In the midst of submitting journal entries before deadlines? Among journalists, web bloggers, anyone in the work force, and students beginning their fall semesters--this is one commonality that exists in our lives. Speaking of students, this is my way of transitioning to today's blog entry, so let's get to it!
From my first post in August, I've been assigned to teach English at Noto Senior High School in Ishikawa prefecture. Their school emblem (shown below) showcases three main components: (1) the "high school" kanji character; (2) the North Star; and (3) the red Kirishima flower (能登きりしま)--Noto-cho's local town flower. The North Star, similar to it being used as a navigation tool, symbolizes how students will find "their way" in their respective life journeys, while the circle enclosing the high school kanji represents the continuity of community.
Noto Senior High School
Noto Senior High School Logo/Emblem
The high school academic calendar is divided up into three semesters: April-July, September-December, and January-March. Students are also placed in either "college-track" or "vocational school/job employment" courses to tailor their plans for the future. Because of the different student career paths, English topics have ranged among pictograms in the Olympics, the use and benefits of solar cookers, and preserving endangered animals like pandas. Although it's a work in-progress with lesson plans, students bared with my lessons about the Korean martial art of Taekwondo; solar panels/planes/cars in the U.S., Switzerland, and Australia; and animals native among China, Japan, and America. As you can tell, similar to my daily conversations, I go off on many tangents.
A sample English textbook lesson
The Noto SHS boat for fishery and environmental studies classes
Before all of these classes begin, however, high schools within Japan hold cultural festivals to showcase the arts--and Noto Senior High School is no different. During the last week of summer "vacation", students took 3 days of supplementary classes in the morning, and then had time to work on their respective parts of the festival in the afternoon. The Calligraphy club, for example, rehearsed for their shuji performance; art drawings from students were put on display; a dance battle ensued among class grades (yes, there were some killer K-pop performances); the brass band (a strong force of 3 students) performed in front of the remaining 171 students; and the presentation of flower exhibits and a tea ceremony were some of many involvements the students helped take part in.
The finished art piece by 7 calligraphy club students and the school principal
Art projects drawn by students
A flower exhibit within the school
The materials used for the Japanese tea ceremony. Fun Fact: This table was hand-made by teachers within Noto High School
Other fun activities included school bingo (despite being in another country, my bad luck with bingo has not changed); food stands (hand-made onigiri, corn dogs (yes, for real), shaved ice, and churros); and a trivia game that had teams earning points from guessing "what's that app", "who's that celebrity", or had the best answer for "create-a-meme" (example shown below). All of the events provided an opportunity to see the student's passions in-action and to have conversations we otherwise wouldn't have in the classroom. In a nutshell, it was an amazing way to kick off the semester.
One of many opportunities to "create-a-meme" for students. The winning answer was "Rajio-taiso, begin! (ラジオ体操はじめ！)". (Rajio-taiso are morning calisthenics broadcasted over Japan radio and TV stations. The squirrel picture above looks very similar to the first move of rajio-taiso. It's a nice way to start the day.)
To end on a personal note outside of school, I've had the privilege of meeting the other ALTs nearby. Although there are fantastic ALTs within Anamizu (west of Noto) and Wajima (north of Noto), I'll be mentioning the Noto and Suzu teachers for this entry: Mal, Aimee, Jillian, Janine, and Eric (shown below). Mal and Aimee both teach at multiple elementary and junior high schools around the Noto area; while Jillian, Janine, and Eric (respectively) teach at elementary, junior high and senior high school in Suzu (northeast of Noto town). Among experiencing new music (featuring Twice, Hamilton, and Mamamoo--check them all out!!) and fostering a new love for karaoke with Mal and Aimee; asking how grapes turn into plasma in the microwave to Eric (Science Q&A with him is now a tradition among the group); going on lottery and game station adventures with Jillian; and giving feedback for Janine's "in-development" romantic-comedy movie--there are always good times to be had with the "Deep Noto" Crew. I feel very lucky for their patience, energy, and presence during my time in Japan.
The "Deep Noto" Crew.
Top Row from left-to-right: Eric, Alex, Aimee.
Bottom Row from left-to-right: Janine, Jillian, Mal.
"SHS Teachers Unite!"
Post-Game Station Visit
Also, if you get a chance, Aimee has a blog! If you're looking for a different perspective, fun pictures, and just overall good energy--please check it out! Here's the link: https://aimeenippon.wixsite.com/japan
One really cool blogger with jet-black hair and glasses--plus Alex
Thanks for reading :) and until next time,
Alex
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