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First Week in Kesennuma 2006 |
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Joined:
2006/2/26 13:02 From US
Posts: 27
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There are definite advantages to partnering with the same school two consecutive years. My first week back at Kesennuma High School was like returning to Callisburg after a summer break. The faces were familiar and everyone had a warm greeting for me. There was no need to go through an adjustment period. I walked into the biology lab on the first day and the science teachers were eager to begin discussions about this year's pair project.
Another advantage is that the students were familiar with me. Many students stopped me in the hall to say hello and to converse in English. Last year they were too shy, but our familiarity has made all of us more at ease. One big difference is that Kesennuma was host to 19 teachers from the JFMF Teacher Program. This meant I got to have two welcome parties! But seriously, it meant I was able to network with some remarkable teachers from across the U.S. While the 19 teachers were on their homestays last weekend, their group coordinator and translator had the day off and decided to go explore Oshima Island. They let me tag along. As we boarded the ferry, we met last year's Kesennuma High School principal, who had invited me to stay in his home, and one of the JFMF teacher program participants. Mr. Shirahata retired a the end of the past school year but had volunteered to be a host family for this year's teacher program. It was wonderful to see him again. The best part is that he was born on Oshima and offered to be our guide for the day. We explored many off-the-beaten-path sites including a beach where the sand make a sound when you brushed your hand or foot across it. He was also a former biology teacher so we experienced a first-hand look at the island's flora while munching on wild strawberries, mulberries, and black berries. It was yummy! Sunday was a local cultural festival and the Kesennuma Science Club did a presentation that featured this spring's Bugs and Soil collection activities. They did a splended job. Other school clubs also displayed their work. In the afternoon, another science teacher, who is also the brass band club director, gave a marvelous concert at the municipal auditorium. I am always amazed that teachers do such a magnificent job of sponsoring club activities that are out of their field of expertise. I have heard local symphony orchestras in Texas that were not as good as the Kesennuma High School brass band club. The second week promises to be very fruitful. I will be co-teaching an English class and doing planning sessions with other teachers who will share their classes with me in the following weeks. MTP is an experience every teacher should have. Attach file:  Beautiful Beach.jpg (249.42 KB) Brass Band Concert.jpg (236.61 KB) Yashu\'s Concert.jpg (336.73 KB) Exploring Oshima with old friend.jpg (410.68 KB) Fresh Strawberries.jpg (491.01 KB) Science Club\'s Presentation.jpg (267.09 KB) Spring Bugs and Soil.jpg (299.76 KB)
Posted on: 2006/6/26 5:15
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Re: First Week in Kesennuma 2006 |
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Home away from home
 
Joined:
2006/2/26 13:02 From US
Posts: 278
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What a great time Tim, it is cool that you got to know some of the JFMFers. Nice set of photos too. Jim, East High
Posted on: 2006/6/26 11:49
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