A few people have inquired as to my long hiatus from the blog, and I'm terribly sorry if I've alarmed anyone! I'm doing fine, just busy, and though I actually have a few entries waiting in the wings pending photo uploads, I thought I'd do a quick one now.
I've been teaching a lot of elementary school lately thanks in part to the reduction in my number of schools and then to the Ministry of Education for making "international activities" mandatory for fifth and sixth graders. I go to each of my six elementary schools at least once a month now, and though I usually spend significant time with the fifth and six graders, I do get to teach the younger grades, too. Even with the older students, who have an English "textbook" and need to learn specific things, I still play a lot of games and get to be fun and silly with them.
Today was one of my 6-class days, which are pretty rare and only happen at elementary school, but it was not without its rewards. Not only did I teach colors, fruits, numbers, body parts, directions and the names of the months, but I also played enough active games to get my exercise for the day (maybe even two!). I played Fruits Basket with the first and second grade classes respectively, Red Light Green Light with the third and fourth graders (again, two separate classes), and a pretty action-packed game of Cops & Robbers during recess.
My crowning achievement of the day, however, was performing part of the Thriller Dance for the fifth years and teaching them how to do it. A teacher actually suggested it after hearing of my Halloween performance, and I've been practicing the dance here and there for fun, and in earnest for the past week or so. I had taught them body parts and numbers last time, so we reviewed these first, and I had the kids moving their shoulders in tune as I sang and danced around. Then I got them to do the key moves of the chorus, and they did it! And loved it! Apparently they've asked their teachers if they can get the lyrics and perform it themselves at a mini concert sometime soon.
Now I know that if nothing else sticks in these students' memories, they'll remember this and tell their friends in years to come: "Yeah, I know Thriller. I learned it from this American teacher named Emily back in fifth grade." Even if that's all they remember, I don't think I'd mind!
Dear Emm,
ReplyDeleteYour Mom told me about your blog. I read it ALL, and I loved it. Your writing is terrific: interesting, entertaining, clever, and so very well coordinated with the great photos. The whole thing was very professionally done. I've never read a blog before (yes, I'm old), but I'll bet there are none better than yours.
I noticed that your Mom is just as PRETTY as ever, and your Dad (with his shades)looks like Gary Cooper. With those great genes going for you, it's no wonder that you've become a beautiful young lady! And, I love your green hat.
Seriously, the BLOG presentation is so good that I'll bet Fodor's, or some equivalent, would love to have you write about Japan for them. Save your writings because I think they you might use them for a different purpose sometime in the future.(novel? children's book?)
I enjoyed: hearing about and seeing Mom and Dad's visit; apple blossoms; your energetic, brilliant, entertaining teaching techniques (your students must love you); bowing, bowing, bowing.......American kids could use some of this respectful behavior...we all could; 2010, Year of the Tiger (except Woods); snowball tournament; your ability to improvise "successfully," which, knowing you, didn't surprise me at all; "more humor from the young male teachers," most of whom have crushes on you; hearing about Hiroshima from a (very mature, feeling) different perspective; learning about "friendly barnacles" at Miyajima Gate; and, lots of other stuff (I'm a very slow typist).
I remember telling your Mom, when you were @ 18 months old, "this one (you) is really something special." I rest my case.
I'm very proud of you. Be happy, and BE WELL.
Love, Dr. M