So, today I had my first official lessons and it proved to be a very difficult morning. With the combination of my nerves and the students’ tiredness (all students are currently practicing for their school festival both before and after school hours), I felt I had a bit of a disappointing start. However, I must remind myself that the students are shy. After all, it’s not everyday that they see a foreigner, let along have one stand up and talk to them. I realise that this must be quite a daunting experience, with English being spoken every minute of the lesson. This is a new requirement as set by the Board of Education for Senior High Schools. The aim is for students to be immersed in the language and increase their speaking and listening skills, as well as their confidence in communicating using English.
Students may not be immediately willing to volunteer an answer on fear of embarrassment or failure – I’m truly at square one! Nevertheless, I did have some interesting moments. Including the famous Japanese male student question – ‘do you have a boyfriend?’ Needless to say, I received a great reaction when I responded with, ‘yes, lots!’ Hopefully, the students will become used to my sarcasm soon enough!
The students appear very interested in my hobby – gymnastics. In fact, my second grade teacher has proposed a ‘show & tell’ session, where I demonstrate and explain my hobby next lesson. Of course, I wouldn’t dare refuse that opportunity! I’m hoping that as the students get to know who I am and how I teach, they will soon open-up and be more readily engaged. My gymnastics and love for One OK Rock (my favourite Japanese band), may be the keys!
In other half-related news, I’ve been asked to do some things for the upcoming school festival at my base school. One is to sing the National Anthem with the Australian exchange student (gulp!) and another to re-write the lyrics and sing with the other teachers ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’. I have some difficult tasks ahead – fingers crossed they don’t consider me completely tone deaf!!
Talk soon – jya matta!
