Life as an ALT in Japan

Yesterday I was at my visit school in Matsushiro. I had my first lesson with the first years and when I walked in a boy shouted out "I dreamt about you last night" in Japanese.....the whole class was laughing - even the teacher as she translated it to me....so I taught the next 45 minutes of the lesson with a red face. Discipline tends to be absent from these classes generally, with students turning up late, sleeping in the class and talking over me when I speak. The teachers just say "oh its too hot...students tired.....students shy......" Shy?! Shy?! I would have loved them to be shy!
I made a post box last week for the "shy" students to post any questions they have for me....so when I arrived this week I was surprised to find it full of letters. After I sifted out the "Do you have a boyfriend?......Will it be windy tomorrow?....." type questions there was some really good questions from the students.....so I can't wait to see what's in the post box next week....I think I'll make it a weekly feature on my blog!

Today I had my first lesson with Komatsu-Sensei second graders. The class was all girls and they were really sweet....after listening to my presentation they introduced themselves and asked some really good questions.
Then they worked on practicing their Martin Luther King speeches that will be marked on Monday....they really are good students.









Tonight I am going to Miki's house in Komoro for dinner and stay over....I'm so tired I am glad that I have a night off cooking and cleaning.....its amazing how much care my little apartment requires.