Back on the Nebraska Prairie...

I'm HOME! I will contact friends and family tomorrow or whatever day it is or will be.
Love,
Kathy aka Mrs. Horejsi

Sayonara

The trip is nearing the end. Today all the groups of 20 teachers presented their prefecture experiences. All were fantastic, especially ours! I will share when I get home.
Finally during our debriefing, we were given a quick Japanese pronunciation lesson. Karoke: Correct pronunciation care e o ka (means empty orchestra, but you can still sing) Karate: Correct pronunciation kah rah ta (means empty hands) and Sake: Correct pronunciation sah ka.




Just for your information, I promise to send everyone popcorn on the cob! Specifically, I also plan to send Erica a North Carolina Panther; Dan: My favorite pictures and my resume, if I ever move to Minnesota, Mary: An invitation to Nebraska when she visits family; Jeff: My thanks for helping me with the subways, and a magic marker to place Michigan on your hand; Lisa: Time to spend with your husband, and celebrate your birthday; Janet: An invitation to come to Nebraska for a game of cards; Glen: A chance to see me when I visit my friends in Port Orchard, WA; Carol: A box of tissues when you see Bambi; Tim: My poetry, which I have not written yet; Ann: An opportunity to perhaps communicate with your school?;













Brenda: My hope you never have to change your schedule; Isabel: A box for you to send me your “bling”; Colleen: A chance to give me tips on sounding as cool as you do; Marilynn: Permission to add my name to your list of people who start with “K”; Debbie: Permission to keep advocating for gifted students and my reservation for our reunion this summer; Jean; An oppurtunity to have your picture taken at our reunion; Linda: A wedding present? Liz and Al: An opportunity for Liz to coordinate my trip next summer to visit both of you!













This trip has been an Ichigo-Ichie: “a once-in-a-lifetime chance”
(“GENIUS” Japanese-English dictionary)
Sayonara

You could say this was a slam dunk trip!





Safe travels home.

Back in Tokyo...

After returning Sunday night from our host stay, I tossed and turned during the night wondering how I was going to pack everything and make it onto the plane Thursday! Well, it is Tuesday, and I still don’t know how this is going to happen, perhaps, that packing fairy will eventually show up this time!!!
Back to Monday…



Monday morning dawned, and after our last breakfast at Okura Hotel in Tsukuba, we boarded the bus to the elementary school to visit with parents. Our guide politely asked the principal to leave so we could have a candid exchange of information. I was enthralled with the other American teacher’s questions and the answers of the Japanese parents. These parents were a part of the PTA. All parents are encouraged to participate, and presently they have around 90% of all families involved in some degree. The parents shared that their children are sometimes concerned they are not keeping up with studies, and ask permission to attend cram (juko) school. Parents make arrangements privately and must pay for these classes. Often classes are in the evening, or weekends. Most parents pay $200-$300 US dollars for their children to attend 2 or 3 classes a week. If the family has more children, this becomes expensive. American teachers asked if the parents were dissatisfied that the school was not preparing their children for the exam, which must be taken to enter high school. The students can take this exam only once. They emphatically stated it is the responsibility of parents to make sure learning is taking place, and the children’s responsibility to learn, not the teachers fault for not teaching their child. I also found it interesting when asked if they could change anything about their school system, some stated they would prefer the school board would see the children as the future of Japan, and continue support both financially, and provide assistance to teachers to lower class size, which used to be at 50, and now is currently at 40. Parents stated that teachers are working on building relationships with children to help them problem solve, and become individuals.
After our visit, we tearfully bid our interpreter, Keiko, goodbye. I’m hopeful she will travel to Nebraska and visit! I can show her the prairie, a book I had presented to her before her departure.

On to another wonderful lunch, at the nearby Suwa Hotel. This lunch consisted of wonderful pasta with mushroom sauce.

We then traveled by bus to the Tsukuba Agriculture Research Hall. With my Nebraska background, it was easy to relate to many of the displays. The institute has been conducting various types of research. The aim is to realize a healthy and safe dietary life for the Japan nations, and sustain and preserve the invaluable natural environment and ecosystems in rural areas, which will create the future of Japanese agriculture, forestry and fisheries. After touring this facility, then we went outdoors to a garden. Our friend, Jim, would have loved to be here to explore these different plants.


Soon we are back on the bus, with our mother hen, Kyoko, and on to a traditional Japanese hotel called a ryokan near Mt. Tsukuba


This is me eating octopus!
A ryokan embodies the very essence of Japan and is surely the accommodation of choice if you wish to personally experience the uniqueness of Japan - the architecture, lifestyle, nature, traditions and culture. Staying at a Japanese ryokan offers a splendid opportunity to familiarize you with the spirit of Japanese hospitality and graceful customs that have been passed down over many generations. When you visit Japan, be sure to experience and enjoy this classic Japanese hospitality. There are some 58,000 ryokan in Japan, of which 1,400 are quality establishments belonging to the JAPAN RYOKAN ASSOCIATION (Jpnz., "KOKUSAI KANKO RYOKAN RENMEI". Its members must meet a host of regulations for cultural aesthetics, privacy, and hygiene before becoming members.


In a ryokan you can experience the elements of Japanese culture and customs: living in a room with Tatami (straw mat) flooring, changing into a typical Yukata (robe) after taking an Onsen hot-spring bath, sleeping on a Futon (bedding) put down directly on the Tatami floor.
One of my roomies, Dr. Ann Brown, who teaches at the Sheridan School in Washington, DC, and I sat on the balcony overlooking the skyline of Japan and reflected on this amazing trip. This was the most awesome experience, especially after a rigorous schedule for the past 17 days! My other roomies, Mary Adams from West Virginia (who has relation in Nebraska!), and Jean Campbell from Florida were also delightful!
We were treated to a traditional Japanese breakfast this morning, Akiko, you are a much better cook!

We traveled back to Tyoko today, and arrived at 12:00 p.m. My communications coordinator, Liz, and Erika, Jeff and I walked the city of Tokyo. We stopped at a wonderful Italian place for pizza. My pizza had shrimp, octopus, and scallops! It was delicious!

We then traversed the subways of Tokyo! Being from Nebraska, this really is a new experience and will walk away with an impression of one is quiet on the subway, and one must know how to read the subway map! Thanks Jeff!
My intention was to see technology, so we went to the Ginza district. This is the high end of Japan. That means, there is a lot of money spent in this area. After going to Mikomoto to shop for Erika’s most beautiful pearl necklace, we then went to Sony. This store was AMAZING! I was in awe!

Afterwards, we went to a toyshop for Jeff’s son. This shop was a child’s dream store!

I’m back at the hotel blogging… I really am enjoying sharing my memories, and will use this as my follow on plan and will share with others who want to learn more about this wonderful place called Japan.

Tomorrow, we need to meet at 7:00 a.m. to go over our presentation, and then a sayonara buffet.

I’ve already made plans to visit my “coordinator” Liz in Boston, MA and Al in New York this summer… This trip will never end! By the way, Al’s school has Oprah stop by twice a year! How cool is that? This trip has been awesome! However, I miss my family and friends back in Lincoln, Nebraska and look forward to, or should say, challenged by the lengthy flight back home on Thursday! I can’t wait to see all of YOU!

My Host Family Experience

My host family is amazing! Saturday morning Akiko finally found me at my hotel. She thought I was at the other Okura Hotel, which was only 2 minutes from her home. I actually was at the other Okura Hotel. She was pleased to have at last located me! When we reached their apartment, which was approximately 10 minutes away, I was impressed at the beauty of their entrance. Once inside their 13th floor dwelling, her husband, Professor Junsei Chiba, Dr. of Science at Tokyo University of Science, greeted me. We sat together at the table, and I presented them with gifts from Nebraska. Their son was sleeping, since he had to go to work later. They prepared green tea, then coffee. Later, I was able to meet their handsome son.












Their daughter is away in Tokyo at the University. He, being 20, appreciated the gift, and was soon off to work.
Next we headed down to the parking garage, and because space is limited, their car was tucked away in a very different type of parking space. It has three levels, which rotate to deliver your car to you. It was truly amazing to watch this in action!












We then drove to a rice cleaning building. Akiko poured her rice into a bin, deposited 100 yen, and magically, the rice was changed to white rice. You can determine what type of rice you want by the push of a button!
We then traveled some narrow roads to a wonderful place for lunch. Everything they ordered for me was delicious and very authentic. It consisted of soba with hot wild duck, and Japanese omelet served with hose radish.




They even suggested the broth which I drank, would lower blood pressure. My doctor will be impressed.
After lunch, we walked through a garden which had unusual plants. Then we strolled through a wonderful market. Check out these huge vegetables!














Akiko bought some goodies to eat later. Once again, I am not going hungry!!!
After the market, we drove for about 45 minutes to the largest bronze statute in the world!

This statute took 10 years to construct, and is over 23 years old. Ushiku Daibutsu has been authorized as the tallest statue in the world since 1995. The figure of Amida Buddha, overlaid with 6mm thick plates of bronze, is 100m tall and stands upon a base pedestal and lotus platform, each 10m high. So, its total height is 120m from the ground. The monument is three times taller and thirty times larger in volume than the Statue of Liberty. More than 6000 plates were required to overlay the body of the statue, and each plate formed the complex configuration. Inside of Daibutsu from entrance until reach to elevator is spread illusion world of Buddhism. It was overwhelmingly beautiful. Many people come to visit and pray. My prayer for the people of Japan was to remain safe.
After our tour, we headed back to the apartment. Kyoto and I walked to another wonderful market for dinner supplies. On the way back, we started to hear large booms! This meant Tsukuba’s fireworks display had started. The Tsuchiura Fireworks is the last major competitive event of the year for pyrotechnic teams from around the nation. Many observers say that it is one of the very best fireworks displays in the entire nation, as fireworks artists put everything they've got into the grand display. Many of 20,000 or so bursts are prototypes of new designs for next year's season, and so fireworks makers want to make a good impression on potential buyers. To our delight, we could capture the display right from their balcony! It was breathtaking!!! We all voted on who would win the Prime Minister’s Choice Award.







After almost two hours of fireworks, Akiko had prepared a marvelous meal of Kiritampo Nabe.




This consisted of chicken, Japanese cabbage, parsley, tofu, arum root, scallion, pressed rice, and a kind of Japanese mushroom. The soup base was made of chicken bouillon, soy sauce, sake, and seaweed. We also had Japanese pickles. She even surprised me with some uni (sea urchin). Humans consume the reproductive organs ("roe") either raw or briefly cooked. Sea urchin roe is a popular food in Korean cuisine, and it is called "uni" in Japanese sushi cuisine. It is also a traditional food in Chile,known as an "erizo". Apart from domestic consumption, Chile and a number of other countries export the sea urchin to Japan in order to meet its demand throughout the country.

Off to bed, and look forward to spending another wonderful day with my host family. It is hard to believe my trip is almost over.

I woke early at 3:30 a.m. (still not getting used to this time thing), and was able to blog for my fans!

As in the traditional Japanese custom, one washes outside the bath, and then submerges into a bathtub of very warm water. My host family had the top of the line system with a thermometer you could set for the temperature of the water, somewhat like a Jacuzzi. Afterwards, you do not drain the tub, because other members of the family will use this water. This practice conserves water, and although different from our culture, makes sense.

Soon Akiko and her husband woke, and she prepared the most elegant breakfast. She is a fantastic cook! We had miso soup with Japanese mushroom, tofu, fried tofu, and scallion. The base is made of dried fish, and dried seaweed, and of course water. We also dined on boiled spinach with dried fish flakes. Of course, your meal could not be complete without Japanese potatoes and carrots. The sauce was incredible. It consisted of sweet sake, sake, and soy sauce. My favorite part of the meal was sticky soybeans! The salmon was marinated in sakekasu. After the meal, we ate Japanese pears, and ichijiku (tasted better than a peach). More green tea and wonderful Starbucks coffee. Starbucks just arrived in Tsukuba last year!

After breakfast, we traveled north of Tsukuba to a wonderful town, which has a rich history of pottery. Amongst other human activity, pottery has been made and used in this locality since prehistoric times.

The pottery industry which now exists here began around the middle of the 19th century, with the discovery of a type of a sandy clay which could be used to produce the various domestic wares, such as cooking pots, grinding bowls, teapots, water jars and salt pots which became known as Mashikoyaki (Mashiko Pottery).

In the same area existed an abundance of pine, suitable for fueling wood burning kilns, as well as basic materials for producing the brown and kaki (persimmon) colored glazes so commonly seen on Mashiko Pottery Wares Amongst other human activity.


We did see lots of raccoons! They are supposed to bring good fortune your way! I also inquired about the number of cats. Enter many a Japanese eating or drinking place and you're apt to find a maneki-neko, a "beckoning cat," made of papier-mâché or pottery, seated with one paw raised, inviting customers to enter. It's traditionally considered good luck (for the shop), and is often presented as a gift at openings. Culture-specific words like maneki-neko, which refer to an object or aspect unique to the society, don't translate easily. Another such is nekojita, "car's tongue" the Japanese expression for a person who can't eat or drink very hot foods: we don't generally eat foods so hot that we notice people who can't.

It was an incredible experience and I have genuinely invited my hosts to Nebraska so they can see penguins! (The Nebraska book I gave them had a picture of the Henry Dorley Zoo, and they assumed penguins were a part of Nebraska wildlife!) If, and I hope they come, they will bring pandas, because there were bamboo trees everywhere on our excursion this weekend! They assured me that could not happen, since Japan has no pandas!

Only four days left! My class better be getting all their work done!

Early morning EARTHQUAKE!

Earthquake Details
Wow, Japan really puts on a show. This morning, as I was getting ready to go eat breakfast, I started shaking. Immediately, I knew I was experiencing an earthquake. I checked on the internet, and found the information regarding the magnitude.(the one nearest Tokyo, is the one I just felt.) I found it was a 5.3 (moderate), at 6:37:58 A.M.! This trip is really exciting!!!
I’m off for my host family visit!

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade... (High School tour)

Friendship, Enhancement, and Discipline. These are the words written on the rock outside of Takezono High School in Tsukuba which houses 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. In Lincoln, NE this would translate to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. Everything rang true about those words during our tour. The school is 28 years old, with 592 students who can choose between two tracks of study, the International Track and the Regular Track. Since Tsukuba is nicknamed “Science City”, there are numerous students who come from very educated parents, and prefer the International Track, which allows them to take courses in English. Many parents feel having their child learn English will be an advantage to have them be able to choose the best University.
Takezono was recently designated a “Super Science High School” – one of only a handful of schools nationwide to receive this distinction. All SSH high schools have a rigorous science curriculum and several special activities and excursions thorough out the year.

After observing classes of physics, chemistry, math, physical education, music, we were invited to meet with two of the International Classes. During this time, we were able to ask questions of small groups of students. This was extremely informational. Students were frank and open with their answers. What I found out is most students spend a large amount of time studying, and go to bed around 1:30 –2:00 a.m. This is after a full day of school, some spending two hours by train to get to school, club activities following school, and some attending cram school at a site away from school with a tutor. The day of our tour was a Friday, and I asked them what they were doing for the weekend. Some said they had an English test on Saturday, or club activities. Others stated they would spend the weekend studying for the three tests coming up next week. Most said they would do whatever it took to get into the university. Although this school is made up of 60 girls to 40 boys, the girls answered they mostly wanted to stay home, whereas some girls answered they wanted to pursue teaching, becoming a pediatrician, translator, etc. I think this must be a very difficult decision based on their culture.

At lunch, our group of American teachers could purchase drinks from the vending machines, and select ala cart from the menu. I had a great pork sandwich, and Diet Coke! I was excited about the vending machines, they were a lot cheaper than anywhere in Japan I had seen.


During lunch, it was interesting to chat with a teacher from Australia who also answered my questions openly. He has been in Japan for three years, and at this school since August. He said it is definitely challenging to figure out the unwritten code of behavior of this culture. He used the Japanese proverb, “the nail that sticks up will be hammered” to explain why most people in this culture do not want to stand out.

I found interesting that parents must pay over $70 for books a year, and $96 a month for tuition, even though this is a public school. Private schools cost much more. When asked where the money goes, the answer was the District.




After school we were invited to watch the kyudo club. This activity is completely silent, except for the time students hit the bulls eye, then they shout “shot”. There is no talking in between. It is truly a performance.

The bow and arrow began to be used more than 10,000 years ago for hunting and in war. In the Nara (710-794) and Heian (794-1185) periods they were utilized in rituals dedicated to the gods; it was around this time that archery made its appearance in events held at the Imperial court.
In 1543 firearms were introduced to Japan by a shipwrecked Portuguese who landed on Tanegashima, an island off Kyushu that's part of present-day Kagoshima Prefecture. After this, the role of the bow and arrow in battle declined, but as members of the ruling class, warriors continued to train themselves in archery--called kyudo in Japanese, meaning "the way of the bow"--because they considered it important as a mark of their refinement.
The bow and arrow began to be used more than 10,000 years ago for hunting and in war. In the Nara (710-794) and Heian (794-1185) periods they were utilized in rituals dedicated to the gods; it was around this time that archery made its appearance in events held at the Imperial court.
In 1543 firearms were introduced to Japan by a shipwrecked Portuguese who landed on Tanegashima, an island off Kyushu that's part of present-day Kagoshima Prefecture. After this, the role of the bow and arrow in battle declined, but as members of the ruling class, warriors continued to train themselves in archery--called kyudo in Japanese, meaning "the way of the bow"--because they considered it important as a mark of their refinement.
An event called toshiya was held during the Edo period (1603-1868) at Sanjusangendo (the main hall of the temple Rengeoin in Kyoto) in which warriors would compete in archery to see who had the greatest physical and mental strength. They would try to shoot arrows through the length of the long, narrow hall--2.2 meters (2.4 yards) wide, 5 meters (5.5 yards) high, and 120 meters (131 yards) long--without hitting the walls, floor, or ceiling. What's more, each contestant would have to spend an entire day and night shooting arrows in sitting position.
Warriors who were confident of their archery skills would enter the contest and compete to see who could make the best shots. The best archer in toshiya was Wasa Daihachiro of the Kishu clan, who took 13,053 shots in a single contest, out of which 8,133 were successful.
In the Meiji era (1868-1912) kyudo was brought into the school curriculum, and today many universities, high schools, and middle schools offer archery instruction either in class or as an extracurricular activity. Since archers can adjust the tension of the bow according to their own strength, kyudo is popular as a sport that men and women of all ages can enjoy.
It was an extremely informational tour and worth every minute, especially spending time with the small group of students.

Middle school visit...

Another exciting day! After a western breakfast, our chartered bus arrived at 7:40 a.m. to take us to Takezono Middle School. The first difference I noticed is they call their middle (junior high) school, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade, referring to 7th, 8th, and 9th in Lincoln, NE. This school has 29 teachers, and 451 students. It is a 33 year-old school, with the high school next door. Its symbol is “Launching of the Sun”.

There are five schools in this district, with two elementary, two junior high schools, and one secondary school. The ratio of male to female teachers is: Elementary; 10/20, 7/17, Middle school; 11/11; 14; 14, and Secondary 51/17. They have just started their 2nd semester. The 1st semester was from April 1 – Oct. 6, and their second semester is from Oct. 10 to March 31. This school is proud of its exchange project with students, special needs, individuality, counseling, school supporter, and technology. Kirk, are you paying attention? I'm pointing to a smart board...


Teachers work longer hours than elementary teachers. Teachers must be at school between 8:10 and 4:55 p.m., however most teachers work the hours of 7:30 a.m. -9:00 p.m.
The Board of Education provides teacher training.

Back to the beginning…
We arrived at the school, and were greeted by the Principal Kazumi Sakurai and other members of the school. After donning our slippers, we were escorted to a teacher room. Here we were given an orientation of what to expect, and what our agenda would be for the day.
We were then given a tour of the building, and stopped by the nurse to allow our group coordinator, Liz to visit the nurse for her infected toe!

After the information was shared, we were told we would have free reign of the school. We must look trustworthy. I was excited to be able to look into classes of music, art,








physical education, martial arts, and of course technology. The 10 minutes between classes is totally unsupervised, and it is amazing that students are disciplined to behave during this time.



After observing several classes, which lasted 50 minutes, we were escorted to a particular class for lunch. Again, students serve each other, and quickly give a prayer for the meal. This was a delicious meal of stew, vegetable medley, and bread with jam.


After lunch, we were able to view another session of classes. Most of these were integrated studies. This is a time for students to apply what they have learned in other classes to (grade 9) life, (grade 8) community, and (grade 7) Mt. Tsukuba.
Following this class period, we were honored at an assembly. I wish I could insert the music, however, you will have to come to one of my sessions which I share all the information to experience the quality of this sound. It will send shivers down your back!!!
Finally, we saw first hand how students clean the building! It is amazing and breathtaking the ownership!!!!!!!


Tomorrow is our secondary school visit and hopefully, no more typhoons or nuclear tests.

Elementary School Tour

Today was our elementary school visit! This is what I had been looking forward to the entire trip. Everything about the day was exciting and informational.
I woke at 3:30 a.m., with anticipation! After a western breakfast, our bus boarded at 7:50 a.m., and we arrived at our school within 5 minutes. We were enthusiastically greeted by the Principal, O. Sakaba, and the Vice Principal H. Higuchi. This school has 594 students and 30 teachers. By law the class size must not exceed 40. Most classes I saw were around 35 students. The average teacher age is 40, and there hasn’t been any turnover of teachers in the past 8 years. Teachers must arrive at 7:30 a.m., and can depart school at 6:30 p.m. Most students have professional parents who work at Tsukuba University, Space Center, or are involved in politics. It is a very progressive school, which I believe is a reason parents select this school. Academic achievement is high and very competitive. Approximately 70% of the students attend cram school following their school day, and twice a month Club Activities occur after the regular school day. These activities include sports and culture. We were lucky enough to attend on the day club activities were scheduled. Several of our group saw all types of sports, including badminton, soccer, etc. We saw science, circus (stilts and unicycles) and drawing or Anime (アニメ?) (IPA pronunciation: [ɑnimeː] in Japanese, but typically [ænImeI] or [ænəmeI] in English) is an abbreviation of the English word "animation" but in Japanese is spelled アニメーション (animēshon, pronounced: [ɑnime:ɕoɴ]) written in katakana. Outside Japan, the term most popularly refers to animation originating in Japan, with distinctive character and background aesthetics that visually set it apart from other forms of animation (e.g. Walt Disney films, Warner Bros. short cartoons). Within Japan, the term anime is used to refer to all forms of animation from around the world.



While some anime is entirely hand-drawn, computer assisted animation techniques are, in recent years, quite common. Storylines are typically fictional; examples of anime representing most major genres of fiction. Anime is broadcast on television, distributed on media such as DVD and VHS, and included in computer and video games. Additionally, some are produced as full length motion pictures. Anime is often influenced by Japanese comics known as manga. Some anime storylines have been adapted into live action films and television series.
We also saw dance, sewing, music (student playing an accordion), and my favorite, computer club. This school has over 100 computers and top of the line technology. Kirk, if you are reading this, please help me acquire one of these Smart Boards. One of the members of our Tsukuban group teaches at the Bill Gates School in North Carolina, and she was taking a picture of this Smart Board to ask for permission to purchase this equipment. Now, Kirk, I know Lincoln, NE can be ahead of a Bill Gates school….










Back to the beginning of the day…
We started the morning with an assembly of all the students, teachers, and ourselves, where we were honored. Several Grade 6 students spoke about the accomplishments of this school, especially technology. I knew they had placed me in the right prefecture! Soon, we were instructed in how to play two games with students. The first game was rock, paper, and scissors. I have NEVER played this game with more than one person, and now I was playing with 594 students! The honesty of students playing was AMAZING! Next, we played a very old game of placing features on a drawn face blindfolded with a small group of students. The school had strategically coordinated the different grade levels into groups, so the older students would monitor the younger students.


After the assembly, we were invited to observe math and physical education with Grade 1 and Grade 2. I observed both, and was quite surprised to see algebra being taught in Grade 1. It was only an observation, but I did not see any differentiating of the curriculum. Perhaps students were grouped accordingly, or there is no need for differentiating. The classroom teacher teaches PE, since there is no planning time away from the students until after the school day.
During the next period, we participated in recess. Students asked me to join in their play of dodge ball. Playing dodge ball isn’t hard, except for the fact, they needed to use gestures to communicate I was out! Ouch! They were gentle about this though.
When the chimes rang, students walked into the building very orderly. There were no adult supervisors outside or in the gym with over 500 students. AMAZING!
The third period (always 45 minutes) was spent observing third and fourth grade students doing penmanship, math, music and morality.

It truly is controlled chaos. During the class periods, students are very well behaved, however, there are behaviors, which are disruptive just like in the United States.
The fourth period, we observed math, home economics (sewing), and Japanese history with the fifth and sixth grades.



The fifth period was unbelievable! Students served each other lunch. There were 4 students who led us in a prayer for the meal, and then we could eat. It was a wonderful meal of rice, chicken, and eggplant. After lunch, I started conversing with the students, and passed out my meishi (business cards).


They were so excited to see the translation on the back. One student who spoke very good English, was my translator, and helped me ask questions about their favorite food, color, etc. After our conversation, four students led the others in thanks for the meal. Then, what totally impressed me was the clean up following lunch. Everyone pitched in and was very efficient, including sweeping the room, and putting dishes away. Many students made me promise to join them at recess. At recess, students directed me to an adjacent park and challenged me to a game of tag on the monkey bars. Yes, I did it! And, YES, I survived.

Next, was an opportunity to ask the Principal and Vice Principal questions. One of the first questions asked was, “What is the hardest job at your school?” The Principal stated, parents who are very educated expect a lot, and keeping them happy is a challenge. The next question, “What is the easiest job at your school?” Students come from very educated parents which make it easy for his teachers to accomplish a lot of instruction.”
We then attended the club activities.
The school tour was amazing and insightful.