Thursday, February 27, 2003

What I did today Today, I... Got into work to be greeted by the secretary telling me how much she liked my photos (she said my camera messen was good, and that I saw things in a slightly different way to Japanese people... I'm not sure whether the latter is good or not); Called one of the panellists for the rakugo, only to be told by his (Japanese wife) that her husband didn't speak enough Japanese to be able to understand me (as so often happens, she hadn't realised I wasn't Japanese!); Was on duty at lunchtime; Went to Akizuki Elementary School for a single lesson; Went for a haircut, and found myself wondering just what the world was coming to when the person next to me asked for a haircut 'just like Beckham's'; Taught the seventh lesson in the English class in Koyo Community Centre.

After their ear pounding 'good morning' performance yesterday, the four junior high school boys went one better this morning, with 'formation cycling'. On the same hill as yesterday, they came racing down towards me, and at the last moment skimmed past me, going to my right and left in turn. Perfectly executed, too!- these four have a bright future in entertainment, I'm sure.

Went to Akizuki Elementary School for my final visit of the academic year. I went for just one lesson, so that the children could practice their play for one last time before the performance on Saturday. I have to say that they are far better than they have been in previous years' plays, although compared to last week's practice, some of their pronunciations have definitely slipped. I did my best to insist on correct pronunciations- after all, they wanted to do a play in English, so it's only fair that they do actually do it in something as close to English as possible- but, as ever, I got the impression that the children weren't taking in what I said. They repeat it when I tell them, basically because I refuse to go on until they do, but they're not interesting in remembering it for their own benefit. Anyway, the play as a whole wasn't bad- although there's no doubt that with a little imagination, it could have been far better. The teachers here, though, at least try their best, which is something they should be congratulated on, even if sometimes what they tell the children goes against what I (as the native English speaker) have taught. I can't say I'm looking forward to Saturday, although I'm sure that this time I won't be sitting in the audience fuming at the difference between the reality and what could have been. This is definitely progress.

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