11. Awa Nishi Activities

Bunka Sai: some of my decorators

As I mentioned in the last article, I was given the responsibility of handling my own after school club. I had no idea what to do in the beginning or how the students would react. Now this was really intimidating and exciting at first because the students are not inclined to speak up or correct you if you have misspoken so thanks to my handy dictionary, we made it through the first few lessons stumbling along. But then I realized, that conversation was not the only way to teach English so I created some lessons where the students learned crafts, music styles, and cooking. I think these were much more popular...I certainly seemed to get increased attendance on cooking days. We made chocolate chip cookies, apple crisp, pumpkin pie and craft items such as pass cases for ID's and Christmas ornaments. Most of my club members were girls, although I did have a boy stop in now and then for crafts.

One thing I did notice is that my attendance at these once a week club meetings was never consistent. I had new members all the time, but did not retain the old ones. I later found that there were several other clubs going on at the same time, so my attendance was always a surprise, I never knew what to prepare for. I think the two other clubs that rivaled for my kids attentions were the personal computer club and the band. But that was ok, I always had fresh new faces each week.

making cookies and making ID pass cases

I was also asked to set up a room for Bunka Sai, the annual cultural festival. Apparently, these fests were quite common, and it was time for community spirit and raising money for charity. Well seeing as how the fest was slated for late October, and American had just gone through the tragic events of September 11th, I felt compelled to use a patriotic theme, for I just cannot express the sadness and sense of helplessness I felt being in Japan at that time. So my room was all decked out in red, white and blue that I scrounged. I cut out newspaper clippings and set up educational walls of info regarding the US, St. Louis, pop culture, and my club. I also had a table set up for collecting charitable donations for fallen firefighters and Afghani children. To help raise money I baked well over 500 cookies and in an instant they were gobbled up...apparently, they were quite popular. I also made some crafts to sell and had music playing. The kids helped me decorate and I never would have finished in time if it were not for them. The students also had their own rooms to attend to decorating them or practicing their performances. It was great fun and I really enjoyed the fact that my room seemed to become the students' hang-out room. Before long they were all lounged about, quietly playing cards or chatting or looking through the endless cultural and educational resources I had brought from home.

1st donation to charity!

Computer club members

I was lucky enough to also enjoy Sports Day, as a spectator, for my athletic days are wasting away...certainly the ones requiring running or already long gone :-) This is annual event held by the school where the spend an entire day at a local park, competing in dozens of races and friendly fun competitions. Teachers also join, and there is also music supplied by the brass band and certificates awarded to all. It is also a time when all members of after school clubs are recognized. It was a beautiful, if not a little chilly day. I had a great time watching everyone.

race between students and teachers, hanging out between races and 
peeling apples for crisp..all in one carving!

I felt very welcome at Awa Nishi, like part of the extended family. The staff was also very kind to me and even hosted a welcome beach bbq for me..that was wonderful! It was great getting to know the teachers since there were not more than 20. The administrative staff consisted of three office workers and they were terrific too! I was very lucky to have Awa Nishi High School teach me many things as I hope I was able to pass on a few things to them, as well. I certainly miss everyone over there! I hope someday, as soon as I can get my own classroom again, that I may organize a letter-writing/email exchange with the students from Awa Nishi with my students here in the US!

(to be continued...)

<Previous> Table of Contents  <Next>