Wednesday started with me talking about the bugs and soil collections that I did with my students. Unfortunately, I could not make a PP because I had no photos! I thought I had emailed them and perhaps I did but opened them on the desktop computer at home. Oh well. It was a good talk. I asked the students to share with me about their collection. They were very reluctant to do so. I have found that to be the case consistently. Whenever I ask students to answer questions or to share no one is willing!

Thursday was a visit to Miyagi University of Education. My schedule said "visit". Well, on Wednesday afternoon I found out that I was actually teaching a 90 min class and participating in a group discussion for 90 minutes! I showed a DVD and PP about my school. I then taught ASL. I guess these students are studying to become special education teachers. I did not realize until this day that the University offered programs in special education and had a whole department devoted to that! One of the professors, named Joe, is deaf himself. The panel discussion was interesting. Eight graduate students were involved as well as Joe and another professor. They asked me questions regarding sign language. Joe was particularly interested in the use of ASL and bilingual methods at ISD. Communication of ideas was a bit rough at times since these were indepth and technical ideas we were discussing. I went to lunch with the professors and afterwards met with Joe a bit. They are really trying to improve deaf education and teacher training- especially in regards to teachers knowing sign language. They would like to talk some more so I'll be going back on the 13th.

This evening I went with some of the staff to a beer garden. 3000 Yen all you can eat and drink in 2 hours. I had cola- my staple. It was fun though being in a relaxed environment with them.

Friday I taught some more ASL both in the morning and the afternoon. In addition I had the treat of watching the Elementary Tanabata festival. The children sang songs and performed. The preschool did a fan dance. A 6th grade boy was the emcee. It was a nice program.
This evening I went to dinner with some staff who speak English and the ALT from the blind school. We went to an Italian restaurant and were served a variety of courses. It was an enjoyable evening.

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I can't put any pictures of students that can be recognized on the website- that is why I blacked out the girl's face!

Yeah, isn't technology great (except for when it doesn't work)? I know what you mean about the photos. That's why I have so many back of the head shots and small unrecognizable faces. It is still nice to see what is going on. Jim, Cheyenne East HS

Thanks for the look. I posted some simple instructions to your question on my thread. The guide from Sato-san is more helpful. It is from March 8 with the title Important 3/13 deadline. In it is XOOPS guide number 2. You want to take a look at pages 5-8. I am also forwarding a copy to your e-mail.

Feel free to post or e-mail any questions.

Good luck!

Jim, Cheyenne East HS