We then went for nomihodae at this bar and all of the durnken young japanese people inside were staring out the window at us like we were some exotic species of bird. One of the guys came out and told Ikumi that everyone inside thought I looked like Angela Aki (popstar who wrote one of the final fantasy songs). HAHA! ohhhh yeah! They then wanted pictures taken with all of us. Take pictures of the strange foreigners with their weird coloured hair!!!!!! Oh I do love Japan.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
sad days
Wow....Today I had my last grade 6, 5, 3 and 4 classes at my favourite school. It was very strange. the day was beautiful really, the classes all went well, and the children were on their most chummiest behaviour (if there even is such a word). It made me quite sad really, especially after my joint 3rd and 4th grade class. I do love those kids, they're always up for anything and will try every time. I find myself wishing I could somehow follow their lives, because I want to know how they will do in the future, what paths they will take, where they will end up. I want to make sure they're alright...I guess one would call this awkward emotion "caring".
We took some photos too, I made each class give me a normal smiley one and one where they all pulled faces. Grade 3 and 4 obviously did the best in that exercise. I had lunch with 2nd grade and engaged all my parenting ways to help a one of my fave lil girls to finish her lunch. I made it some exciting thing every time she stuck a piece of fruit in her mouth and counted down. It made her laugh and worked though so ha! So yes strategies to make eating fun.....we enquired as to whether they have this in Japan...we were told no. It's just all about the "gambatte".
I am really going to miss that school...it'll probably be more sad on the 19th when grade 6 "graduate" on to junior high. There's going to be a big ceremony, and we all dress up. I am really glad I get to see them graduate.
We took some photos too, I made each class give me a normal smiley one and one where they all pulled faces. Grade 3 and 4 obviously did the best in that exercise. I had lunch with 2nd grade and engaged all my parenting ways to help a one of my fave lil girls to finish her lunch. I made it some exciting thing every time she stuck a piece of fruit in her mouth and counted down. It made her laugh and worked though so ha! So yes strategies to make eating fun.....we enquired as to whether they have this in Japan...we were told no. It's just all about the "gambatte".
I am really going to miss that school...it'll probably be more sad on the 19th when grade 6 "graduate" on to junior high. There's going to be a big ceremony, and we all dress up. I am really glad I get to see them graduate.
Monday, 9 March 2009
the life and death of the pinata
wow...I had my last ever lesson with the handicapped class today. It felt odd...It hadn't occured to me really that it was going to be the last time I see those kids. They were pretty shocked too...I found that The company hadn't informed my schools I was leaving for good. So Today I told them all...tsk...so bad. But one of the kids from handicapped wrote me a quick goodbye/thank you letter and brought it to the teachers room. I was really touched.
Saying goodbye to the kids when they leave school is always funny on Mondays. Marvin - another ALT is at the school too and of course because he is a boy and I am a girl...we are naturally boyfriend and girlfriend..or married..depending on which kid is asking. Today they went as far as applauding us through the window to the teachers room while I was asking him to translate something for me. All the teachers thought it was amusing. The most embaressing thing is when they try and drag him to kiss me on the playground. They find it hilarious that I have the biggest look of shock on my face shouting "dame dame" (stop). Well it's entertainment anyway.
The weekend was pretty cool and relaxed. Another great escape from reality.
Friday was Jodies birthday party. We arrived at around half 7 to start setting up decorations. I was one of the chief decorators, and got to throw aorund the glittery stuff and spray "Happy birthday Jodie" on the glass window/wall of the bar. It was so cool! I do love decorating (sounding extremely posh).
We were working on a pinata for the mardi gras theme party the week before for 4 days. It was pretty tiring. I didn't do too much of the actual paper macheing (is that the word?) except for at the beginning, but I was responsible for decorating it (theme there? yes..indeed). I got to spray paint it fluroescent blue and draw silverly swirls on it...fun time...the kitchen smelt of chemicals, and made me high.
We filled the pinata with cakes, chocolates and lots and lots of condoms...hahahah very Jodie! It actually worked out well! The pinata didn't die before it was supposed to!
So all in all it was worth it.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
randomness
This week is going quite fast!
Monday, school went pretty fast, and handicapped class was alright actually. I think I was still a little pissed from grade 2, so I didn't let them give me any sugar. It worked though, even the over agressive kid didn't dare smack me when I took the annoying noise making plastic bag from him.
Tuesday was Jodie's birthday. We went to this korean grill and had lots of random dishes. Cows tongue? Not too bad actually. But I have to say I loved the pizza there...yeah I know...not exactly japanese..though where else would you get salmon and potatoe pizza?
Today I had no lessons, so I spent the day making birthday cards and materials to hang up around the school. Not that the kids care. I feel a little bit like not wanting to make the effort, because I know the kids won't really look at it. The weather is miserable again, so I cycled in the rain again. I am becoming good at cycling blindly now.
I am watching far too much 'sex and the city' recently. I am really quite addicted to it. It's such a good programme. Although I have to say..the more I am watching it, the more the characters are annoying me. They are incredibly shallow. I am sure most people will at this point shout at me and go "hello??? of course they are..why on earth are you watching that programme?" Well I like the series primarily because I love watching the four girls interact. I think it's so cool to see friendship like that, where they are always there for each other and can just talk so easily to each other about anything. But now..watching many episodes back to back...they really are quite shallow..and harsh...to men anyway. Fashion seems to rule....and men get dropped faster than you can say 'snowblowing' for the most stupid reasons. That's supposed to be the modern woman....fair enough...I guess if it works for them. I'll still watch it. :)
Monday, school went pretty fast, and handicapped class was alright actually. I think I was still a little pissed from grade 2, so I didn't let them give me any sugar. It worked though, even the over agressive kid didn't dare smack me when I took the annoying noise making plastic bag from him.
Tuesday was Jodie's birthday. We went to this korean grill and had lots of random dishes. Cows tongue? Not too bad actually. But I have to say I loved the pizza there...yeah I know...not exactly japanese..though where else would you get salmon and potatoe pizza?
Today I had no lessons, so I spent the day making birthday cards and materials to hang up around the school. Not that the kids care. I feel a little bit like not wanting to make the effort, because I know the kids won't really look at it. The weather is miserable again, so I cycled in the rain again. I am becoming good at cycling blindly now.
I am watching far too much 'sex and the city' recently. I am really quite addicted to it. It's such a good programme. Although I have to say..the more I am watching it, the more the characters are annoying me. They are incredibly shallow. I am sure most people will at this point shout at me and go "hello??? of course they are..why on earth are you watching that programme?" Well I like the series primarily because I love watching the four girls interact. I think it's so cool to see friendship like that, where they are always there for each other and can just talk so easily to each other about anything. But now..watching many episodes back to back...they really are quite shallow..and harsh...to men anyway. Fashion seems to rule....and men get dropped faster than you can say 'snowblowing' for the most stupid reasons. That's supposed to be the modern woman....fair enough...I guess if it works for them. I'll still watch it. :)
Sunday, 1 March 2009
pie zoo three
hmmmmmm...grapes...
So Friday was Mikage's birthday meal. We went to this restaurant called "The blue water". It was a beautiful place! I can't believe I haven't gone earlier!!! The view was cool, the food was good the atmosphere was sophisticated. The meal was cool..it was a small affair really,but that made it good. everyone could chat and banter. We then went to "eightys", which is this small hip bar, and continued our shenanigans there. We had birthday cake and singing too! A friendly japanese guy at the bar bought us all food in honour fo the birthday child, which was really sweet. We then had some banter about the usage of swearing in language and whether it dumbs it down or not...it got quite intense really! I also got to finally use one of my awesome spiderman plasters on a victim. Luke had cut himself and had a boring plaster, so we exchanged it. He was loving it!!! yeaaah!...ehm...cough cough...I know I know..I am an utter child.
The next morning, we spontaneously went off to tokyo for a shopping spree. It was supposed to be retail therapy, but turned in to a "what the heck do we get jodie for her birthday?" spree. It was great though. Pretty relaxed really. When we got back I met up with Joe and some people again and had some chilled drinks. Again late nights! fun times!!!!
Sunday I got to finally sleep in loooong...didn't seem to help though. All it did was make me feel more tired...plew plew plew....but I got lots of things done today..so at least that's a start.
maaaan don't want school tomorrow....really don't.
So Friday was Mikage's birthday meal. We went to this restaurant called "The blue water". It was a beautiful place! I can't believe I haven't gone earlier!!! The view was cool, the food was good the atmosphere was sophisticated. The meal was cool..it was a small affair really,but that made it good. everyone could chat and banter. We then went to "eightys", which is this small hip bar, and continued our shenanigans there. We had birthday cake and singing too! A friendly japanese guy at the bar bought us all food in honour fo the birthday child, which was really sweet. We then had some banter about the usage of swearing in language and whether it dumbs it down or not...it got quite intense really! I also got to finally use one of my awesome spiderman plasters on a victim. Luke had cut himself and had a boring plaster, so we exchanged it. He was loving it!!! yeaaah!...ehm...cough cough...I know I know..I am an utter child.
The next morning, we spontaneously went off to tokyo for a shopping spree. It was supposed to be retail therapy, but turned in to a "what the heck do we get jodie for her birthday?" spree. It was great though. Pretty relaxed really. When we got back I met up with Joe and some people again and had some chilled drinks. Again late nights! fun times!!!!
Sunday I got to finally sleep in loooong...didn't seem to help though. All it did was make me feel more tired...plew plew plew....but I got lots of things done today..so at least that's a start.
maaaan don't want school tomorrow....really don't.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
simple questions
It must be my lucky week this week. I get 2 parcels! One from Garlon...filled with the most amazing things!!! Creme egg!!! niiice..be impressed guys I still ahve not eaten it...I want to save the moment...and make it truly special. I also got some bacon and egg plasters (or bandaids...as the americans would call it), which are...awesomeness!!! and some beautiful photos of Garlon`s baby (The motorbike...not one of those squishy ones). Dylan sent me a letter too with a mixed CD awwww man! music yeah!!!! the letter had lots of funny cartoons all over it too....so yes..Thanks guys for making smile a massive amount!
Anyways.....so yes...I have another hour and a bit to go..before the week is finally over! Kalli is leaving tomorrow very early in the morning..but before that we are all going to Mikage`s birthday celebration meal. should be good! yesterday I stupidly ended up going to bed at an ungodly hour AGAIN. why? Because we were out in Royal host drinking thick hot chcolate and talking about random crap. It was really nice though. Met some really cool people as a result. We got talking about a strange topic..that seems to be quite different for boys and girls...and it got me thinking.....do they really get each other?
the topic was relationships...and communication in relationships. Nobody denied that communication is important...so that`s being able to talk about random topics...but also..as one girl pointed out....issues and things. Now here Doran and me got confused. One of the example questions that boys should apparently be good at to answer...but aren`t is "Why do you love me?". We were both stunned...neither of us...would know what to say in such a situation. The girl gave examples of what one could say and how she was upset that the guy couldn`t say much beyond "because its you". I had to sheepishly admit that that`s what I would say too...and Doran too.....
So what would you say to that? This is pretending you have been in a relationship for a looong time...and are thinking of tying the knot.....how could you answer such an apparently "easy" question? Is there really an answer to something like that? Love isn`t really.....planned? it just happens? Should you know why you love a person? Or should it be inexplicable?
Thoughts please.
Another question which I never even considered was from Doran...what should the ratio of talking be between the guy and girl? That made me laugh so much!!!! He said he didn`t want it to be fifty fifty....he didn`t want to talk that much...hahahahahhaha
Anyways.....so yes...I have another hour and a bit to go..before the week is finally over! Kalli is leaving tomorrow very early in the morning..but before that we are all going to Mikage`s birthday celebration meal. should be good! yesterday I stupidly ended up going to bed at an ungodly hour AGAIN. why? Because we were out in Royal host drinking thick hot chcolate and talking about random crap. It was really nice though. Met some really cool people as a result. We got talking about a strange topic..that seems to be quite different for boys and girls...and it got me thinking.....do they really get each other?
the topic was relationships...and communication in relationships. Nobody denied that communication is important...so that`s being able to talk about random topics...but also..as one girl pointed out....issues and things. Now here Doran and me got confused. One of the example questions that boys should apparently be good at to answer...but aren`t is "Why do you love me?". We were both stunned...neither of us...would know what to say in such a situation. The girl gave examples of what one could say and how she was upset that the guy couldn`t say much beyond "because its you". I had to sheepishly admit that that`s what I would say too...and Doran too.....
So what would you say to that? This is pretending you have been in a relationship for a looong time...and are thinking of tying the knot.....how could you answer such an apparently "easy" question? Is there really an answer to something like that? Love isn`t really.....planned? it just happens? Should you know why you love a person? Or should it be inexplicable?
Thoughts please.
Another question which I never even considered was from Doran...what should the ratio of talking be between the guy and girl? That made me laugh so much!!!! He said he didn`t want it to be fifty fifty....he didn`t want to talk that much...hahahahahhaha
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Don`t trust things that bleed for 7 days and don`t die.
Must....stay...awake....
Ok it is 14.08pm....2 and half hours before I can go home! Yaaaay! My lessons went well today too...It`s a shame really, that now I am leaving I am getting the hang of controlling a wild class better. Today my 1st graders were slightly high. After a while I just stopped them all mid hyper attack by going..."ok everyone!!!! breeeeeaaaathe" we all did deep breaths together...I was impressed it was working....and then I started whispering...so they whispered back...and beautiful silence filled the room....ahhhhhhhh
I also started getting the hang of demon girl`s hissy fits. I just dialed up the " I am going to ignore you" mode. It worked. I didn`t give her time to go in to full tantrum. Instead I just moved on to the next person immediatley...she started doing her whiny pitch raising number...so I was "Ok next..GO". hehehehehehe....I will not let a little spoilt 7 year old get the better of me! harharhar
yesterday was horrible though. Damn...I teach shopping to my kids here..and it all works wonderfully..the kids all use english...they understand the rules..they stick by the rules..they have fun. I try the same thing at my other school..and what? They don`t use english they mess about..they steal my play money....they have "destroy" written across their brains. arrrrrghhhhhhh...I gave up..I didn`t even go and check after a while whether they were still speaking english....I seriously couldn`t have given a flying.....monkey.
My grade 2s at that school were angels though and saved the day as they usually do. Coming in to the room with a cheery "goodmorning!" and singing that cursed "old mac donalds" song fantastically. They also could do the shopping well....calculating correctly..speaking english...seriously they were the hit! I told them again and again how amazing they were...if only they could understand that I meant it.
The evening made everything better. We met up with the usual wednesday night crew and went for sushi. Kalli and yo yo came back that day and joined us. Kalli ate whale and loved it..while some of my friends tried pufferfish! No one died from blocked acetylcholine receptors!!!! Still..it was pretty expensive sushi really. We then all went to a bar and took over basically. It was a pretty place though and the staff were really lovely. We got chatting to some japanese guys at the bar too. I met a strawberry farmer called...Teku? possibly? He was very young (24) and looked nothing like what I expected a farmer to look like. His english was really good too! We then got chatting to the 2 bar staff who turned out to have been married for 6 years already 8and they were only 24 too). I was like "wow" That still exists nowadays????? That`s pretty bad innit? That 6 years seems to me like it`s the most amazing accomplishment.
Ok it is 14.08pm....2 and half hours before I can go home! Yaaaay! My lessons went well today too...It`s a shame really, that now I am leaving I am getting the hang of controlling a wild class better. Today my 1st graders were slightly high. After a while I just stopped them all mid hyper attack by going..."ok everyone!!!! breeeeeaaaathe" we all did deep breaths together...I was impressed it was working....and then I started whispering...so they whispered back...and beautiful silence filled the room....ahhhhhhhh
I also started getting the hang of demon girl`s hissy fits. I just dialed up the " I am going to ignore you" mode. It worked. I didn`t give her time to go in to full tantrum. Instead I just moved on to the next person immediatley...she started doing her whiny pitch raising number...so I was "Ok next..GO". hehehehehehe....I will not let a little spoilt 7 year old get the better of me! harharhar
yesterday was horrible though. Damn...I teach shopping to my kids here..and it all works wonderfully..the kids all use english...they understand the rules..they stick by the rules..they have fun. I try the same thing at my other school..and what? They don`t use english they mess about..they steal my play money....they have "destroy" written across their brains. arrrrrghhhhhhh...I gave up..I didn`t even go and check after a while whether they were still speaking english....I seriously couldn`t have given a flying.....monkey.
My grade 2s at that school were angels though and saved the day as they usually do. Coming in to the room with a cheery "goodmorning!" and singing that cursed "old mac donalds" song fantastically. They also could do the shopping well....calculating correctly..speaking english...seriously they were the hit! I told them again and again how amazing they were...if only they could understand that I meant it.
The evening made everything better. We met up with the usual wednesday night crew and went for sushi. Kalli and yo yo came back that day and joined us. Kalli ate whale and loved it..while some of my friends tried pufferfish! No one died from blocked acetylcholine receptors!!!! Still..it was pretty expensive sushi really. We then all went to a bar and took over basically. It was a pretty place though and the staff were really lovely. We got chatting to some japanese guys at the bar too. I met a strawberry farmer called...Teku? possibly? He was very young (24) and looked nothing like what I expected a farmer to look like. His english was really good too! We then got chatting to the 2 bar staff who turned out to have been married for 6 years already 8and they were only 24 too). I was like "wow" That still exists nowadays????? That`s pretty bad innit? That 6 years seems to me like it`s the most amazing accomplishment.
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