It was my last day at Shishiori Elementary. I spent the day with fourth grade and the Special Education class. In the Special Education class we decorated a tree for one of their holidays. I guess it is like our Christmas tree. We had to write our wish and hang it on the tree. The fourth grade finished all their presentation. Elissa was again my translator. (Thanks) After that, it was my farewell ceremony. I had to sit on the stage and the sang songs to me. Seiichi (my partner)had a slide show on my times at Shishiori. It was very nice. I had lunch with Hiroko's class(my partner)and they were excited. After lunch, they presented me with gifts. Some of them drew pictures of me and they were so cute. They also gave me some origami because I want to learn to make more origami. I was taught how to do the crane and morning glory. I also had a calligrapy lesson. I learn how to write wheat and learn.

They had a final staff meeting to tell me goodbye. I had to give a farewell speech. I was then asked to walk across the playground to Seiichi's car. As soon as I started walking, the children were telling me goodbye and wanting to shake my hand. I think I told every child goodbye twice. It was very overwhelming and I was trying not to cry.

I got to go home a little early because I had to pack. We had our luggage shipped back to Tokyo. I was picked up for my farewell dinner with the staff. It was a very enjoyable evening. The principal was doing magic tricks for me. We took a group picture and then I told everyone goodbye. That was also a little emotional. I had a wonderful time at Shishiori and I know I will see all the teachers again on video conference.

Deana Melancon

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I just adore the elementary school children. They all have such interesting questions and are all so genki genki genki. I also admire how their teachers are able to focus that energy and use time so productively.

I was blown away by the class sizes in Japan. They had double the children than I had. I really admire the Japanese teachers for all they do. The children were very sweet and excited to see me.

Deana Melancon

Some of the high school classes are large too (compared to my class sizes). Another interesting thing about elementary school in Japan compared to America is that in the Japanese grade schools that I have visited, the teachers are with the students from the moment they walk in the door to the end of the school day. In the American grade schools that I am familiar with, the teachers get a little prep time when students go to their specialty teachers (music, art, P.E.), but in Japan, the elementary school teachers seem to do it all. I am sure that I would be exhausted at the end of the day. I don't know how they do it.

I agree- I would be exhausted if I was a Japanese teacher. I have one hour of prep time in the morning. At my partner school, the children had two times to have free time. The teachers had that time to prepare for their class. I was amazed that the children were playing outside by thierselves. If we did that at my school someone would get seriously injured because they are rough-even in first grade. I thought the swimming time was cool though!!

Deana Melancon