Teeth of Wisdom

So yesterday I went to Kishira Elementary School. I will have to tell you that it was a lot more enjoyable this time around that I had an idea of what I was to do. I first arrived there and was under the impression that I had a planning period. However, since the people in the teacher’s room were a bit frightened that I would not know what to do or even try to speak to them, they sent me to the 3/4 grade teacher (the one slight English speaker of the staff). I was to set up my computer to show them pictures of my hometown. Although I do not have any pictures of Miami, I showed them some other pictures of family and friends and they seemed to be content with that. I was also to play a couple of games with them, but was only able to think of one before I got there – duck, duck, goose. However, in a moment of pure inspiration, I played “I Spy” but changed it to “I see something (color)” and they got to point and things and say, “is it this?” They liked this so much that there wasn’t enough time for duck, duck, goose. I also reviewed last month’s vocabulary, modes of transportation, and introduced new vocabulary, drinks. The only thing that upset about the entire experience is that at times the teachers underestimate the ability of the children to understand. When I did the classes with the translator teacher, the kids were not forced to make an effort to comprehend what I was saying. This makes it so much more difficult for them to actually learn the material. They also tend to just repeat the sounds of the Japanese teacher rather than trying to learn how to pronounce the words correctly. I did grade 1/2 without his help and found that the children learned so much more.

For lunch, we had a chicken and rice dish which consisted of orange rice and a few small pieces of chicken. I think that this is adapted from the Spanish dish of arroz con pollo. Only reason I think this is because there is quite an Iberian influence in this part of Japan, especially with the Portuguese. After lunch, I played dojibaru (or dodgeball) with the kids. I had so much fun. I only wish that I didn’t wear that sweater.

As days pass, I feel more and more a part of the office. My office lady is having a hoot speaking with me. She tells me I have to study Japanese and I tell her she has to study English. After work, I went to Cristina’s house. She had made an appointment with a pseudo-English speaking dentist because she is afraid that she may need her wisdom teeth taken out. It has been hurting her since Sunday. The scary thing is not knowing whether it is her wisdom teeth or an infection after flossing very thoroughly. In any case, the dentist cleaned her teeth, took an x-ray and gave her some pain killers all for $8. So, she is a bit relieved at how good our insurance is. However, if you saw the condition of so many people’s teeth over here, you would know why it is a bit frightening to think that you will have to get treated by a Japanese dentist.

I am a bit excited about this weekend. We are going to the Koyama Festival (Kaz’s town). It is famous for the horse riding archer. Every year a young man (usually a son of a wealthy Koyama family) is chosen to shoot arrows at difficult targets while riding down a long path on horseback. It is supposed to be very dramatic. It is actually in The Last Samurai (not the actual scene but a representation of it). As a side note, the clan of samurais that are known in Japanese history are from my Kagoshima prefecture (state). In any case, it sounds like a lot of fun. However, Koyama is a bit at ends right now because the horseman fell yesterday in practice. He seems to be ok but they still had to take him to the hospital.

Well, I am off to teach Japanese children about the concept of American nicknames. After that, I have to go to another sports festival, but thankfully this one is during school hours. Hope to hear from you soon. All of you have been slacking as far as emails are concerned.

Oh, by the way, do remember my entry about the cow that would not stop mooing. Well, the other day I found a pen near my house with several cows or bulls. Most of them were black and I only got a quick look. I will fill you in later when I get a better look. Also, in Kishira I saw this weasel looking animal that ran in front of my car. This stuff is interesting for me anyway. Sorry to bore you.