Shinozaki

Today was my first day at my second school, Shinozaki. I had such an amazing time at Futajima last week, I was skeptical that I would have a good a time at Shinozaki. I have also been listening to some of the other JETs complain about their placements. Some people say they are used only has a human tape recorder and some say they don't get brought to class at all. Leah wasn't in the classroom for two days. When she did finally get to go to class, the teacher had her read passages and nothing else.

Thankfully, my first day proved me wrong! I still have more friends at Futajima, but everyone at Shinozaki has been incredibly welcoming! I sit across from the school counselor, Kawai, who doesn't know much English but is really happy to be sitting near me. He used to be the principle of another school. He photocopied a seating chart of the teachers room for me and went through all the names to make sure I could read the kanji. He also pointed out all the English teachers to me and made a note on the seating chart. He gave me the school schedule for the next two months and even showed me the menu for school lunch for all the day's I'm here. Everyone is always worried I won't be able to eat kyushoku (school lunch) and is amazed when I can.

For my classes both here and at Futajima I have been doing a self-intro lesson over and over. I'm a little tired of it, but I still have about fifteen classes to go. I have big pictures I printed out showing many things about me and things from America that I talk about with the students. Then they can ask me questions. They always ask me how tall I am. If there is still time I have a self introduction worksheet for them where they can both draw and write. That way lower level classes can relay more on drawing, while more advanced classes can write more and still get the fun of drawing the pictures. It's been a big hit so far! I even had one class ask me if I liked Pokémon. I said yes and as part of their introduction to me they all drew their favorite Pokemon.

So far the teachers and students at both Futajima and Shinozaki have been amazing! Everyone is helpful and always willing to answer any of my questions. All the students run up to me in the hallways to say, "Hello teacher!" The staff at Shinozaki even pitched in and bought me a mug as a welcome present. I think I will enjoy Futajima a little more only because I sit next to Sugiyama, the first year English teacher. She is completely fluent in English and we have a lot of the same interests. We already have plans to hang out outside of work. That being said, Shinozaki is still an amazing school with wonder people.

I have a long weekend next weekend, so some friends and I are renting a car and driving down to Beppu! Beppu is about two hours away by car and is south east of Kitakyushu. It is in Oita prefecture and is famous for its hot springs. So next Monday or Tuesday I will let you all know how that trip goes! I can't wait!