We went back to the same elementary school today. I felt significantly more comfortable today than the first day. I think it was because I was more prepared to expect from the school day and the kids. I enjoyed reading and play Heads up seven up. I read “Actually Size” that had a large picture of the actual size of different animals. The kids enjoyed the noise of movement of the animals in the book. I should have started with animal noises. We need some help from a translator to explain the rules and directions of the game to the kids. Emily and I try to explain in English were going to take all day. The kids caught on to the game very quickly and seemed to enjoy the game.
At second grade, I read “Rainbow fish” they had already been introduced to the book, so I think they were able to follow along with the book. After the books, the kids asked us questions about food, drinks, and sports. It was great to see what the kids want to know about us! During lunch, I ate with a third-grade class. I was able to show them where on the map I lived. I tried to explain how large America was compared to Japan. It was shocking to the kids that we don’t have pools in our schools and that most people have dogs.
Kyōiku: View through U.S. Teachers Eyes 