Junior High & High Schools

The visits to the junior high and high schools included much of the same responsibility by the students. At both of the schools, I expected more seriousness by the students and the teachers, but it was a very laid back atmosphere, with humor and respect by both. The schools are very similar to the schools in the United States though students seemed to focus more on their studies as they prepare for high school and college entrance exams. Discipline is not a factor at either schools, as they do not even have the concept of detention or in-school suspension because there is not a need for it...the students just behave and that's it. What a foreign concept to us American teachers!! We were really shocked when we learned this!! We were welcomed by a school-wide assembly at both schools and the high school band even played the Star Spangled Banner and Hollywood as we entered. The formalities shared here are so incredible and I can not say enough about the hospitality and interest displayed by the students, teachers and administration. We have received numerous gifts made by the students that I'm not sure how to even get them back home. The middle school students were eager to sign autographs, but our "rock star" status meant nothing to the high school students...I didn't get 1 request for "Sign, please". At the high school we made chopstick covers on the computer which was a great lesson that I hope I can use when I return. In the English class, the teacher asked us to help with role plays and gestures and then I gave him the cards my students at HCHS had made, for which is was very grateful. We hope to get a penpal group started with the students at HCHS and Hasaki High School. We also participated in after school club activities, for which Japan does a great job of preserving traditions. We had a chance to go to a Japanese tea ceremony and an ikebana "flower arranging" class. Everything here has its rules and formality and is very structured. Due to the language barrier, I'm not sure what went on these clubs, but I will definitely read more about them when I return. I'm getting packed for my home stay on Saturday which should be an interesting experience. On Sunday we leave for a stay at a ryokan, the traditional Japanese inn, where we will wear our yukata and use the communal hot bath. Unfortunately I won't have internet access until Monday when I get back to Toyko, so in the meantime check out my plethora of pics from the slide show (click on the picture of the slideshow, then click "view album" on the new screen to see the thumbnails of the pics)!