I played my own version of Concentrate with an intermediate ESOL class I was subbing Monday night-- 16 words somewhat related to the incoming blizzard. Afterwards, I asked the students to write a story in the past tense with the verbs and nouns on the board. I didn't have the chance to assess their writing… Continue reading A Snapshot of My Life as an ESOL Teacher in Boston
Category: Teaching
My Japanese High School’s Bunkasai
I missed out on blogging about my high school`s insanely spectacular Sports Day last September, so I don`t want to miss the chance to tell you about my high school`s bunaksai, or Culture Festival, that happened in June. After reading about bunkasais from other ALT blogs, I am getting the sense that events in the Japanese school… Continue reading My Japanese High School’s Bunkasai
A Snapshot of my life as a Writing Teacher/Sensei
I just got rid of my Twitter account because I never use it. But before I clicked deactivate, I browsed through my old updates, and happened upon one I posted in the fall of 2014: One of my freshman writers referred to dead leaves as "the corpses of spring" in a Nature Observation Exercise I had my… Continue reading A Snapshot of my life as a Writing Teacher/Sensei
A Snapshot of My Life, and Why I Haven’t Written About Golden Week Yet
I love the way sunshine breathes life into a city. I just returned from a beautiful evening bike ride around my little city, the perfect way to close out a great weekend at the beach. On my bike ride I saw more kids outside playing than usual, and lots of people were enjoying dinner with their… Continue reading A Snapshot of My Life, and Why I Haven’t Written About Golden Week Yet
Celebrating Green and White Holidays in Japan
White Day March 14th is White Day in Japan. If you don't know what it is, I promise it`s not nearly as bad as it sounds. White Day is simply a day designated for boys to return sweets to the girls who gave them something on Valentine's Day. After a couple friends asked me why… Continue reading Celebrating Green and White Holidays in Japan
Japanese High School Graduation
My high school's graduation ceremony was on March 1st. The Japanese school year begins in April, but graduation happens in the beginning of March, midweek, while first and second year students still have classes. It was a fun cultural experience to attend a Japanese graduation because it was so different than a high school graduation… Continue reading Japanese High School Graduation
One of My Best Week at School Yet.
This week, I want to burn all of my words for warmth because believe it or not, my tropical island is cold. Especially in my school, and specifically in my teachers' room. It has rained every single day since last Saturday. I'm not just talking drizzles here, people...it has been pouring buckets of cold rain. Anyway.… Continue reading One of My Best Week at School Yet.
It Will Always Be the Little Things
There is something special about the time one spends living abroad. Wherever you are in the world, you are bound to have experiences that are truly unique to you and your situation. I had one of those experiences last night. D and I decided to brave the downpour and go out to sing karaoke with… Continue reading It Will Always Be the Little Things
Everything is Centered Around the Center Exam
Something called the Center Exam will take place at my high school this weekend. These exams in Japan are similar to the SATs in Northern America. So if you score high, you'll have a better chance of getting into the school of your choice. And if you don't do so hot, you'll have to take them… Continue reading Everything is Centered Around the Center Exam
Merry Christmas!
This has been my favorite Christmas season yet. I learned this month just how much the country of Japan is infused with the spirit of Christmas. My senseis and students were just so excited for Santa-themed lessons all month long! And after a not-so-festive October 31st on Amami, I worried there wouldn't be much holiday… Continue reading Merry Christmas!
The Becca Jar 