I just got back from the kyouiku gasshuku (education training camp) that my school plans every year for the first year students. It was basically to help us transition into high school and make friends. Also, it got us into the right mindset in order to succeed in school and throughout our lives. One activity during the camp required each homeroom to think of their class goals and present them. It seemed simple enough, but everyone took it to the next level. For the presentations on stage, I saw classes do skits, speeches, sing, rap, and do back-flips to show their goals. I was really amazed by my classmates. They took it seriously and paid attention to detail, all while laughing and goofing off together. Even when just playing games as a class, we had goals and worked together to achieve them. I don't think I've ever seen this much effort come out of high-school students before. It was really heart-warming and fun to be a part of.
Of course, there were parts that were not so fun as well, like practicing getting into different lines, and the correct greeting and bowing sequence. It was actually kind of funny though, because we kept messing up the order of the greeting and bowing, or saying the wrong greeting, and having to do it again.
Overall, I'm having a little trouble making friends, but my classmates are really awesome so I'm sure I'll be fine. By the way, after the class goal presentations, the teachers decided a winner, which was ~*drum roll*~ class 6! Or in other words, the class I'm in! *applause* Thank you, thank you. I know, it was totally my influence that allowed us to win (kidding).
Now I'm getting really excited for our normal classes to begin. During the camp, we started studying math, which for me was really fun. I've learned a whole bunch of new words, like 分配法則 (bunpai housoku), or in English, “ the distribution laws (distributive properties).”
Anyway, since I have some free time now, I'll probably be able to get my pictures all set up sometime soon. Although there's strict rules on what pictures I can show on the internet, so you may see a lot of scenery photos. In other words, look forward to seeing the Japanese landscape! Yay!
Oh and if any of you reading this have any questions about my experience so far, feel free to ask in the comments section. Please don't spam me with questions though. I'll try to answer as many questions as I can to the best of my ability. Also, if you have any requests for future posts, I'd be happy to do a section on that topic.
No questions, just a comment in regard to using squat toilets. Don't use one with a backpack on your back. It disrupts your balance with potentially unfortunate circumstances. Uncle Mary
ReplyDeleteI have some questions. Excuse my randomness.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever had unagi sushi? Thoughts of it? And what do you think of squid? Not the food or whatever, but them in general. Have you seen chickens over there? Does chicken taste different over there than it does in the States? Have you ate those pot pies you talked about yet?
Sorry, didn't really thought these up until they randomly popped up in my head last night when I was trying to sleep.
If I was over there, I'd totally be your friend. Haha. But then you might not have any other friends...
Also, years ago when I was in Vietnam, I actually preferred squat toilets. For some reason they were more well kept than normal ones. The only problem was that they didn't have toilet paper most of the time.
I'm glad that you're having fun over there. Please update whenever you're free, even if it's extremely short. Do a post on chickens! Just kidding. Or maybe just food in general...
Be careful. Don't overdo it.
I'm glad that you are having fun over there Miss. Grace. I sincerly hope I could see that much dedication in the U.S. I was wondering if they have a different school routine than over here? Do they have different hours like us and transition classes?
ReplyDeleteI hope you continue to find new discoveries in Japan.
Linh