Today I had a class with my third years at my base school. There are seven of them in the class and their level is such that I can have fun with them and we can all chat and understand each other. At the 忘年会 (end of year party) with the teachers last week (details of that to follow in a separate post) the JTE for that class hinted that the students wanted to do something of their own for that lesson. At school, sober, I confirmed this with him a few days later and was told not to plan any lesson because he and the students would take care of it. So, somewhat nervously, I agreed to take this micro-holiday from lesson planning.
The lesson was, in fact, beautifully planned out and I was treated to performances and demonstrations by the students, who were eager to show me how the Japanese celebrate New Year's Day. Posters had been made detailing the food they eat (the best picture by far was of a lobster), the students also drew on the board and spoke of their favourite traditions. They got really excited at times, which is what makes me feel the happiest about teaching. Seeing the students flap around, resorting to charades and pictures to help them fill the gaps in their vocabulary makes me feel like we're really getting somewhere. It seems paradoxical but it shows that they are grasping the importance of the work we're doing. They are discovering why language study is so vital, and the honest satisfaction on their faces when I grasp what they are saying is so rewarding.
Sentimentality aside, there was a surprise waiting for me, just as I suspected there was. Towards the end of the lesson I was told I would be tested (nerve-wracking, to say the least.) The students taught me a typical children's song about being excited for the arrival of the new year - and then the JTE asked me to sing it for the class to show I had learnt it.
WHAT?!
Yes, I squirmed and tried to wriggle out of it a little. But no-one was letting me off the hook so I gave in and sang for them, finishing just in time for the bell to ring. They were so excited about having got me to sing that it kind of felt worth it!
But next time I am told not to plan anything before the lesson, I might take a swig of vodka before going up to the classroom!
**Disclaimer** I was joking about the vodka.
The lesson was, in fact, beautifully planned out and I was treated to performances and demonstrations by the students, who were eager to show me how the Japanese celebrate New Year's Day. Posters had been made detailing the food they eat (the best picture by far was of a lobster), the students also drew on the board and spoke of their favourite traditions. They got really excited at times, which is what makes me feel the happiest about teaching. Seeing the students flap around, resorting to charades and pictures to help them fill the gaps in their vocabulary makes me feel like we're really getting somewhere. It seems paradoxical but it shows that they are grasping the importance of the work we're doing. They are discovering why language study is so vital, and the honest satisfaction on their faces when I grasp what they are saying is so rewarding.
Sentimentality aside, there was a surprise waiting for me, just as I suspected there was. Towards the end of the lesson I was told I would be tested (nerve-wracking, to say the least.) The students taught me a typical children's song about being excited for the arrival of the new year - and then the JTE asked me to sing it for the class to show I had learnt it.
WHAT?!
Yes, I squirmed and tried to wriggle out of it a little. But no-one was letting me off the hook so I gave in and sang for them, finishing just in time for the bell to ring. They were so excited about having got me to sing that it kind of felt worth it!
But next time I am told not to plan anything before the lesson, I might take a swig of vodka before going up to the classroom!
**Disclaimer** I was joking about the vodka.
