Today was my first day at Shiojirinishi ES. I began the day by giving a short speech to the staff. Although I am not shy about public speaking, today I was particularly nervous to introduce myself. At the same time, a second grade student from Dallas/Fort-Worth, Texas enrolled in the school. His parents are Japanese and are spending the summer in Shiojiri. Not only did I introduce myself to the staff, but Alex the second grade student introduced himself as well. It was nice to have some company in the experience. I think his speech was more interesting than mine!!



After greeting the staff, I meet the students in the gymnasium. I gave yet another speech, and the students sang me a song in English. I thought their voices sounded beautiful!

I also had the opportunity to meet the 5th grade students. We played several games and the students were allowed to ask me questions. I was asked questions such as, "Do you have a boyfriend?" or "What is the most disgusting food in America?" I though their questions were very amusing and I enjoyed getting to know them.



Akhito took me on a tour of the school. Everywhere I went children ran up to me to shake my hand and say, "Hello Cassidy-sensei!" I enjoyed viewing the classrooms. I have discovered that Japanese children are as energetic and fun loving as American students. They are also as likely to call-out and be off-task. I suppose childhood is the same no matter where you go.

After eating lunch with Akio's class - the students were very kind not to stare at my poor chopstick skills - I observed the infamous Japanese cleaning time. Everywhere I went, children were involved in cleaning the school. I even saw children outside pulling weeds. Although they were cleaning, they appeared to having fun and made a game out of what they were doing. As I walked through the computer lab, several students crawled behind me with their rags to clean the floor, following me where ever I went. Tomorrow I will need to assume a job to be a part of the staff.

After lunch I popped into Akio's class, but I am ashamed to say I didn't understand what was going on, and was lured out the door by sounds of music and English. Sorry, Akio! I had the opportunity to participate in an English lesson taught by Kaori to a group of 6th grade students. All students were active and participating.

Thank you to Akito, Akio, Hideki and Kaori for making my first day such an exciting experince!

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