When I talked with my students after today's adult lessons, Mari, who is a pharmacist, said to me.
" I am very happy to be here. I have learned not only English, but also "how to communicate well" from you, other teachers, and managers. You are really professional communicators. You are always smiling, open your mind, accept students as the way we are, and are saying pleasant & positive things. Actually, I am always recollecting the way you talk while I am talking with my patients."
What a compliment!! I was tired in this week, but all my exhaustion was "gone" when I heard that.
It's hard to take day offs at my work & I have lots of responsibilities...but what a rewarding job it is!
When I worked at an electric company as a part-time worker, the job was really easy & it was also easy to take day offs... but I had never thought it was "rewarding."
However, Mari thinks so because she is very nice, innocent person.
I want my 5-year-old naughty students to learn this "innocence" from Mari...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Follow-up Training
One of the reasons I chose my English school is that they provide teachers rewarding training.
When I was looking for a teacher job, I was offered it from another language school. Actually, that school was what in my mind first because the school was focused on "business" English I wanted to do.
However, I chose my school. I thought I could grow through their training. I hadn't worked as an English teacher, so I needed to "be raised."
Just after I decided to join my school, I had two sequential trainings. One is for adult teaching. We ( I and other new teachers) had to stay at the training center in Omiya for one week. We stayed up late, and drank a lot...No! STUDY a lot!!
The other training was for kids teaching. It was held at the headquarters, in Shinjuku. We got tired because we had to "act" kid students, but both of the training were preciously REWARDING.
Today, I went to the training center in Omiya to take the follow-up training.
I took it earlier (I've been teaching just for one and a half month. Other teachers have been teaching almost three months.) so I met "new" peers.
People said our school's teachers have the "same color." Today, I realized it very much because EVERYONE was...VERY cheerful, having always smiling, and pleasant!!!
Recently, I tend to "forget" to smile at work because I just needed to get used to everything... But their smile reminds me of "my smile!"
(Actually, the wedding job on last weekend also reminds me of that...)
Today, I learned "smiling and providing good lessons" are the most important thing!
Maybe...
But the thing I regret is that I was so tired that I couldn't ask many questions to trainers!! This training was a chance to confirm many small details. At school, other teachers were so busy that I don't have time to ask them!!
Uhhh, there are TONS of things to do to become a FANTASTIC teacher, but before that...I need to go to bed!!!
When I was looking for a teacher job, I was offered it from another language school. Actually, that school was what in my mind first because the school was focused on "business" English I wanted to do.
However, I chose my school. I thought I could grow through their training. I hadn't worked as an English teacher, so I needed to "be raised."
Just after I decided to join my school, I had two sequential trainings. One is for adult teaching. We ( I and other new teachers) had to stay at the training center in Omiya for one week. We stayed up late, and drank a lot...No! STUDY a lot!!
The other training was for kids teaching. It was held at the headquarters, in Shinjuku. We got tired because we had to "act" kid students, but both of the training were preciously REWARDING.
Today, I went to the training center in Omiya to take the follow-up training.
I took it earlier (I've been teaching just for one and a half month. Other teachers have been teaching almost three months.) so I met "new" peers.
People said our school's teachers have the "same color." Today, I realized it very much because EVERYONE was...VERY cheerful, having always smiling, and pleasant!!!
Recently, I tend to "forget" to smile at work because I just needed to get used to everything... But their smile reminds me of "my smile!"
(Actually, the wedding job on last weekend also reminds me of that...)
Today, I learned "smiling and providing good lessons" are the most important thing!
Maybe...
But the thing I regret is that I was so tired that I couldn't ask many questions to trainers!! This training was a chance to confirm many small details. At school, other teachers were so busy that I don't have time to ask them!!
Uhhh, there are TONS of things to do to become a FANTASTIC teacher, but before that...I need to go to bed!!!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Time Accumulated
Basically, teachers& managers in my English school are always busy.
But they always try to "accumulate time" to communicate with students.
Today, I was talking with my student, Takahiro, and Hiromi, an assistant manager who is going to quit the school this week. Takahiro often talked with HIromi a lot, so he seemed to miss her.
After he left the school, Hiromi said to me. "You know, at first, he didn't open his mind to us. He is an experienced sales rep, so he stayed cool and tried to negotiate prices with us. I thought we couldn't be friends like this."
I was surprised and asked her, "Wow! How did you become getting along so well each other??"
Hiromi shrugged her shoulders, "Well... I just opened myself to him, and tried to talk with him as possible as I could."
Uhhhh... COMMUNICATION is the key to get things done well with my clients, co-workers, even family, friends, everyone!!
To communicate well with my students, first, maybe I should try to ACCUMULATE time to mingle them.
"Accumulate time" works everything... Even for studying English, and emcee training!! I should study and do some trainings every day to be "what I want to be, " and that makes my dreams come true.
By the way, I should have ACCUMULATED time to do assignments for tomorrow's follow-up training of my school, but I didn't.
Well, I did assignments, but I didn't do homework ( preparations for tomorrow's demo-lessons.) I didn't have time! But I could have ACCUMULATED time to do that!
Will I do IMPROMPTU PERFORMANCE at the training when trainers evaluate me??
Lately, I've been too RELAXED or JADED somewhat...
But they always try to "accumulate time" to communicate with students.
Today, I was talking with my student, Takahiro, and Hiromi, an assistant manager who is going to quit the school this week. Takahiro often talked with HIromi a lot, so he seemed to miss her.
After he left the school, Hiromi said to me. "You know, at first, he didn't open his mind to us. He is an experienced sales rep, so he stayed cool and tried to negotiate prices with us. I thought we couldn't be friends like this."
I was surprised and asked her, "Wow! How did you become getting along so well each other??"
Hiromi shrugged her shoulders, "Well... I just opened myself to him, and tried to talk with him as possible as I could."
Uhhhh... COMMUNICATION is the key to get things done well with my clients, co-workers, even family, friends, everyone!!
To communicate well with my students, first, maybe I should try to ACCUMULATE time to mingle them.
"Accumulate time" works everything... Even for studying English, and emcee training!! I should study and do some trainings every day to be "what I want to be, " and that makes my dreams come true.
By the way, I should have ACCUMULATED time to do assignments for tomorrow's follow-up training of my school, but I didn't.
Well, I did assignments, but I didn't do homework ( preparations for tomorrow's demo-lessons.) I didn't have time! But I could have ACCUMULATED time to do that!
Will I do IMPROMPTU PERFORMANCE at the training when trainers evaluate me??
Lately, I've been too RELAXED or JADED somewhat...
Monday, July 28, 2008
Taking the TOEIC
My BIGGEST resolution in 2008 is "taking a full score of TOEIC."
When I got 950 score last November, I swore myself to take a full score (990) next time. So...was I ready to take a full score! No! Not at all!
Since I took the TOEIC last time, I have been very busy... I prepared to move to Japan, moved again in Japan, searched a job, be trained as a wedding emcee & an English teacher, and tried to get used of teaching, researching self study program of my English school, etc, etc... But everybody is busy!!
I was a CHICKEN, so I didn't apply for TOEIC through my school even though I could get discount. I was afraid to take a lower score and that my shcool gets to know it!!
However, maybe I did a "so-so" job. I heard TOEIC can evaluate examinees' English abilities regardless the test taking circumstances or their physical conditions.
That means, you can't make excuses like "I didn't feel good when I took the TOEIC" or "The listening condition in my test room was not good" etc, etc.
I couldn't study for the TOEIC itself much this time. Also, my physical condition was not good today. But I think I may be get almost same score or a bit higher than last time.
It's because I speak, write, listen, or read English dairy through my work.
I tend to be optimistic, so I'm not sure... But maybe, my score will not be so bad.
By the way, my face was really awful today cause I had the hardest day in a month (not a disease, just a girl's issue!!) I didn't care my appearance when I went out to take the TOEIC. I thought I wouldn't meet anyone I know!
But when I lined a long line of a bus stop (with ill-tempered face,) a young girl who was standing in front of me talked to me.
"Keiko sensei! Are you also going to take the TOEIC!?"
She was my student ( correctly not mine, my shcool's student)...what a coincidence!! I shouldn't be tooooo relaxed!!!
When I got 950 score last November, I swore myself to take a full score (990) next time. So...was I ready to take a full score! No! Not at all!
Since I took the TOEIC last time, I have been very busy... I prepared to move to Japan, moved again in Japan, searched a job, be trained as a wedding emcee & an English teacher, and tried to get used of teaching, researching self study program of my English school, etc, etc... But everybody is busy!!
I was a CHICKEN, so I didn't apply for TOEIC through my school even though I could get discount. I was afraid to take a lower score and that my shcool gets to know it!!
However, maybe I did a "so-so" job. I heard TOEIC can evaluate examinees' English abilities regardless the test taking circumstances or their physical conditions.
That means, you can't make excuses like "I didn't feel good when I took the TOEIC" or "The listening condition in my test room was not good" etc, etc.
I couldn't study for the TOEIC itself much this time. Also, my physical condition was not good today. But I think I may be get almost same score or a bit higher than last time.
It's because I speak, write, listen, or read English dairy through my work.
I tend to be optimistic, so I'm not sure... But maybe, my score will not be so bad.
By the way, my face was really awful today cause I had the hardest day in a month (not a disease, just a girl's issue!!) I didn't care my appearance when I went out to take the TOEIC. I thought I wouldn't meet anyone I know!
But when I lined a long line of a bus stop (with ill-tempered face,) a young girl who was standing in front of me talked to me.
"Keiko sensei! Are you also going to take the TOEIC!?"
She was my student ( correctly not mine, my shcool's student)...what a coincidence!! I shouldn't be tooooo relaxed!!!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
My Words
Today's my clients (a bride and groom) are a nurse and an American football player.
Therefore, the guests were TONS of brawny & TOO energetic guys.
The wedding party became UPROARIOUS!!
But I was relieved I could handle those guys & finish the party on time.
In some wedding places, emcees MUST finish parties on time. Of course there are many reasons why the parties last longer. What emcee can shorten is limited, but some wedding places rely on emcees about it too much.
Anyway, it was good I (and of course for other staff's sake, ) could make it.
Since I came back to Japan, I have done just a few jobs as a wedding emcee.
I haden't been working as an emcee while I was being in the U.S, but I think some of my studies and activities made me grow as an emcee.
I think now I can talk in "my words" more than before.
Before I went to the U.S, I worked a lot as an emcee, but I was not good at making my comments immediately. But after studying English, especially English presentations, (like Toastmasters' activities,) I kinda get to know (a little bit ) what an impromptu speech is. I LOVE being involved in weddings, so I'd like to do this job more as a bilingual emcee!!
Speaking of impromptu speech, I HOPE I can be good at impromptu teaching, too!!
Therefore, the guests were TONS of brawny & TOO energetic guys.
The wedding party became UPROARIOUS!!
But I was relieved I could handle those guys & finish the party on time.
In some wedding places, emcees MUST finish parties on time. Of course there are many reasons why the parties last longer. What emcee can shorten is limited, but some wedding places rely on emcees about it too much.
Anyway, it was good I (and of course for other staff's sake, ) could make it.
Since I came back to Japan, I have done just a few jobs as a wedding emcee.
I haden't been working as an emcee while I was being in the U.S, but I think some of my studies and activities made me grow as an emcee.
I think now I can talk in "my words" more than before.
Before I went to the U.S, I worked a lot as an emcee, but I was not good at making my comments immediately. But after studying English, especially English presentations, (like Toastmasters' activities,) I kinda get to know (a little bit ) what an impromptu speech is. I LOVE being involved in weddings, so I'd like to do this job more as a bilingual emcee!!
Speaking of impromptu speech, I HOPE I can be good at impromptu teaching, too!!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Messiah!!!
Frankly speaking, lately, I've been tired...
Today, it was my PRECIOUS day off. Tomorrow, I have a wedding emcee job, and I will take TOEIC on Sunday. On Monday, I have many classes to teach, and Tuesday, I have a follow-up meeting in Omiya, so I have lots of assignments!!
I had many things to do, but I couldn't wake up in the morning, neither fell asleep...
But, now HE comes!!!
He means, new air conditioner! I am supposed to get "comfortable sleeping" finally, and be active again!! Yeah!!!
However...isn't it cold right now??? I want to try my new air conditioner!!!
Today, it was my PRECIOUS day off. Tomorrow, I have a wedding emcee job, and I will take TOEIC on Sunday. On Monday, I have many classes to teach, and Tuesday, I have a follow-up meeting in Omiya, so I have lots of assignments!!
I had many things to do, but I couldn't wake up in the morning, neither fell asleep...
But, now HE comes!!!
He means, new air conditioner! I am supposed to get "comfortable sleeping" finally, and be active again!! Yeah!!!
However...isn't it cold right now??? I want to try my new air conditioner!!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Impromptu Performance
I have been getting used to teaching English to students in many generations lately.
However, sometimes I am offered to be a substitute teacher. While I am teaching those classes, I feel like that " I am wrestling with other wrestler's loincloth(Fundoshi!)"
I mean, it is REALLY uncomfortable to me...
Yesterday, I was asked to teach a high school student's grammar class. It was a private lesson on every Thursday by our head teacher, Toshi. I overlapped with Toshi quickly, and he said, "Homework is this page, and tomorrow, please teach these two sections." I prepared for the lesson this morning, and I had the class this afternoon.
However... The homework parts and today's parts were totally different!!
The student, Miki, said, "Today, we are supposed to do this section!!"
I said, "OK, that's fine" trying not to show my shock.
I did "impromptu performance" through the class. I guess it was a poor lesson...
I might have taught her wrong answers...
Why did it happen? Full time teachers in our school are very busy & very experienced teachers. So, sometimes they don't understand exactly which part they did in the last lessons, especially, seasonal special private lessons like Miki.
However, it doesn't matter for them. They can do "impromptu performances" anytime because they are really PROFESSIONAL English teachers!
But I can't do the same thing for now... I'm embarrassed to think back about today's substitute lesson.
However, I should do these lessons as long as I am offered. And also, I can't grow if I teach just "comfortable lessons."
After the lesson, Toshi said to me... "Thank you VERY much, Keiko sensei! You never refuse my offers, so I appreciate it!!"
What?? CAN I refuse these?? I didn't know that...
However, sometimes I am offered to be a substitute teacher. While I am teaching those classes, I feel like that " I am wrestling with other wrestler's loincloth(Fundoshi!)"
I mean, it is REALLY uncomfortable to me...
Yesterday, I was asked to teach a high school student's grammar class. It was a private lesson on every Thursday by our head teacher, Toshi. I overlapped with Toshi quickly, and he said, "Homework is this page, and tomorrow, please teach these two sections." I prepared for the lesson this morning, and I had the class this afternoon.
However... The homework parts and today's parts were totally different!!
The student, Miki, said, "Today, we are supposed to do this section!!"
I said, "OK, that's fine" trying not to show my shock.
I did "impromptu performance" through the class. I guess it was a poor lesson...
I might have taught her wrong answers...
Why did it happen? Full time teachers in our school are very busy & very experienced teachers. So, sometimes they don't understand exactly which part they did in the last lessons, especially, seasonal special private lessons like Miki.
However, it doesn't matter for them. They can do "impromptu performances" anytime because they are really PROFESSIONAL English teachers!
But I can't do the same thing for now... I'm embarrassed to think back about today's substitute lesson.
However, I should do these lessons as long as I am offered. And also, I can't grow if I teach just "comfortable lessons."
After the lesson, Toshi said to me... "Thank you VERY much, Keiko sensei! You never refuse my offers, so I appreciate it!!"
What?? CAN I refuse these?? I didn't know that...
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hard Day
It has been a HARD DAY, today...
It was too HARD to wake up in the morning because of summer lethargy(or could be just "laziness???")
At work, 4-5 years old kids class was MESSIER than usual. Two naughty boys were screaming, shouting, and trying to get out of the classroom... One of them took of another one's pants and flipped my skirt over. I guess it has been 25?? years since my skirt was "flipped over" by a boy!!
Anyway, I suppose most kids has been distracted since summer vacation started.
After kids' lessons, my head teacher observed my class without a notice.
He is really kind, but I became so nervous being observed!!
After adult classes, my head teacher and I talked with several students to recommend taking our self study programs.
When I came home, it was 11:30pm!!
I'd like to go to bed IMMEDIATELY, but I've decided to have "at least 10 minutes" to keep my journal. Why? Because I'm always saying, "Have at least 10 minutes EVERYDAY to study English! Even though you are REALLY busy, I'm sure you can have 10 minutes!!"
Well, I know how tough it is, especially on a hard day like today...
Thank you for reading my blog!! I hope tonight's earthquake didn't influence you or your families... Kunie san, are your parents all right???
It was too HARD to wake up in the morning because of summer lethargy(or could be just "laziness???")
At work, 4-5 years old kids class was MESSIER than usual. Two naughty boys were screaming, shouting, and trying to get out of the classroom... One of them took of another one's pants and flipped my skirt over. I guess it has been 25?? years since my skirt was "flipped over" by a boy!!
Anyway, I suppose most kids has been distracted since summer vacation started.
After kids' lessons, my head teacher observed my class without a notice.
He is really kind, but I became so nervous being observed!!
After adult classes, my head teacher and I talked with several students to recommend taking our self study programs.
When I came home, it was 11:30pm!!
I'd like to go to bed IMMEDIATELY, but I've decided to have "at least 10 minutes" to keep my journal. Why? Because I'm always saying, "Have at least 10 minutes EVERYDAY to study English! Even though you are REALLY busy, I'm sure you can have 10 minutes!!"
Well, I know how tough it is, especially on a hard day like today...
Thank you for reading my blog!! I hope tonight's earthquake didn't influence you or your families... Kunie san, are your parents all right???
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Release & Tension
This weekend, I have a wedding emcee job and TOEIC to take. I feel TENSION pretty much when I think about them.
Some people say I must be busy, but I don't think so. I don't work full time, neither have a kid. But some of my friends seem to have much more free time than me.
Are you busier than other people? Are you freer than them?
Which do you prefer?
I "want to be" a person who can "manage" many things. If I were so, I could make many dreams come true!!
But in reality, I am not good at managing my time well & need to rest enough.
However, I don't give up my dreams & have taken time to work out some things.
Therefore, sometime I can accomplish some of my objectives.
I need to feel "tension" to carry out my work. But if I am too busy, I will be worn out.
However, during the process of "feeling worn out," I'm sure I could learn very important things.
On the other hand, I need to "release" my tension occasionally. If I don't release, I will be too exhausted to work hard.
The balance of "release and tension" depends on a person. I hope I can work hard more... but "release," I mean, "be relaxed" is necessity of our lives.
However...today, I slept again after I sent my hubby off till 11 o'clock, even though I slept well during three holidays in a row!!
Am I doing too much "releasing," ain't I???
Some people say I must be busy, but I don't think so. I don't work full time, neither have a kid. But some of my friends seem to have much more free time than me.
Are you busier than other people? Are you freer than them?
Which do you prefer?
I "want to be" a person who can "manage" many things. If I were so, I could make many dreams come true!!
But in reality, I am not good at managing my time well & need to rest enough.
However, I don't give up my dreams & have taken time to work out some things.
Therefore, sometime I can accomplish some of my objectives.
I need to feel "tension" to carry out my work. But if I am too busy, I will be worn out.
However, during the process of "feeling worn out," I'm sure I could learn very important things.
On the other hand, I need to "release" my tension occasionally. If I don't release, I will be too exhausted to work hard.
The balance of "release and tension" depends on a person. I hope I can work hard more... but "release," I mean, "be relaxed" is necessity of our lives.
However...today, I slept again after I sent my hubby off till 11 o'clock, even though I slept well during three holidays in a row!!
Am I doing too much "releasing," ain't I???
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Air Conditioner Tour
Last night, I had a "tough" night as well as recent nights. Cause... it was too hot to sleep!! While I was waking up a few times during the night, my hubby slept deeply.
In this morning, I said to him.
"Probably we SHOULD buy an air conditioner for our bedroom."
He rounded his big eyes, "We SHOULD?? Maybe we SHOULD consider Eco-oriented life! Operating an air conditioner during nights uses lots of electricity, and makes our bodies too cold, don't you think so??"
Well, well, well... I tried to be calm..."I know how important it is to have Eco-oriented life, but if I can't sleep at nights, I must become short-tempered!! Then, you need to take MUCH energy to let me calm down, DON'T YOU THINK SO???"
My hubby smiled weakly, "OK, I understand, I understand..."
We went out for "seeking a cheaper & sooner air-conditioner" because we searched it in Shinjuku last night, but clerks said it took at least 10 days to install it. Because of this hot summer, many people buy air conditioners, so fitters have been so busy!
We drove around our neighborhood.
We found a big sign of home appliance shop, which said "we sell everything at the cheapest prices in this area!!! The shop was "Denkichi." We had never heard of this name...but the catch line attracted us.
We intended that the cheapest one is the better. However, when I asked one clerk, he recommended us a middle-class one. He said, "Cheap air conditioners make our bodies too cold, but this middle-class one has a system to keep the room temperature the same. I have used the same one. This is a HUGE difference from a cheap one!!"
Also, he offered me a discount, and he started to explain whey they can install air conditioners sooner than other shops.
His explanation was so smooth & reasonable that we were convinced to buy the middle-class one.
Shopping is magic! Shoppers want to get a cheap one mostly, but when they had a "professional explanation," they could be convinced to get better one, and be satisfied.
When he gave us his business card, it said he is "the chief" of the shop.
Aha, I see, that's why we were easily convinced! He was a "well-trained" one....
After we came home, the weather forecast said the next weekend( I mean, this coming weekend) would become VERY hot.
I said, "Yes! At that time, we have an air conditioner in our bedroom!!"
Then, my hubby shrugged his shoulders,
"You know, to have an ECO-ORIENTED life..."
I KNOW IT!!!
In this morning, I said to him.
"Probably we SHOULD buy an air conditioner for our bedroom."
He rounded his big eyes, "We SHOULD?? Maybe we SHOULD consider Eco-oriented life! Operating an air conditioner during nights uses lots of electricity, and makes our bodies too cold, don't you think so??"
Well, well, well... I tried to be calm..."I know how important it is to have Eco-oriented life, but if I can't sleep at nights, I must become short-tempered!! Then, you need to take MUCH energy to let me calm down, DON'T YOU THINK SO???"
My hubby smiled weakly, "OK, I understand, I understand..."
We went out for "seeking a cheaper & sooner air-conditioner" because we searched it in Shinjuku last night, but clerks said it took at least 10 days to install it. Because of this hot summer, many people buy air conditioners, so fitters have been so busy!
We drove around our neighborhood.
We found a big sign of home appliance shop, which said "we sell everything at the cheapest prices in this area!!! The shop was "Denkichi." We had never heard of this name...but the catch line attracted us.
We intended that the cheapest one is the better. However, when I asked one clerk, he recommended us a middle-class one. He said, "Cheap air conditioners make our bodies too cold, but this middle-class one has a system to keep the room temperature the same. I have used the same one. This is a HUGE difference from a cheap one!!"
Also, he offered me a discount, and he started to explain whey they can install air conditioners sooner than other shops.
His explanation was so smooth & reasonable that we were convinced to buy the middle-class one.
Shopping is magic! Shoppers want to get a cheap one mostly, but when they had a "professional explanation," they could be convinced to get better one, and be satisfied.
When he gave us his business card, it said he is "the chief" of the shop.
Aha, I see, that's why we were easily convinced! He was a "well-trained" one....
After we came home, the weather forecast said the next weekend( I mean, this coming weekend) would become VERY hot.
I said, "Yes! At that time, we have an air conditioner in our bedroom!!"
Then, my hubby shrugged his shoulders,
"You know, to have an ECO-ORIENTED life..."
I KNOW IT!!!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Chinese Invasion Power of Ginza???
My hubby and I had a date(you know, we had been married for 7 years & now we are like "brothers" though...) in Ginza. Ginza is a traditional "fashion" area in Tokyo, like "Rodeo Street" in L.A!!
There are many authentic designer shops!
We went to Burberry, Mikimoto (pearl accessory shop), Tiffany, Swarovski, and so on. Among people who were straddling Ginza, some people were OBVIOUSLY wearing expensive watches, clothes, or jewelry.
Then, we noticed...most of those people were speaking...CHINESE.
One of my students work for a shop in Ginza. A few weeks ago, she said to me.
"Keiko sensei, now Ginza has almost been dominated by Chinese travelers!!"
I thought she was kidding, but... Whenever we entered prestigious shops, people who bought many clothes or accessories were...Chinese.
I envy them because one Chinese lady bought my favorite Burberry's trench coat without a hesitation. The coat cost 140,000yen!! She bought other clothes, too.
Looking at those rich Chinese people at corner of our eyes, we enjoyed "seeing" luxurious clothes & accessories.
Dinner? Speaking of Ginza, of course we had SUSHI!!
I want to say so, but my hubby is natural-born?? "Nagoya" person. There is one Miso-katsu restaurant in Ginza, so we ate lots of Misokatsu.
It's a great holiday, seriously!!!
But I'd like to know just "a" thing...why are those Chinese people so rich???
What are they doing???
There are many authentic designer shops!
We went to Burberry, Mikimoto (pearl accessory shop), Tiffany, Swarovski, and so on. Among people who were straddling Ginza, some people were OBVIOUSLY wearing expensive watches, clothes, or jewelry.
Then, we noticed...most of those people were speaking...CHINESE.
One of my students work for a shop in Ginza. A few weeks ago, she said to me.
"Keiko sensei, now Ginza has almost been dominated by Chinese travelers!!"
I thought she was kidding, but... Whenever we entered prestigious shops, people who bought many clothes or accessories were...Chinese.
I envy them because one Chinese lady bought my favorite Burberry's trench coat without a hesitation. The coat cost 140,000yen!! She bought other clothes, too.
Looking at those rich Chinese people at corner of our eyes, we enjoyed "seeing" luxurious clothes & accessories.
Dinner? Speaking of Ginza, of course we had SUSHI!!
I want to say so, but my hubby is natural-born?? "Nagoya" person. There is one Miso-katsu restaurant in Ginza, so we ate lots of Misokatsu.
It's a great holiday, seriously!!!
But I'd like to know just "a" thing...why are those Chinese people so rich???
What are they doing???
Summer Lethargy
Today is the first day of three holidays in a row in Japan.
Also, it has been three months since our condo was built. Therefore, today, several contractors came to our room to check the building as after service.
My hubby and I forgot about that. When we slept deeply at 10:00 o'clock in the morning, (we went out for a drink last night, so we went to bed "late," oh, as usual...) ringing a bell by them woke us up. We would go out Ginza for a date, but their "after service" took almost a day, so our "Ginza date" changed "Home center (in our neighborhood) date."
It wasn't bad, however, I didn't feel good... I was just tired.
Maybe, I had been busy a little bit & recent hot, humid summer has made me lethargic.
Probably I need to exercise everyday... I did when I was in the U.S, but after I came back to Japan, I thought "walking in Tokyo" was enough for me to exercise.
But I need to rebuild my health, maybe!
Summer lethargy tend to take our appetite out, but I eat much the same as usual.
I just need to go to bed early, too!!
Also, it has been three months since our condo was built. Therefore, today, several contractors came to our room to check the building as after service.
My hubby and I forgot about that. When we slept deeply at 10:00 o'clock in the morning, (we went out for a drink last night, so we went to bed "late," oh, as usual...) ringing a bell by them woke us up. We would go out Ginza for a date, but their "after service" took almost a day, so our "Ginza date" changed "Home center (in our neighborhood) date."
It wasn't bad, however, I didn't feel good... I was just tired.
Maybe, I had been busy a little bit & recent hot, humid summer has made me lethargic.
Probably I need to exercise everyday... I did when I was in the U.S, but after I came back to Japan, I thought "walking in Tokyo" was enough for me to exercise.
But I need to rebuild my health, maybe!
Summer lethargy tend to take our appetite out, but I eat much the same as usual.
I just need to go to bed early, too!!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Gramercy New York
Since I(we) came back to Japan from the U.S. in February, I have felt this EVERY DAY. "Food in Japan is SO amazing!!"
Of course Japanese food is great, but even we eat Chinese food or Turkish one, the food in Japan is MUCH better than American ones because they are arranged by Japanese preference!!
Today, I had a reunion of my friends whom I met in the U.S.
Four Japanese girls including me, and their kids, got together at one's house.
I brought the "Gramercy New York" cakes. I LOVE their design and taste!
We talked, "even we found this store in New York, the cakes must be arranged for AMERICAN taste! They should be too sweet!!"
After the reunion, I met my hubby who just finished work, and stopped by a Japanese seafood Izakaya. We said the words which we are saying almost every day...
"Food in Japan is AMAZING!!"
Of course Japanese food is great, but even we eat Chinese food or Turkish one, the food in Japan is MUCH better than American ones because they are arranged by Japanese preference!!
Today, I had a reunion of my friends whom I met in the U.S.
Four Japanese girls including me, and their kids, got together at one's house.
I brought the "Gramercy New York" cakes. I LOVE their design and taste!
We talked, "even we found this store in New York, the cakes must be arranged for AMERICAN taste! They should be too sweet!!"
After the reunion, I met my hubby who just finished work, and stopped by a Japanese seafood Izakaya. We said the words which we are saying almost every day...
"Food in Japan is AMAZING!!"
Friday, July 18, 2008
Super Girl
Life is a sequence of "hello" and "good-bye."
Last week, our English school bid farewell to Jessica, who went back to Australia, and gave a warm welcome to the ET (not "extraterrestrial being," but "emergency teacher!!), Alan, who is from England.
Then, at the end of July...our assistant manager, Hiromi, will be leaving!!
When I met her at the first time, I thought she might be too casual for our school. From her clothing, and ways of talking.
However, after a week later, I had to admit. SHE IS SOMEBODY!!!
She often talks to students, and makes them comfortable. Her English is actually really good, so she often speaks with them in English. She knows which documents have stored which cabinet precisely. She is good at promoting new classes or textbooks.
She looks "just a girl," but actually she IS a "super girl" in our school.
I think most offices have such super girls, or super "guys." Look around!
We will miss her, but the reason why she quit our school sounds pretty pleasant.
She will get married and wants to settle down her new life.
Today, she said to me, "Keiko! Will you be my wedding emcee?? I need a BILINGUAL emcee!!"
Of course, sure!! I had wanted to be a bilingual wedding emcee & English teacher, so, being the SUPER GIRL (from my English school)'s emcee is the BEST work for me!!
I feel grateful I have two skills (well, both of my skills are far from to be "cream of the crop", though...) Getting a skill takes much much time & we need to have experiences, but REWARD is huge!!
Last week, our English school bid farewell to Jessica, who went back to Australia, and gave a warm welcome to the ET (not "extraterrestrial being," but "emergency teacher!!), Alan, who is from England.
Then, at the end of July...our assistant manager, Hiromi, will be leaving!!
When I met her at the first time, I thought she might be too casual for our school. From her clothing, and ways of talking.
However, after a week later, I had to admit. SHE IS SOMEBODY!!!
She often talks to students, and makes them comfortable. Her English is actually really good, so she often speaks with them in English. She knows which documents have stored which cabinet precisely. She is good at promoting new classes or textbooks.
She looks "just a girl," but actually she IS a "super girl" in our school.
I think most offices have such super girls, or super "guys." Look around!
We will miss her, but the reason why she quit our school sounds pretty pleasant.
She will get married and wants to settle down her new life.
Today, she said to me, "Keiko! Will you be my wedding emcee?? I need a BILINGUAL emcee!!"
Of course, sure!! I had wanted to be a bilingual wedding emcee & English teacher, so, being the SUPER GIRL (from my English school)'s emcee is the BEST work for me!!
I feel grateful I have two skills (well, both of my skills are far from to be "cream of the crop", though...) Getting a skill takes much much time & we need to have experiences, but REWARD is huge!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Motivation
Every Wednesday, after teaching( no, actually, "disciplining!!" ) handfuls ( 4-5 year old boys,) obedient 6 year old girls look like "angels" to me.
After the class, I teach the first and second grade girls. Do you remember, the "queen" Miho in this class? After having several lessons together, we became "friends." Unfortunately, I don't think I became her "boss"... She still orders me to mimic Edo Harumi or Sekai no Nabeatsu (if you don't live in Japan, you don't know him...he is a remarkable comedian!!) and I'm under her thumb... But I BELIEVE we became "good friends."
After rustling (tiring) three kids classes, teaching two adults classes is just "joy" to me.
Especially, my regular students at the last class on Wednesday, Yuki and Hide, HEAL me a lot. They are basically excellent businessmen, but at our English school, they are like "comedians." They have taken my class at the expense of their company,(They belong to the same company) but they said they seldom use English at work.
So maybe that's why they are not "desperate" to learn English. I feel like they come to my class not because to learn English, but because "to make me laugh!"
Whenever we do role playing in my class, their ones are like "comedy skits."
I am the one who gets paid, but they are so funny that sometimes I feel I should pay to them!!
However, today, things were a little bit different. In the class, they seemed to be serious. After the class, they wouldn't leave the classroom looking back their textbook.
"What happened?" I asked them.
They said, "We might go to the U.S. as a business trip! Probably we have to marketing research from American people!!"
"Wowwww!! Good luck! You can use what you've learned in our class!!"
I said to them.
My school is popular nationwide, so there are many "laid-back" students like Yuki and Hide. However, as long as English is the international language, you happen to "need it" immediately!
But unfortunately, you can't improve in English "immediately, " so it's important to continue to learn it day by day!
Different from kids, nobody "force" us to study English. To keep studying, we need "motivations" and any motivation is OK!!
Got it, Yuki and Hide? Welcome to the English world!!!
After the class, I teach the first and second grade girls. Do you remember, the "queen" Miho in this class? After having several lessons together, we became "friends." Unfortunately, I don't think I became her "boss"... She still orders me to mimic Edo Harumi or Sekai no Nabeatsu (if you don't live in Japan, you don't know him...he is a remarkable comedian!!) and I'm under her thumb... But I BELIEVE we became "good friends."
After rustling (tiring) three kids classes, teaching two adults classes is just "joy" to me.
Especially, my regular students at the last class on Wednesday, Yuki and Hide, HEAL me a lot. They are basically excellent businessmen, but at our English school, they are like "comedians." They have taken my class at the expense of their company,(They belong to the same company) but they said they seldom use English at work.
So maybe that's why they are not "desperate" to learn English. I feel like they come to my class not because to learn English, but because "to make me laugh!"
Whenever we do role playing in my class, their ones are like "comedy skits."
I am the one who gets paid, but they are so funny that sometimes I feel I should pay to them!!
However, today, things were a little bit different. In the class, they seemed to be serious. After the class, they wouldn't leave the classroom looking back their textbook.
"What happened?" I asked them.
They said, "We might go to the U.S. as a business trip! Probably we have to marketing research from American people!!"
"Wowwww!! Good luck! You can use what you've learned in our class!!"
I said to them.
My school is popular nationwide, so there are many "laid-back" students like Yuki and Hide. However, as long as English is the international language, you happen to "need it" immediately!
But unfortunately, you can't improve in English "immediately, " so it's important to continue to learn it day by day!
Different from kids, nobody "force" us to study English. To keep studying, we need "motivations" and any motivation is OK!!
Got it, Yuki and Hide? Welcome to the English world!!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sleep tight
A question first.
If you live in Japan, except for northern area... CAN YOU SLEEP WELL RECENTLY??
It's been FIVE YEARS since I had hot, humid summer last time. Therefore, I almost forgot about how hard it was to sleep at that summer nights in Japan.
The city I used to live in the U.S, was like Hokkaido. During summer, it became hot sometimes, but it was dry.
Last night, I woke up two times during the night and I found myself SWEATY.
I had opened the window of our bedroom, but closed the door. Therefore, our room wasn't well-ventilated.
Today, it was my PRECIOUS day off. I washed all of my bedclothes and had them at the sunny balcony to dry. Then, I tried to take a nap on the sofa...but it wasn't comfortable.
Today, I was supposed to study for the TOEIC at the end of this month and go to the Toastmasters Club's meeting finally. However, during my TOEIC model test, I can't stop feeling drowsy...
I gave up to go out today, and send e-mail to the president of the Toastmasters Club. I wrote, " I am sorry, something emergency came up. I can't manage to go to today's meeting."
Yes, "emergency" meant "drowsiness" for me...
I tried to continue taking a model test, but I can't conquer the "emergency."
I went to bed, and slept TIGHTLY as if I tried to recover last night's conflict.
Summer is usually exciting season, but this Japanese humidity is hard to socialize with.
Folks, take it easy!and let's get through.
Good night! Sleep tight!!
If you live in Japan, except for northern area... CAN YOU SLEEP WELL RECENTLY??
It's been FIVE YEARS since I had hot, humid summer last time. Therefore, I almost forgot about how hard it was to sleep at that summer nights in Japan.
The city I used to live in the U.S, was like Hokkaido. During summer, it became hot sometimes, but it was dry.
Last night, I woke up two times during the night and I found myself SWEATY.
I had opened the window of our bedroom, but closed the door. Therefore, our room wasn't well-ventilated.
Today, it was my PRECIOUS day off. I washed all of my bedclothes and had them at the sunny balcony to dry. Then, I tried to take a nap on the sofa...but it wasn't comfortable.
Today, I was supposed to study for the TOEIC at the end of this month and go to the Toastmasters Club's meeting finally. However, during my TOEIC model test, I can't stop feeling drowsy...
I gave up to go out today, and send e-mail to the president of the Toastmasters Club. I wrote, " I am sorry, something emergency came up. I can't manage to go to today's meeting."
Yes, "emergency" meant "drowsiness" for me...
I tried to continue taking a model test, but I can't conquer the "emergency."
I went to bed, and slept TIGHTLY as if I tried to recover last night's conflict.
Summer is usually exciting season, but this Japanese humidity is hard to socialize with.
Folks, take it easy!and let's get through.
Good night! Sleep tight!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Indulgence
I work just half of week, so maybe I shouldn't say this... but when I work, I am really busy.
Mostly, I get to my home after 10:00pm. My hubby has been also busy since we came back to Japan, so we get to our home almost the same time.
After the busy work, talking with my hubby (usually, talking about no-meaning-silly-stuff, though) is my indulgence. However, today, my darling brought back my "another" indulgence, too!
They were the "Krispy Kreme" doughnuts!! I'm not the biggest fan of them, but I wanted have them lately. When we were in the U.S, we could get them WHEREVER we were. There were some shops around us, and some stores had them.
Two years ago? The Krispy Kreme opened a few shops in Tokyo, but there have been ALWAYS people waiting a loooong line for getting American characteristic? doughnuts. But listen! My hubby walked by there (Shinjuku Southern Terrace) around 9:30pm on Monday night, there were no people waiting!
So, he got A DOZEN of doughnuts for me. He knows I have a sweet tooth!!
Actually, I had a "souvenir" for him. Actually, it was a "leftover..." It was "chicken nuggets" from McDonald's. I was so hungry today that I bought a burger set and chicken nuggets. But I became full, so I couldn't eat nuggets.
"McDonald's chicken nuggets" are exactly my hubby's indulgence.
He ate them with full of smile, and I ate a Krispy Kreme doughnut after the dinner.
That was a PLEASURE after "rustling" busy work!!!
While I was eating a doughnut, we watched a reality TV show, "Ainori."
"Ainori" means "car-pooling" in Japanese. That is a show that young people carpool, travel together, and might fall in love.
One boy in the TV asked a girl,
"What is love? What does it mean, "I love...?""
My hubby answered to him without a doubt, "That means exact my feeling for McDonald's!!!"
Yeah, that means "Indulgence..," but you love it (McDonald's) too much!!!
Mostly, I get to my home after 10:00pm. My hubby has been also busy since we came back to Japan, so we get to our home almost the same time.
After the busy work, talking with my hubby (usually, talking about no-meaning-silly-stuff, though) is my indulgence. However, today, my darling brought back my "another" indulgence, too!
They were the "Krispy Kreme" doughnuts!! I'm not the biggest fan of them, but I wanted have them lately. When we were in the U.S, we could get them WHEREVER we were. There were some shops around us, and some stores had them.
Two years ago? The Krispy Kreme opened a few shops in Tokyo, but there have been ALWAYS people waiting a loooong line for getting American characteristic? doughnuts. But listen! My hubby walked by there (Shinjuku Southern Terrace) around 9:30pm on Monday night, there were no people waiting!
So, he got A DOZEN of doughnuts for me. He knows I have a sweet tooth!!
Actually, I had a "souvenir" for him. Actually, it was a "leftover..." It was "chicken nuggets" from McDonald's. I was so hungry today that I bought a burger set and chicken nuggets. But I became full, so I couldn't eat nuggets.
"McDonald's chicken nuggets" are exactly my hubby's indulgence.
He ate them with full of smile, and I ate a Krispy Kreme doughnut after the dinner.
That was a PLEASURE after "rustling" busy work!!!
While I was eating a doughnut, we watched a reality TV show, "Ainori."
"Ainori" means "car-pooling" in Japanese. That is a show that young people carpool, travel together, and might fall in love.
One boy in the TV asked a girl,
"What is love? What does it mean, "I love...?""
My hubby answered to him without a doubt, "That means exact my feeling for McDonald's!!!"
Yeah, that means "Indulgence..," but you love it (McDonald's) too much!!!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Accommodations
Today, "finally furniture" were delivered to our condo.
They are a dining table, four chairs, and two beds. We were excited because we "finally" got new furniture... But after delivery guys left, my hubby seemed a little bit discouraged. He said, "look! Our room is full of BEDS."
We didn't sleep at our bedroom. We spread Futon in our Japanese den, and slept there. Therefore, our "bedroom" had much space to put "temporary" stuff. However, now... Two single beds occupied most of our bedroom!
Of course the significance of a "bedroom" is "a room for sleeping." It's great that we can set two beds... But the culprit is that "we have too much stuff!" Especially, I...
I put three cardboard boxes at our "former" bedroom. One is souvenirs from America, and the other two are my books. The house we used to live in the U.S. was so wide that I got many English books (for my future study, of course!) and I still can't trash them...
Now I cleared the souvenir box. And then, I put one "book box" in my closet space, and put the other one on the dining room to wait for...the time a new sideboard is coming. But my hubby said, " let's not have MORE furniture! We will lose SPACE!!" Exactly, but... Where will my English books go???
I need to learn "storing" skills...
They are a dining table, four chairs, and two beds. We were excited because we "finally" got new furniture... But after delivery guys left, my hubby seemed a little bit discouraged. He said, "look! Our room is full of BEDS."
We didn't sleep at our bedroom. We spread Futon in our Japanese den, and slept there. Therefore, our "bedroom" had much space to put "temporary" stuff. However, now... Two single beds occupied most of our bedroom!
Of course the significance of a "bedroom" is "a room for sleeping." It's great that we can set two beds... But the culprit is that "we have too much stuff!" Especially, I...
I put three cardboard boxes at our "former" bedroom. One is souvenirs from America, and the other two are my books. The house we used to live in the U.S. was so wide that I got many English books (for my future study, of course!) and I still can't trash them...
Now I cleared the souvenir box. And then, I put one "book box" in my closet space, and put the other one on the dining room to wait for...the time a new sideboard is coming. But my hubby said, " let's not have MORE furniture! We will lose SPACE!!" Exactly, but... Where will my English books go???
I need to learn "storing" skills...
My Role Model
I have many dreams. But if I sum them up succinctly, "My ultimate dream is being like Sally."
Sally was my tutor when I was in U.S. She is a 75-year-old (if I think her age incorrectly, sorry, Sally!) English teacher. She runs her English education business. Originally, she was an English teacher of elementary school. After she got married and her four sons grew up, she took Ph.D. degree. When she became an professor of linguistics, she was 45-years-old.
When she was taking a Ph.D, she took almost every certificates related to English education. After she retired her professor job, she started private English education business.
Even I introduce her profile quickly, you must think "Wow! She must be SOMEBODY!!" However, I can't describe her marvelousness in a few minutes.
She always thinks about her students' improvement. During our sessions, she doesn't hesitate to correct my small mistakes. Actually, her corrections really helped my English improvement. Even now, while I am teaching, I am often reminded what Sally said. She pointed out English learners' common mistakes, so I can point the same things to my students.
She always welcomed the students' questions. I often asked her subtle questions.
Mostly, she answered them with reasonable theories. If she wasn't sure, she even inquired for the publishers or authors directly, and e-mailed me WITHIN 12 hours after the session. Additionally, she always supports my dreams. Every time I went to her home, she gave me some articles which werelated to my interests.
I have never met such a REAL professional like her.
She is also a wonderful mother. She often visits her four son's place. After one of her son got married to a Japanese lady, she started studying Japanese. She does anything for her husband, her sons, her daughters-in-law, and her grandchildren.
She is also also, a diligent volunteer for her community. Last year, she got an award of "the woman of the year" from her church because of her volunteer work.
She is a chairperson of Purdue's Women's Club. I can't believe how she can manage her jobs, doing household chores, volunteer work, and family activities.
The most important thing about her "marvelousness" is that "she is very happy person to be with!" She is always positive, supportive, sympathetic, and has sense of humor. Whenever I went to her home to take lessons, I was looking forward to not only learning English, but also just "talking with her."
I thought I was grateful to be in Lafayette(the city I lived) because just only I met Sally.
Of course I had other wonderful friends and teachers, but Sally has been "my ultimate role model."
When I left Lafayette, my hubby said, "I was afraid you might be going to say, "I will be Sally's adopted daughter and stay here!!!"
...I want her as a ROLE MODEL, not for a MOTHER, my darling...
Anyway, I want to be like her, in sum, "a lady who is a REAL professional, diligent, thoughtful, and friendly." She is so amazing lady that I don't think I can reach her even 40 years later, though...
Now, what I need are Sally's lessons and the Toastmasters (the speech group I belonged to in the U.S.) I will talk about the Toastmasters later.
Speaking of Sally, after I started to teach, I felt "I should restart to taking Sally's lessons!!"
Teaching takes responsibilities. When I was not sure my answers of students' questions, I confirmed them to my English native co-workers. They are diligent teachers, but actually, not so professionals like Sally.
It is very hard to find such a professional teacher like Sally, even though in the U.S!!
I know Sally can answer my questions SUCCINCTLY.
When I left U.S, I asked her to continue our sessions with Skype after I went back to Japan. She was pleased to accept it, but I have been busy with finding a job or other things, so we haven't started our sessions.
However, I should do that ASAP!! Whenever I think about Sally, I LONG FOR being like her, such a AUTHENTIC professional.
Oh, wait... I'm reminded of... I haven't replied her e-mail for a few weeks!!
I should write to my ROLE MODEL... Oh, clap!!!
Sally was my tutor when I was in U.S. She is a 75-year-old (if I think her age incorrectly, sorry, Sally!) English teacher. She runs her English education business. Originally, she was an English teacher of elementary school. After she got married and her four sons grew up, she took Ph.D. degree. When she became an professor of linguistics, she was 45-years-old.
When she was taking a Ph.D, she took almost every certificates related to English education. After she retired her professor job, she started private English education business.
Even I introduce her profile quickly, you must think "Wow! She must be SOMEBODY!!" However, I can't describe her marvelousness in a few minutes.
She always thinks about her students' improvement. During our sessions, she doesn't hesitate to correct my small mistakes. Actually, her corrections really helped my English improvement. Even now, while I am teaching, I am often reminded what Sally said. She pointed out English learners' common mistakes, so I can point the same things to my students.
She always welcomed the students' questions. I often asked her subtle questions.
Mostly, she answered them with reasonable theories. If she wasn't sure, she even inquired for the publishers or authors directly, and e-mailed me WITHIN 12 hours after the session. Additionally, she always supports my dreams. Every time I went to her home, she gave me some articles which werelated to my interests.
I have never met such a REAL professional like her.
She is also a wonderful mother. She often visits her four son's place. After one of her son got married to a Japanese lady, she started studying Japanese. She does anything for her husband, her sons, her daughters-in-law, and her grandchildren.
She is also also, a diligent volunteer for her community. Last year, she got an award of "the woman of the year" from her church because of her volunteer work.
She is a chairperson of Purdue's Women's Club. I can't believe how she can manage her jobs, doing household chores, volunteer work, and family activities.
The most important thing about her "marvelousness" is that "she is very happy person to be with!" She is always positive, supportive, sympathetic, and has sense of humor. Whenever I went to her home to take lessons, I was looking forward to not only learning English, but also just "talking with her."
I thought I was grateful to be in Lafayette(the city I lived) because just only I met Sally.
Of course I had other wonderful friends and teachers, but Sally has been "my ultimate role model."
When I left Lafayette, my hubby said, "I was afraid you might be going to say, "I will be Sally's adopted daughter and stay here!!!"
...I want her as a ROLE MODEL, not for a MOTHER, my darling...
Anyway, I want to be like her, in sum, "a lady who is a REAL professional, diligent, thoughtful, and friendly." She is so amazing lady that I don't think I can reach her even 40 years later, though...
Now, what I need are Sally's lessons and the Toastmasters (the speech group I belonged to in the U.S.) I will talk about the Toastmasters later.
Speaking of Sally, after I started to teach, I felt "I should restart to taking Sally's lessons!!"
Teaching takes responsibilities. When I was not sure my answers of students' questions, I confirmed them to my English native co-workers. They are diligent teachers, but actually, not so professionals like Sally.
It is very hard to find such a professional teacher like Sally, even though in the U.S!!
I know Sally can answer my questions SUCCINCTLY.
When I left U.S, I asked her to continue our sessions with Skype after I went back to Japan. She was pleased to accept it, but I have been busy with finding a job or other things, so we haven't started our sessions.
However, I should do that ASAP!! Whenever I think about Sally, I LONG FOR being like her, such a AUTHENTIC professional.
Oh, wait... I'm reminded of... I haven't replied her e-mail for a few weeks!!
I should write to my ROLE MODEL... Oh, clap!!!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Missing a train
I got my home just ten minutes ago. I went for a drink with Mayu, who is one of my BEST friends, to Ginza. Mayu and I belong to the same emcee office, and we had a training before we debuted. (It was seven years ago...Oh, time has flies!!! ) She was also MY wedding emcee. Whenever we get together, we just can't stop talking. Tonight was also the same, and we forget the time...
When we were aware, it was 23:45!!
Mayu was OK, but my final train was 24:18 from Shinjuku. I couldn't reach Shinjuku at that time, so I waited for a long line of getting a final "bus" to my home... The bus left Shinjuku at 25:10, and I got my home 26:00.
In the bus, many people looked tired and were sleeping. After I got off at my station, actually there are many people walking around. When I work, I usually came home around 22:30, and I always am amazed that there are many people still walking late night. Even if it's TGIF today, I feel like TOKYO is a sleepless city...
Sorry, today I don't have any "punch line" of my article.... Wow, usually I don't?
None of your business!!
When we were aware, it was 23:45!!
Mayu was OK, but my final train was 24:18 from Shinjuku. I couldn't reach Shinjuku at that time, so I waited for a long line of getting a final "bus" to my home... The bus left Shinjuku at 25:10, and I got my home 26:00.
In the bus, many people looked tired and were sleeping. After I got off at my station, actually there are many people walking around. When I work, I usually came home around 22:30, and I always am amazed that there are many people still walking late night. Even if it's TGIF today, I feel like TOKYO is a sleepless city...
Sorry, today I don't have any "punch line" of my article.... Wow, usually I don't?
None of your business!!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Diligence
I teach two grammar classes for seventh and ninth grade students. They rarely skip my classes. From last week, they have had term exams. They must have been busy, but they have attended my classes. Some of them go to international schools, so they are really fluent in English. But they come to my classes because they know how basic grammar is important.
Diligent students are not only junior high school students. Kids are also. Especially, kids who are around 3-5 years old, they must miss their moms. However, they come to my school every week, and attend classes patiently (Oh, some of them are not patient AT ALL, though...)
One business man in my adult class came to my class just after his business trip yesterday. Some of them have worked hard not only class textbooks, but also self-study programs.
I think diligence is one of the most important factor for us. Coming English school ( I mean, not a primary one ,but a secondly or thirdly school) regularly, EVERY WEEK is not so easy. Everybody is busy in this world, regardless kids or adults...but I'm sure they can improve in English because continuation is the most important to get some skills.
Incidentally, in our school, diligent people are not only students. Teachers are also truly diligent. I admire our head teacher and native speaker teachers have been trying to communicate with students as possible as they can even though they are really busy with preparing classes or other routine chores.
This weekend, one of the most diligent teachers, Jessica, will be leaving Japan.
She will go back to Australia. I'm sure she can get a fantastic job in her country because DILIGENCE has made her wonderful business person, and every employer needs diligent employees.
Good luck, Jessica(That's not her real name, though...!!!)
Diligent students are not only junior high school students. Kids are also. Especially, kids who are around 3-5 years old, they must miss their moms. However, they come to my school every week, and attend classes patiently (Oh, some of them are not patient AT ALL, though...)
One business man in my adult class came to my class just after his business trip yesterday. Some of them have worked hard not only class textbooks, but also self-study programs.
I think diligence is one of the most important factor for us. Coming English school ( I mean, not a primary one ,but a secondly or thirdly school) regularly, EVERY WEEK is not so easy. Everybody is busy in this world, regardless kids or adults...but I'm sure they can improve in English because continuation is the most important to get some skills.
Incidentally, in our school, diligent people are not only students. Teachers are also truly diligent. I admire our head teacher and native speaker teachers have been trying to communicate with students as possible as they can even though they are really busy with preparing classes or other routine chores.
This weekend, one of the most diligent teachers, Jessica, will be leaving Japan.
She will go back to Australia. I'm sure she can get a fantastic job in her country because DILIGENCE has made her wonderful business person, and every employer needs diligent employees.
Good luck, Jessica(That's not her real name, though...!!!)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Game Activities
I told you before, but let me say it again.
"Everyday, after I finish all classes, I always think, "thank, God! I can't believe I am still alive!!!""
Wednesday is the day I feel it most because I have three kids classes continuously.
After I teach 4&5-year-old boys( actually I don't "teach" them, almost I "discipline" them..,) 6-year-old kids rush into the classroom. After their class, the first and second grade (of elementary school) kids come to me, and talk to me.
Talking with kids, I prepare teaching materials for the next class, change CDs, and talk with the parents. During three hours, I don't have time even to go to a restroom!
This week is especially hard for me. It will have been one month since I started to teach. Our kids textbook are consisted of 10 Units(maybe,) and each unit has four lessons. Lesson 4 is a review lesson. This week, it was the first time for me to teach lesson 4. Because it's review activities, I should do many "games" to reinforce the vocabulary & structures kids learned.
To make the kids feel comfortable & enjoyable for learning English, I always have to think which game is the best to reinforce the teaching points. Of course I can see what kind of games we should do on the appendix of teaching manuals, but they are written in English(Well, almost everything is written in English here...) Sometimes it's hard to understand, and I should think about "which game is enjoyable, suitable, and the most effective??"
In the Review lessons, kids do more games than usual lessons...
So, I was so busy with preparing for games!!
After they grow up, I hope they will know how an English teacher have a difficulty to make them like English. Anyway, it will be a long time later...
"Everyday, after I finish all classes, I always think, "thank, God! I can't believe I am still alive!!!""
Wednesday is the day I feel it most because I have three kids classes continuously.
After I teach 4&5-year-old boys( actually I don't "teach" them, almost I "discipline" them..,) 6-year-old kids rush into the classroom. After their class, the first and second grade (of elementary school) kids come to me, and talk to me.
Talking with kids, I prepare teaching materials for the next class, change CDs, and talk with the parents. During three hours, I don't have time even to go to a restroom!
This week is especially hard for me. It will have been one month since I started to teach. Our kids textbook are consisted of 10 Units(maybe,) and each unit has four lessons. Lesson 4 is a review lesson. This week, it was the first time for me to teach lesson 4. Because it's review activities, I should do many "games" to reinforce the vocabulary & structures kids learned.
To make the kids feel comfortable & enjoyable for learning English, I always have to think which game is the best to reinforce the teaching points. Of course I can see what kind of games we should do on the appendix of teaching manuals, but they are written in English(Well, almost everything is written in English here...) Sometimes it's hard to understand, and I should think about "which game is enjoyable, suitable, and the most effective??"
In the Review lessons, kids do more games than usual lessons...
So, I was so busy with preparing for games!!
After they grow up, I hope they will know how an English teacher have a difficulty to make them like English. Anyway, it will be a long time later...
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Lie is learning
My first class of the week is a private lesson with a 70-year-old psychiatrist, Mr.S.
The second class is a "Baby" class with a mommy. Now, there is just one girl in this class. Mami, she is one-year-old.
Every week, I found interesting how human beings learn foreign language...by their age.
Mr.S, who is the oldest student of mime, always tries to memorize everything. He also struggles to elicit vocabulary. Additionally, he works hard to distinguish the theories. For example, yesterday he asked me, "What are the differences among travel, trip, tour, and excursion?"
On the other hand, Mami, who is the youngest student of mime, doesn't think anything. (Off course! Because she is one-year-old!) She just mimics me, or repeats me (when she feels inclined to.)
It is almost impossible for Mami to memorize an English sentence, but she can mimic exactly what I say. I mean, pronunciation. She can't "elicit" the word because she doesn't have English knowledge so far, but she can soak up the "sound."
Mr.S. is a REALLY smart person, who is an expert of psychiatry, so he can memorize sentences. However, it is really hard for him to mimic "exact" pronunciation.
Generally, it is important for kids to "enjoy" lessons. Adults need to "elicit" their English knowledge. When I compare to Mr.S and Mami, the difference of learning is really interesting to me.
What I learned at least was "People should learn something all life long!!"
If you want to start learning something, it's never too late. The sooner, the better!!
The second class is a "Baby" class with a mommy. Now, there is just one girl in this class. Mami, she is one-year-old.
Every week, I found interesting how human beings learn foreign language...by their age.
Mr.S, who is the oldest student of mime, always tries to memorize everything. He also struggles to elicit vocabulary. Additionally, he works hard to distinguish the theories. For example, yesterday he asked me, "What are the differences among travel, trip, tour, and excursion?"
On the other hand, Mami, who is the youngest student of mime, doesn't think anything. (Off course! Because she is one-year-old!) She just mimics me, or repeats me (when she feels inclined to.)
It is almost impossible for Mami to memorize an English sentence, but she can mimic exactly what I say. I mean, pronunciation. She can't "elicit" the word because she doesn't have English knowledge so far, but she can soak up the "sound."
Mr.S. is a REALLY smart person, who is an expert of psychiatry, so he can memorize sentences. However, it is really hard for him to mimic "exact" pronunciation.
Generally, it is important for kids to "enjoy" lessons. Adults need to "elicit" their English knowledge. When I compare to Mr.S and Mami, the difference of learning is really interesting to me.
What I learned at least was "People should learn something all life long!!"
If you want to start learning something, it's never too late. The sooner, the better!!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Prejudice
When I observed Emily's (my preceding teacher) class, Riho, a two-year-old girl, didn't concentrate on the class AT ALL. She was always distracted by other things, didn't repeat the teacher's English at all( that is normal for very small kids, though..,) and she was always whispering something in Japanese.
Emily said, "It's hard to teach Riho. She doesn't concentrate on classes at all."
When I taught her twice, Riho was the same. However, when I met a former teacher at the party, she said, "Oh, I taught Riho when she was a baby! She understood English REALLY well even she was so young! She is a smart girl!"
Seriously??? Riho...is??
For me, teaching kids is MUCH MORE harder than teaching adults because I don't understand what kids are thinking about!! However, today, I tried to remove my prejudice for Riho. I tried to believe, "she is a REALLY smart girl!!"
My English school has curriculum for each classes, so, I was focused on "how I can teach the kids today's vocabulary and structure sentences."
That is important, but...in the case of kids' classes, sometimes (could be always) things are not going on as I want to carry on.
Today, I followed Riho's curiosity. Then...I found she knew a lot of English vocabulary!! Just after she was satisfied with what she did, I told her today's structure sentences.
Then, she could repeat the sentences!!
Well, I, such a raw teacher, should "experiment" many ways...
Oh, Wednesday, I have the most difficult class. That is 4 & 5 year-old-kids class.
Which experiment shall I do?? It takes time...
Emily said, "It's hard to teach Riho. She doesn't concentrate on classes at all."
When I taught her twice, Riho was the same. However, when I met a former teacher at the party, she said, "Oh, I taught Riho when she was a baby! She understood English REALLY well even she was so young! She is a smart girl!"
Seriously??? Riho...is??
For me, teaching kids is MUCH MORE harder than teaching adults because I don't understand what kids are thinking about!! However, today, I tried to remove my prejudice for Riho. I tried to believe, "she is a REALLY smart girl!!"
My English school has curriculum for each classes, so, I was focused on "how I can teach the kids today's vocabulary and structure sentences."
That is important, but...in the case of kids' classes, sometimes (could be always) things are not going on as I want to carry on.
Today, I followed Riho's curiosity. Then...I found she knew a lot of English vocabulary!! Just after she was satisfied with what she did, I told her today's structure sentences.
Then, she could repeat the sentences!!
Well, I, such a raw teacher, should "experiment" many ways...
Oh, Wednesday, I have the most difficult class. That is 4 & 5 year-old-kids class.
Which experiment shall I do?? It takes time...
Monday, July 07, 2008
Finally, furniture
Sorry! Today's title's naming is "non-sense..."
Today is just like the title. Since we moved to our condo two months ago, my hubby and I have wondered which furniture to buy. We had almost decided, but we just "neglected" to make a final decision. But today, we did. We bought a dinig table, chairs, and two single beds. However, we still "neglect" the decision of which sideboard to buy... It has been taking a long time for us to gather furniture!!
And now, I am STUCK in front of PC like usual Sunday nights... Every Sunday night, I have to stay up late because I can't finish preparing for Monday's classes! Maybe my weekends are too busy, or I tend to be relaxed too much. I don't know when I can have a peaceful Sunday night...
Today is just like the title. Since we moved to our condo two months ago, my hubby and I have wondered which furniture to buy. We had almost decided, but we just "neglected" to make a final decision. But today, we did. We bought a dinig table, chairs, and two single beds. However, we still "neglect" the decision of which sideboard to buy... It has been taking a long time for us to gather furniture!!
And now, I am STUCK in front of PC like usual Sunday nights... Every Sunday night, I have to stay up late because I can't finish preparing for Monday's classes! Maybe my weekends are too busy, or I tend to be relaxed too much. I don't know when I can have a peaceful Sunday night...
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Music is the key
Tonight, I had my English school's party. It was my welcome party, and mainly, Jessica's farewell party.
We had a "primary" party at our school. There were almost 40 students coming. I also met other part-time teachers, a former teacher, and a former manager.
ALL of them were REALLY cheerful...and SO energetic.
The students were also VERY unique. A lady who can read palms, a guy who just became an acupuncturist after he was retired, a girl who traveled all over Europe alone, a singer, and a martial art teacher...
Some of them were college students, but one boy traveled & worked in some Asian countries before he became a student, and another boy was a soccer player in Italy...SO UNIQUE!!
After we talked & talked for three hours, we went to Karaoke.
We were a group consisting of teens to 50's. Our songs have lots of variations.
From Bump of Chicken to Umezawa Tomio...
But we know American songs, so we can sing along Bob (from America)'s and Jessica (from Australia)'s songs. Most students tried to sing American songs too, like Bon Jovi, Carpenters, or Backstreet boys. I sang Avril Lavigne and Rihanna's songs.
I thought, "Uhh! Music could be the key to enjoy together among international people!" One of my friends, who goes to Cambodia often as a volunteer, said, " I use music A LOT to build a friendship with children." Ummm, that's right!
I always enjoy Karaoke even with unfamilliar people! That 's a great way to have an enjoyable memory together☆
We had a "primary" party at our school. There were almost 40 students coming. I also met other part-time teachers, a former teacher, and a former manager.
ALL of them were REALLY cheerful...and SO energetic.
The students were also VERY unique. A lady who can read palms, a guy who just became an acupuncturist after he was retired, a girl who traveled all over Europe alone, a singer, and a martial art teacher...
Some of them were college students, but one boy traveled & worked in some Asian countries before he became a student, and another boy was a soccer player in Italy...SO UNIQUE!!
After we talked & talked for three hours, we went to Karaoke.
We were a group consisting of teens to 50's. Our songs have lots of variations.
From Bump of Chicken to Umezawa Tomio...
But we know American songs, so we can sing along Bob (from America)'s and Jessica (from Australia)'s songs. Most students tried to sing American songs too, like Bon Jovi, Carpenters, or Backstreet boys. I sang Avril Lavigne and Rihanna's songs.
I thought, "Uhh! Music could be the key to enjoy together among international people!" One of my friends, who goes to Cambodia often as a volunteer, said, " I use music A LOT to build a friendship with children." Ummm, that's right!
I always enjoy Karaoke even with unfamilliar people! That 's a great way to have an enjoyable memory together☆
Friday, July 04, 2008
Problem and Solution
Yesterday, a problem occured at my work. It could be because of my inexperience, but I couldn't do better it at that time. The head teacher told me, " Don't care AT ALL. It's not your fault." But I was discouraged.
As long as we work, we are supposed to experience some problems because it's business. Nobody wants to have problems, but we can't grow without the process of "solving problems."
I am a part time worker, so I may have less responsibilities than full time workers.
However, I want to take the problems seriously, and want to grow. That is one way to be a "real" pro.
While we are working, people don't care if we are full workers or part time workers. Regarless of a job genre, I can always notice whether s/he works with his/her soul or not. If you work hard with your soul, you will be a "real pro" someday.
And then, real pros can give great effect people around them.
I want to be such a person someday, and I want to be surrounded by such "real pros." I would like to seek the work environment like that.
Ummmmm..... Rome was not built in a day....
As long as we work, we are supposed to experience some problems because it's business. Nobody wants to have problems, but we can't grow without the process of "solving problems."
I am a part time worker, so I may have less responsibilities than full time workers.
However, I want to take the problems seriously, and want to grow. That is one way to be a "real" pro.
While we are working, people don't care if we are full workers or part time workers. Regarless of a job genre, I can always notice whether s/he works with his/her soul or not. If you work hard with your soul, you will be a "real pro" someday.
And then, real pros can give great effect people around them.
I want to be such a person someday, and I want to be surrounded by such "real pros." I would like to seek the work environment like that.
Ummmmm..... Rome was not built in a day....
Improvement
I have wanted to do "a rewarding job" for a long time. However, I realized I need to have lots of responsibilities to carry out "rewarding jobs." I have experienced some "boring jobs," but in other words, I could be relaxed during work time and take days off easily. Those facts could be "advantages" to do boring jobs.
English teacher and wedding emcee are rewarding jobs. I thought wedding emcee was harder because wedding is "once a lifetime" thing(well, of course nowadays many people celebrate their second or third weddings, but AT LEAST newlyweds BELIEVE it is once a lifetime at their first weddings.)
However, recently, I noticed. English teachers have another big responsibility.
That is "we have to guarantee our students' improvement!!"
I should become like a "sport trainer" of them. I encourage them, support them, give advise, and sometimes say something bitter to them.
Especially, parents of kids class tend to be flustered about the kids' improvement.
I (we) always have to think about "how can they improve???"
I just started my new career, but keeping that in my mind all the time makes me "improved" as a teacher, definitely. Oh, before that, I should "improve" in my English!!
Ho-ho, it's a long way to go!!!
English teacher and wedding emcee are rewarding jobs. I thought wedding emcee was harder because wedding is "once a lifetime" thing(well, of course nowadays many people celebrate their second or third weddings, but AT LEAST newlyweds BELIEVE it is once a lifetime at their first weddings.)
However, recently, I noticed. English teachers have another big responsibility.
That is "we have to guarantee our students' improvement!!"
I should become like a "sport trainer" of them. I encourage them, support them, give advise, and sometimes say something bitter to them.
Especially, parents of kids class tend to be flustered about the kids' improvement.
I (we) always have to think about "how can they improve???"
I just started my new career, but keeping that in my mind all the time makes me "improved" as a teacher, definitely. Oh, before that, I should "improve" in my English!!
Ho-ho, it's a long way to go!!!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Co-workers
Today is (It's already past the midnight! so, "was?") the WORST day I've ever had at my school... I had three "parents observation" classes, and the first one was not "a class." Actually, it was a "zoo."
That was 4&5-year-old kids class. There are two boys in the class, and I had heard those two were handfuls. But I taught them kindly & they seemed to like me. However, today...things were different. Maybe they were too excited to have mothers, so they didn't listen to me, "at all." I tried to teach them in many ways using lots of props, but nothing could keep their concentration.
I had been confident with talking parents because I am old enough& I'm an emcee...but after the class, the first words I said were "I am sorry!!"
The mothers told me " I understand how hard it is to teach my kid." So, they are good people, but... It was like a "hell" to catch the one trying to get out of the class, make another one crying & lying on his face stand up, keep saying "Stop it! Moms are watching! Be good boys!" etc, etc... After the class, actually I was so discouraged that I was not sure if I keep doing this job.
However, all of my co-workers encouraged me. Misaki, an assistant manager, said, "You don't have to worry! Their mothers can't discipline the boys, so they expect us too much. You did what you can, so it's OK."
Jessica said, "The boys couldn't even stay in a classroom, so you did a great job!"
Also, Bob, who teaches the boys too, said, "We meet them just 50 minutes per week. We can't discipline them. So, don't mind."
Oh, thank you! My open class was not successful, so today could be the worst day...
But my co-workers encouraged me a lot & I felt so grateful to have them. In that meaning, it could be the "best" day.
After I came back home being exhausted at 10:30, my hubby said to me.
"Hi, mom! I'm STARVING!! Feed me!!" I always prepare dinner for him, but he doesn't want to serve it by himself.
I forgot about it...I have a "kid" at my home!!!
That was 4&5-year-old kids class. There are two boys in the class, and I had heard those two were handfuls. But I taught them kindly & they seemed to like me. However, today...things were different. Maybe they were too excited to have mothers, so they didn't listen to me, "at all." I tried to teach them in many ways using lots of props, but nothing could keep their concentration.
I had been confident with talking parents because I am old enough& I'm an emcee...but after the class, the first words I said were "I am sorry!!"
The mothers told me " I understand how hard it is to teach my kid." So, they are good people, but... It was like a "hell" to catch the one trying to get out of the class, make another one crying & lying on his face stand up, keep saying "Stop it! Moms are watching! Be good boys!" etc, etc... After the class, actually I was so discouraged that I was not sure if I keep doing this job.
However, all of my co-workers encouraged me. Misaki, an assistant manager, said, "You don't have to worry! Their mothers can't discipline the boys, so they expect us too much. You did what you can, so it's OK."
Jessica said, "The boys couldn't even stay in a classroom, so you did a great job!"
Also, Bob, who teaches the boys too, said, "We meet them just 50 minutes per week. We can't discipline them. So, don't mind."
Oh, thank you! My open class was not successful, so today could be the worst day...
But my co-workers encouraged me a lot & I felt so grateful to have them. In that meaning, it could be the "best" day.
After I came back home being exhausted at 10:30, my hubby said to me.
"Hi, mom! I'm STARVING!! Feed me!!" I always prepare dinner for him, but he doesn't want to serve it by himself.
I forgot about it...I have a "kid" at my home!!!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Summer Big Sale!!
This morning, I was like a HUNTER chasing BIG GAME... Why? Because today is the opening day of the big summer sale at department stores!!
I was late seven minutes for the opening "hunt." By the time I arrived at the "battlefield," the big hunting match has already begun. "Oh, clap! A veteran hunter (like me) shouldn't be late!!" I said to myself regretting, but I had already decided which ones I "shoot." Looking at other hunters who were still wondering out of the corner of my eyes...I got what I wanted.
Oh, I should say it simply! I got some clothes for my work. I should wear business suits when I'm teaching, but those suits are different from what I wear on emcee job.
After I came back home, every TV news problem said "From today, the prices of daily necessities (like oil, electricity) go up!"
Well....what I got today are DAILY NECESSITIES for me, but the price goes down.
It's good!!and, you know, it's an excuse to enjoy "fashion"...
I was late seven minutes for the opening "hunt." By the time I arrived at the "battlefield," the big hunting match has already begun. "Oh, clap! A veteran hunter (like me) shouldn't be late!!" I said to myself regretting, but I had already decided which ones I "shoot." Looking at other hunters who were still wondering out of the corner of my eyes...I got what I wanted.
Oh, I should say it simply! I got some clothes for my work. I should wear business suits when I'm teaching, but those suits are different from what I wear on emcee job.
After I came back home, every TV news problem said "From today, the prices of daily necessities (like oil, electricity) go up!"
Well....what I got today are DAILY NECESSITIES for me, but the price goes down.
It's good!!and, you know, it's an excuse to enjoy "fashion"...
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Tiny Heart
My first "parents observation day" has gone peacefully. I got REALLY nervous before the classes began as if I did my first emcee job. But eventually, there were less mothers coming than I expected. I got some "opinions" from the mothers, but they were pleasant ones.
However, I heard one story that stuck my heart. Ruka (a two-year-old girl)'s mother said to me, "When Emily (my preceding teacher) left the school, she said nothing to Ruka. She said to ME why she would leave the school, but maybe she thought Ruka was too young to say good-bye. However, actually, Ruka felt sad and she didn't understand whey Emily left the school without saying good-bye to her. After that, Ruka said she didn't want to go to the English school."
...OH!!!!... I'm so sorry... I understand why Emily didn't say good-bye to her... Probably she didn't want Ruka to feel lonely... I also understand how Ruka's tiny heart hurt... Now, one thing I know is Ruka was not too young to say good-bye. She wanted to do "farewell" to the teacher, like us.
When I had a kids' English meeting, I had some classes of child psychology. The teacher said, "some of you may think children are MONSTERS, but they are not. They are SMALL ADULTS. They feel the same like what you feel. So, you should treat children the way you want other adults to treat you."
That is exactly true...
Oh, the teacher also said, "But don't forget. They are not flexible like you."
That is also true...
To be honest with you, I still feel some of my kids students are "monsters." But whenever I feel so, I try to remind of the teacher's words. They are SMALL ADULTS!!
Well, to talk with the mothers is good to get the kids' information!!
I have some more "parents observation classes," so I have to prepare more...
But tomorrow, I go out to one of the biggest events of the year.
What is that?? I'll talk to you tomorrow!!
However, I heard one story that stuck my heart. Ruka (a two-year-old girl)'s mother said to me, "When Emily (my preceding teacher) left the school, she said nothing to Ruka. She said to ME why she would leave the school, but maybe she thought Ruka was too young to say good-bye. However, actually, Ruka felt sad and she didn't understand whey Emily left the school without saying good-bye to her. After that, Ruka said she didn't want to go to the English school."
...OH!!!!... I'm so sorry... I understand why Emily didn't say good-bye to her... Probably she didn't want Ruka to feel lonely... I also understand how Ruka's tiny heart hurt... Now, one thing I know is Ruka was not too young to say good-bye. She wanted to do "farewell" to the teacher, like us.
When I had a kids' English meeting, I had some classes of child psychology. The teacher said, "some of you may think children are MONSTERS, but they are not. They are SMALL ADULTS. They feel the same like what you feel. So, you should treat children the way you want other adults to treat you."
That is exactly true...
Oh, the teacher also said, "But don't forget. They are not flexible like you."
That is also true...
To be honest with you, I still feel some of my kids students are "monsters." But whenever I feel so, I try to remind of the teacher's words. They are SMALL ADULTS!!
Well, to talk with the mothers is good to get the kids' information!!
I have some more "parents observation classes," so I have to prepare more...
But tomorrow, I go out to one of the biggest events of the year.
What is that?? I'll talk to you tomorrow!!
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