Teaching English in Japan - Just an observation

Today I taught some classes in elementary school, with the help from some of my second year students, from one of my JHS.  You should have seen the looks on their faces when I spoke to my fifth graders.  I wanted to say to them, ''don't worry guys, I would challenge you. I'd drag you through the coals like I do my elementary students.  The thing is, that's considered 'too difficult'.  I would really like you to grow as an English speaker but a lot of that is out of my hands.''

The sad thing is, it's generally true.  I have confidence in my students and their ability.  It's ok to fail, as long as you can grow from your mistake.  We can have fun, have a challenge, and learn.  Isn't that the whole point to education?  Well, in Japan its not so much the case.

I could go on but for now I will stop.  I need to sleep and I don't want everyone to read this.  Maybe when I'm done with the whole ALT business, I will let it all out; every feeling and complaint.

Burned

Now that summer is over, its time to reflect and take a look back on a few gnarly sunburns I obtained.

Surprisingly, I didn't have many good pictures of burns I had on my face. Those ones were fairly strange.

It is always hard to remember to put on sun screen. Most of the time I would go outside with long sleeves on. It was amazing at how tan my hands got. I really wish I would have taken a picture to that.

Now that we are slowly slipping into fall, my skin will return to the pale white it once was. Time to get ready for the cold season and bundle up for class. Remember, the schools not only have poor air conditioning but poor heating! ARGH!