Category: ALT
My First Japanese Elementary School Undoukai (Sports Day)
On June 9th, I attended one of my elementary school’s undoukai, or sports day (I’ve seen it translated as “field day” somewhere too). Basically, the kids start practicing for runs and relays a few weeks in advance, and they prepare dances as well. An all around day to promote health and sports I suppose. I…
My First Japanese Elementary School Ensoku
On May 16th, I attended one of my elementary school’s ensoku, or field trip or excursion, as it could be translated. I still had to go to work, but because it ended up on a day I was going to this school, there were no classes for me to teach. Instead of deskwarming all day,…
My First Japanese Elementary School Entrance Ceremony
On Thursday, April 6th, I attended one of my elementary school’s (the same one I went to the graduation ceremony for) entrance ceremony. Ok brief intermission before that. No one actually told me when it was or that it was happening. The new staff introduction ceremony (“taking up a new post” is what the dictionary…
My First Japanese Elementary School Graduation
Last Monday, March 20th, I attended one of my elementary school’s graduation ceremony for the sixth graders. Unfortunately I couldn’t go to my other school’s since that one was on the same day, but I’m glad I was able to experience the vibe at this one. The graduation ceremony took place in the school’s gym,…
Deskwarming: an ALT Staple
Most ALTs will experience a phenomenon called “deskwarming” at some point in their career, but to different degrees. Deskwarming is essentially when you’re required to go to work (mostly because Japanese contracts are stiff), even though you may not actually have anything to do, so you either have to sit there or keep yourself killing…
Japanese Elementary Schools
Rural Hokkaido public school, as opposed to my experience growing up in an American (more specifcally Southern Californian) public school. In my time working here, I’ve noticed some perculiar small things, and I though I’d collect these thoughts into a post because I found the cultural differences interesting. Of course, this is comparing working in…
On Kyushoku (Japanese School Lunch)
Kyushoku, or 給食, is what I believe a popular-ish topic among the working in Japan world. It’s basically school provided lunch. As I am not a student, I am not entirely sure if the families pay for the kids’ food, but in any case, everyone at school eats this supposedly nutritionally balanced meal at lunch.…