The Fishermen's Dance: Soran! Soran!

It's one of the busiest time of the school year. Teachers and students are preparing for the upcoming Sports Festival at the end of the this month. Last school periods are cancelled to give way to practice. The usual fifty- minute classes are shortened to 45 minutes. Even the club activities became comparatively lighter and less rigorous so students can practice. Everything just seems hectic.

The main reason for everyone's busyness is for practicing the Japanese traditional dance called Soran. Wikipedia provides some interesting facts about this dance:

• The dance is based on the song "Soran bushi." This is the work song of Japanese fishermen. 
• The dance depicts ocean waves, fishermen dragging nets, pulling ropes and lifting their catch.
• The words that the dancers utter, "DOKKOISHO!" and "SORAN" are meant to encourage the fishermen in their work. 

photo credit: http://www.colombo-plan.org/asianyouthcongress/?p=449

This traditional dance is part of the Physical Education curriculum in Japan. 

The dance steps are actually simple. There are some waving of arms and bending of knees together with some pulling motions. The dancers don't actually move much from their spot except on the last part for the last formation. What makes the practice hard was the fact that about 90-100 students have to dance in unison.

photo credit:http://english.scout.or.kr/News.do?action=view&brdno=1227&sitecode=02&brdctsno=4447

The school that I work for is quite big with 6-7 classes for each grade level. The students will be divided to 7 groups represented by colors. Each group will have a class for first year, second year and third year. This will total to about a hundred students in each group. 

The students' dance will become the highlight of the Sports Festival. It is a competition of who can perform the same dance best. Because of this, I can see that even the most uncooperative students participate. What's also good is how the the third year students step up to lead the smaller groups of first and second years. Even those who are not leader-material have this time to be leaders.

During practice, I can see the tiredness and little annoyances on the students' faces. The beauty is even if complaints are written on their faces, they'd still do whatever is expected of them. Even the most unruly student suppress their frustration and just do what the whole group is doing That's Japanese 'obedience'  and 'submission' for you. 

I believe that the best part of this whole dance is how it brings the students together. Last year, after the Sports Festival, students seem to be friendlier across levels. They have become closer with the whole ordeal of practicing under the heat of the sun. They became more open in a way.

For the following days to come, I know I'll see tired faces, hear unceasing shouts of "Soran" and maybe meet some sun-smelling students. But I know, the school will also be cloaked in excitement and have an atmosphere of light camaraderie.

Japanese School Uniform

Even before I came to Japan, I have always loved Japanese school uniforms as seen in their animes. Students look neat and scholarly in their uniforms. So when I first saw the students here in Japan, it was like all the anime characters in my childhood came to life. And my thought was "So this is how they really dress like." What's more, there are interesting facts I have learned regarding students uniforms and related school apparel in Japan.

Here are some of them:

1.) Students have seasonal uniforms.

photo credit: http://www.japanretailnews.com/2/post/2012/06/japanese-school-uniforms-a-tale-of-imported-culture.html

I know I shouldn't be surprised by this since Japan has four seasons. But I'm surprised anyway. During the warmer months, students wear shorts and shirts inside the school. Then during the cooler months, they would wear jogging pants and jackets. Outside, the would wear cooler polos and blouses while they wear coats during winter.

2.) Students change clothes upon arrival in the school.

I don't know if this applies to elementary and high school but in the Junior High Schools I have worked in, students change clothes when they arrive in school. Students will come to school i their formal looking uniforms- skirts and blouses for girls and pants and polos for boys. Then when they arrive in the school, they would change to their sports clothes and wear them for the rest of the day. They can change back to their formal uniform when they go home. The only reason I can think of why they do that is because they don't want to soil their uniforms.

3.) Students wear identical shoes.


Japan is all about belonging and being part of a group- even with their footwear. Japanese schools require students to have outdoor shoes, indoor shoes and gym shoes. All students have the same style in all of these type of shoes. Some schools add various colors to the students' indoor shoes depending on their grade level. In one of the schools I have been to, the first year have green lines on their shoes, the second year have blue and the third year have red. But the style is the same in all levels.

4.) Students have identical bags. The type of bag a student carries reveal what level he's in. 

photo credit: http://yamamoto-fund.blogspot.jp/p/school-supplies-and-prices.html

The concept of belonging to a group does not only stop with the footwear. It also goes to the students' school bags. Elementary students all over Japan have identical backpacks similar to Dora's that usually costs 30000 to 50000 Yen. According to a Japanese mother, the bag is expensive because it is very sturdy. Students will use it until they finish elementary. Even junior high and high school students have the same bags. The only difference is the school name and logo printed on their bags.

5.) Students must always wear identical outer wear. 

It doesn't matter how many layers of clothes a students has during winter. What's important is that he should be wearing the school jacket outside all his clothes. There was even a teacher who disallow a student in removing his jacket even if that student feels warm already. The teacher's reason? The other students are wearing their jackets. Therefore, everyone should be wearing their jackets. That doesn't seem logical for me but that's how they think. Then this same teacher ask a student to remove his jacket because, according to him, it's not yet the season to wear jackets. Ironically, he is already wearing one.

Uniforms should really be identical but what struck me most I guess is that everything is just the same from the shoes to the bags. A Japanese teacher told me that the schools want the students to have  identical things to avoid breeding envy. Initially, I think it's too much suppression of individuality. But then overtime, I realized that students in those school ages don't really have defined individuality yet. So maybe it's better for students to know how to blend in first before they find their "so-called individualities" starting with having identical uniforms.

Up with Mops: School Cleaning

One of the things I like in the Japanese school system is how the schools train them to clean and look after their own space. Once or twice a week, after the day's last class period, all students and teachers will be holding rags, brushes and mops to clean the entire school.

sweeping the hallway

brushing the molds 

cleaning the classroom

... and the toilets

This system sounds pretty good to me. The students are the ones using the place anyway so they have to maintain it. Because it's the students responsibility to clean the school, they don't vandalize things, they don't make a lot of mess and they take care of school properties. They know that messing with the school's cleanliness will backfire since they'll be the one cleaning it.

Just Dried Leaves: Clean-Up and Free Day at Junior High School

I just returned from a park clean-up with my second-year students. This morning, armed with trash bags and gloves, the students and teachers all went to the nearby park to pick up trash. However, there were no trash to pick-up. The park that we visited was so clean with its manicured lawns, artfully-trimmed plants and well-planted flowers.

Iida Park in Hamamatsu

Iida Koen (Iida Park) in Hamamatsu

(More on Japanese school life, here)

For almost an hour, the students roamed around the park trying to find anything that they could fill their trash bags with. I also tried to look for trash but the park was really clean. This made me appreciate Japan more. The Japanese don't neglect public places such as parks. This is considering that the park we went to- Iida Koen, is not really a major park. How I wish the Philippines would also take care of its remaining parks, if there are any.

Where are the trash?

Just to fill up their trash bags, most of the students picked dried twigs and leaves. I also saw some of the students secretly getting cans and some trash from the trash bins in the park. This is just so they can put something in their bags.

Dried leaves-picking

Cleaning an-already clean park

After an hour in the park, the students were given free time to play and enjoy the place. One of the teachers said that they do this activity every year to give students a chance to know each other. The play time was the best part. I bet the students think so too!

some action on the sumo wrestling ground

class picture taking

happily tired after running 

the ever-popular soccer

sunbathing?

First School Day in Japan: Opening with Spring

There was nervous excitement around the school as the teachers welcomed the incoming first year students. First year boys try to look confident in their oversized uniforms with their mothers in tow. The girls try to hide their nervousness with small giggles and quiet smiles. Parents looked proudly nervous for their kids. Even the teachers, for all their smiles, were actually apprehensive. The splash of flowers in almost every corner in the school must have provided silent comfort and joy to these bundles of nerves.

flowers near my desk

When I came to school in the morning, two first year teachers were busy preparing gorgeous and vibrant flowers. I talked with them while they carefully designed and set the flowers in their vases. I can't help but express my appreciation. One of the teachers said that Japanese use flowers to express important events such as the first school day in Japan. In fact,  the cherry blossoms is a signal of coming back to school. It is a sign of spring. Along with the setting of flowers, a formal ceremony was prepared to usher in the incoming first graders.

(For more on School Life in Japan, click here)

Welcome Sign for the First Graders

one of the flower vases in one of the classrooms

Before the actual ceremony, the new students were led to their classrooms by the senior students. With the Japanese keenness on order, all students already have their books waiting on their desks. They also have student numbers assigned. To welcome the students, pictures of cherry blossoms are drawn on the board with a message.

Senior students welcoming a first grader

welcome message peppered with cheery blossom cut outs

In the classroom, the class teacher waited for all the students. When all the students arrived, the class teacher did some introductions, checked the attendance and talked about some system in the school.

Class teacher discussing the school system to expectant first graders

At around 1:30, all students fell in line outside the school gym. Class by class, the parents and teachers welcomed the new students with their class teacher.

New shoes for the new school year

The ceremony itself was formally opened by the vice-principal. Then the principal, the PTA president and the student leader gave their welcome speeches. The first year teachers were also introduced. There's also a symbolic passing of books from the principal to a representative of the first year students. After all the rituals, the first year students were led back to their classrooms. It got my interest how the students bow during the opening ceremony. Just before leaving the hall, the class teacher and the students bow facing the stage where the school's flag and Japan's flag are displayed. I remembered how the students bowed during the closing ceremony. They bowed facing the people.

(More on Japanese customs, here)

After some more discussions in the classroom, the first year students are ushered out back to their parents marking the end of the opening ceremony. Just like how spring symbolizes a new beginning, I believe these students are excited to begin their life in Junior High School. Gambatte!

Bright flowers on the sidewalk near my school

Brush, Brush, Three Times a Day: Personal Hygiene in Japan

I remembered a TV commercial jingle that goes "Brush, brush, three times a day. Brush, brush to keep the cavities away..." This jingle popped in my mind while staring (covertly) at a teacher brushing his teeth. In the staff room. Yes, he was brushing his teeth in the staff room where all other teachers are. And, he is talking to three students. So to give a complete picture, a male Japanese teacher is brushing his teeth while in the staff room while talking to three students.

photo credit: http://bestclipartblog.com/22-teeth-clip-art.html/teeth-clipart-5

I was grossed out the first time I saw this sight. Then I eventually got used to the sight of teachers brushing their teeth while on their desks, along the hallway and even in the classroom.Teachers with toothbrushes in hand is a common sight after lunch in school. For people of other cultures, this may seem odd- brushing one's teeth in public. Ironically, for the Japanese people who are very reserved, brushing teeth in public is no big deal. 

Teachers would check papers while brushing, they would talk to students while brushing, they would walk in the hallway while brushing, they would give instructions while brushing. It seems that time is too precious for a few minutes of brushing teeth in private. 

And this is not only in brushing, cutting nails and cleaning one's ears are acceptable things to do in public. In the school where I work, each class has their own nail cutter. It is proudly displayed on a hook near the door. Students can use it whenever they think they need a cut.

Then there's ear cleaning.  There are two teachers in my school who always clean their ears on their desks.I don't know why they can't do in their homes or in the toilet. So far, I haven't seen any student clean their ears, thank God. 

I'm not the type of person who is not easily grossed out. I'm just puzzled why these Japanese do their personal hygiene in public. So far, I haven't heard about people from other countries that are like this.It must be a cultural thing. If it is, it's not really very pleasing. 

Songs in the Japanese Classroom

For the last school months, the third year have been singing Call Me Maybe, California Girls, Bad Day, It's My Life, and We are Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together. And now we are going to sing Bad Reputation (by Avril Lavigne) for this month. These songs are not just random songs that students hum to themselves during break times. These are songs that the Japanese English Teacher chose to be studied and sang in the classroom.

Avril Lavigne and her "Bad Reputation"
photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renato_rei/2382172659/

Some Japanese English teachers (JTE's) use songs as warm-up in English classes. They use songs as a mean to "expose" students to English not knowing that they are exposing the students to much more. At the beginning of each month, a new song will be introduced in class. The students will be given lyric sheets with a translated version in Japanese. The lyric sheets also have a brief profile of the artist. The students will listen to the song for the first time. After that, I (the ALT) would be reading the lyrics so the students would know how to pronounce them. Then the students will listen again and sing along with the song. And everyday, for a month, they will start the class with the "Song of the Month."

(More on Japanese Schools, here.)

I silently find the choice of songs ridiculous. When we started singing California Girls, I tried to talk to the JTE. She said that students like Katy Perry. I told her that Katy Perry has other songs. I would have loved to add "wholesome" songs but I don't think she would understand. In the end, we all sang California Girls with all its sexual innuendos. And everytime the lyrics "Sex on the beach..." would play, the boys would look at each other knowingly. And the teacher? She just keeps on looking at the lyric sheet singing mindlessly. I don't think she even understands the song. I would cringe if she did and still insist on playing it.

Then there's the "Call Me Maybe" month. The boys got curious and told me they watch the official video of MTV. They asked why "Call Me Maybe." I directly told them it was about flirting and they were like "Hontoni? Really?" And after that, they would giggle everytime we sing the song. I mean, what do they expect me to say? The least I can do is inform them.

Then Taylor Swift began playing for a month with "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." One of the boys asked the JTE why they are singing the song. It was so gay he said. The JTE just said that his classmates like Taylor Swift. And the other boys rolled their eyes blurting in their minds "Hontoni? Really?" One of the boys asked me again what it was about. I told them it was a break-up song. They can't relate to it    when even having a crush seem to be a repulsive idea to them (or so it seems.)

And now this month, the JTE would subject us to Avril's "Bad Reputatation." She can't even sing it since the rhythm is too fast. The boys asked me again what the song is about. I told them that the song is not caring about what other people say even if you have a bad image. And again they were like "If that's the case, why are we singing this song again?" Japanese are known for protecting their images and caring what other people say so I can understand their reaction.

Well, what the boys don't know is that I am also asking the same thing "We are in the school so why are we singing these songs...again and again?"

Masked Men... and Women: The Influenza Virus in Japanese Public Schools

Two Wednesdays ago, I was puzzled why it seems almost all the teachers have surgical masks. In the classrooms, almost all the students also have masks. I actually felt left out for not wearing one. I found out later that day that there's an influenza epidemic all throughout Japan. Even U.S. and Korea are also on high alert for the epidemic. And this happens almost every winter time. Winter season is flu season.

photo credit: http://vanfullofcandy.wordpress.com/category/end-of-the-world/

Schools closely monitor the spread of virus much in the same way how the Philippines monitor dengue. Students are highly-encouraged to wear masks. Because almost everyone has a mask, I don't need one. A teacher is also assigned to monitor students who are absent because of flu. There's a graph in the teacher's room that charts the number of influenza victims. Then there's rubbing alcohol in all classrooms. Rubbing alcohol is not common in Japan so I was surprised that rubbing alcohol seems to be just everywhere in the school. In some extreme cases when there are too many influenza victims, a class, a grade level or even a whole school can will be suspended for a week or two. This is to stop the spread of virus. 

(How to use the National Health Card, here)

Interestingly, most students and teachers in my school do not have flu shots. I've asked almost all the teachers and just about 2 out of 40+ teachers got flu shots. The vice-principal said that flu shots are too expensive. I had one before I came to Japan so I guess it's keeping me healthy. Also, they are not fond of taking Vitamin C's. No wonder the virus spreads rapidly. 

I would have also worn a mask for protection. But with almost all the people around me wearing one, I don't think I need to. 

Tasks of Japanese Teachers: So Way Beyond Teaching

In the teacher's meeting yesterday, the vice-principal sounded angry. When I asked one of the teachers, she said that it was because some parents and some members of the community where the school is located complained about the students behavior. The school received a formal complaint- a letter written to the teachers and school administrators. This has happened a few times already last year.

Since I am not Japanese, I would have shrug it off. Why would parents complain about their children's behavior? And why would the community complain to the school and not to the parents? But the Japanese society  thinks differently of a teacher's role and the school`s scope of work. Japanese teachers are called "senseis" and are regarded highly because they have a lot of things on their shoulders. 

 photo credit: http://www.eltworld.net/times/2012/05/living-and-working-in-japan-a-guide-for-us-citizens/

1. Most Japanese teachers are club advisers.

Being a club adviser sounds fun and rewarding (just like how Will Schuster feels in Glee!). The thing is school clubs in Japan are stressful. They meet numerous times in a week. They have clubs on spring break, summer break and even winter break. They have clubs on Saturdays and Sundays. They just seem to have clubs all the time. I think having club meetings help in keeping the students away from the streets. But for teachers's sake, I think having clubs these often is a test to one's sanity.

(More on Establishing Rapport with Japanese Co-Workers here.)

2. Japanese teachers call parents of absent or tardy students. 

From where I studied, I had to present an excuse letter from my parents or doctor to explain why I was absent in school. In Japan, if a student is not seen during homeroom time, the class adviser would call the student's house and check. Personally, I think it's unnecessary burden to the teacher. I would understand if the teacher calls because a students has been absent for a long time. But I think it should be the parent's job to inform the school on the student's absence. 

3. Japanese teachers advisers visit students's houses. 

Japanese teachers don't only call houses, they are also required to visit. This is especially necessary for students with domestic problems This seems like a great way to show concern and to know the students but given other teacher's tasks, I would really feel burdened about it. 

4. Japanese teachers also act as counselors. 

So far with all the schools I've been to, I haven't seen a school counselor yet. Someone said that there's a counselor rounding up schools in the area but they don't talk directly to students. In effect, when students have problems, the Japanese homeroom teacher should deal with it. These include discipline problems, academic concerns, social issues and any slight thing that may be affecting the student.

(More on Gift Items for Japanese Teachers here)

5. Japanese teachers are communally and morally responsible for the students. 

This is related to number four. Because the Japanese teachers act as all-around guardian, teachers are deemed responsible in just about every aspect of a student's life. I have heard some cases where teachers blame themselves if a student commits suicide or if a student gets tangled up with the law. They think they haven't done enough to straighten up or help the child.

Being a teacher in the classroom is hard enough as it is. To be responsible to just about everything seem impossible so I really admire these Japanese teachers. They are dedicated and hardworking. But I also believe that something's has to change. At the end of the day, a teacher is just any other person who can feel exhaustion and stress. 

Student Burial in Japan

A student died in my friend's school. He's a third year junior high school student. My friend recollected that he is one of the kind and respectful students in his class. And although he's not good in English, he would try to communicate with her. My friend was shocked when she learned about his death last Monday. She immediately called me and cried. Last night she went to his burial and told me her observations which I also like to share.

japanese burial
PHOTO CREDIT: http://lasamurai.blogspot.jp/2010_07_01_archive.html

1. Music

The first thing that my friend noticed was the background music during the wake. They weren't soft or mournful songs like in Philippine wakes. The songs played are from One Piece. The boy's parents explained that One Piece is his favorite anime. For someone to die that young, I think it is fitting to play songs in his generation. Perhaps, I would also want songs my generation to play in my own wake.

2. People

Almost all the students came along with the teachers. No eye was dry during the wake. My friend was surprised that even students who are rough and rowdy expressed their grief freely. Japanese society is not a very emotional one so it was an experience for my friend to witness adults and young ones crying without inhibitions.

3. Cause of Death

When my friend learned of the student's death, she automatically asked the cause. The teachers just told her that something happened. They seem evasive which quite puzzled her. In the wake, she also asked the parents and the parents were a bit vague about the details. Another ALT friend told us that when teachers and parents are quite vague, the probable cause would be suicide. Though we don't want to think that way, our friend has been here for quite sometime and has witnessed several student suicides. In Japan, suicide is quite common so it wasn't surprising. Nonetheless, it does not diminish the impact of knowing a person that young would commit suicide.

Although I hope I could share more regarding this topic, I don't wish to see any student burial. Death is already heartbreaking without seeing a younger generation on its claws.

Gift Items for Japanese Teachers

Christmas is not really celebrated in Japanese schools. Hence, gift-giving is not really a big thing compared to the schools I worked with in the Philippines. But still, it's a good time to express gratitude for the kind teachers, show appreciation for the staff who always help me figure out equipment and just simply to be nice.

I went about asking other ALT's who plan to give gifts to Japanese teachers. I's like to share some of them. 

1. Native delicacies

yema balls
PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.acupcakeortwo.com/2010/02/yema-balls-simple-filipino-treat.html

Most Japanese teachers that I know are not very aware of other country's culture including their food. I took this knowledge to my advantage and prepared yema. Yema is a Philippine sweet made from milk mixed with peanuts or jackfruit. It's easy to make and the ingredients are very affordable. The teachers loved it. They also appreciated it because I personally made it. 

2. Personalized small items

sample personalized bookmarks
PHOTO CREDIT: http://personalizedbookmarks.org/

If you are good in editing paper products, a personalized bookmark, stationery, name tags will be a great gift. However, this may take time. A printer is also necessary. But I would definitely be happy to receive a personalized item. 

3. Christmas cards

Christmas card cover
PHOTO CREDIT: http://saffroncraig.com/_blog/Saffrons_Blog/post/Free_Down_load_able_Christmas_Card/

Cards may not be appreciated so much in the Philippines. When I give a card to someone back home, it means we're not really close. It's different in Japan though. People express their gratitude and appreciation through cards. In fact, the Christmas season is the busiest season for postal services because a lot of people send cards to friends and relatives. There's even a teacher who sent me a card through the post although we see each other everyday. Receiving a Christmas card is an honor in Japan. 

4. Candies and chocolates

chocolates with candy canes
PHOTO CREDIT: http://favim.com/image/314279/

If you don't have time to cook, to edit small items and to write messages on Christmas cards then give candies and chocolates. I suggest you go to a nearest grocery and buy these. What I observed is that Japanese teachers appreciate any kind effort from the ALT. 

I think that whatever the gift may be and no matter how big or small, it should be coupled with a sincere "Merry Christmas" and sweet smile.

Going to High School in Japan

It was interesting for me to learn that all junior high school high students pass. They are all eligible to go to high school. The question is in what school a student will be accepted. In the Philippines, students can choose in what public high school they can go to. In Japan, a lot of factors are considered.

Japanese high school students
PHOTO CREDIT: http://regex.info/blog/2008-07-03/856

1. A student choose his schools based on what type of career track he wants 

I learned that high schools in Japan are largely tied up with colleges or universities. A student can choose his school for HS based on what career he's preparing for. High schools are like preparatory schools for university level. My Japanese cousin studied in a high school dedicated to the arts because she wanted to be a hair stylist and fashion designer. I've worked in a high school in Iwate where they have a Physical Education track for future professional athletes. I also subbed for a school in Tokyo where they have business classes for those planning to go to business. 

2. Teachers can make or break a student's application to high school

For the past month, the third year teachers in my school are very busy. They are doing all the necessary reports and paper works for students to enter high school. The teachers' recommendations and given grades will matter a lot if a student can get into the the high school he wants. So in effect your performance in JHS will still matter. High achievers will have more school choices than low achievers. 

3. The high school can decide to accept or reject a student

Public high schools can accept or reject a student's application. This is unlike in the Philippines where anybody can go to a public high school. The only reason a high school will reject a student is overpopulation. If this happens, the only option for a student is by enrolling to a private school. This happened to one of my students. He's generally a good kid but very unmotivated. His grades are so low that no public high school would like to accept him. He has to go a private school in the countryside to enter high school. 

I realized that how this system teaches a great deal about consequences of one's actions. It's like sure you can exist or survive whether you're good or bad. (In this case, whether a student performs well or not.) But in the end, those who persevere and do well will still have the greatest rewards. (That is, they will have an easier time getting into high school.)

For ALT's: What to Do With Bratty Students

This post was inspired by Diary of an ALT: Class Clones. The writer talked about the different types of students in class including the students I wished I didn't have. One type of the students is the brats. These are the students who are unmotivated, disruptive and undisciplined. In Japan, these are the students who sleeps in class, who does not participate and who grumbles a lot. Any teacher would rather not have these students in class. However, I've experienced that straightening these type of students can be one of the most rewarding projects I can do as a teacher. I have several cases of bratty students who eventually straightened out.

bratty girl
PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.briarcroft.com/lentenmeditations.html

So what did I do? I tried to...

1. Ignore and isolate
This usually works  for students who are disruptive in class. I observed that they are disruptive because they want to seek attention. The more I pay attention to them, the more disruptive they become. So what I do is to pointedly ignore them like they don't exist. I don't look at them or listen to them unless what they're saying are related to the class. Then there are days when I am totally mean. I would ask everybody around them except for the brats. Eventually, they would get the message that nobody appreciates their disruptions so they would stop.

There's this 2nd year student who always talks in Japanese and bluntly says how he hates English, sometimes in the middle of the class. I ignored him for almost two months. I would talk to his classmates, esp to his friends but not to him. Eventually he stopped disrupting although he said he still hates English.

2. Then smile and be kind

After ignoring the brats for sometime, I would then be kinder to them. Suddenly, I would be smiling and talking to them. I would do this when they have minimized their unwanted behavior. The thing about brats is that most of them can actually control their negative behaviors. They're not like ADHD students who have a hard time controlling what they do.

There's another student in the second year who does not talk, does not do his worksheets and just stares at me angrily. I ignored him for a few weeks then smiled at him when I had lunch with their class. I also requested to eat lunch near him. After that, he smiled at me and even complimented my eyeglasses. He would also say "Konnichiwa" whenever we meet in the hallway.

3. Find something to compliment about

Compliments are powerful esp. with brats who are in reality hungry for affirmation. I learned that most brats are really kind and sensitive but they have been hurt. Their brattiness is just a mask of their insecurities. So far, I have never known a student who is just plain mean for no reason. Giving a sincere compliment to a brat means a lot to him. He may shrug it off but in reality, it meant something for him. I also learned that you cannot fool a brat. I never give untrue compliments just to for the sake of complimenting.

A girl in one of my third year classes would always sleep in class. When the teacher wakes her up she would just stare at the teacher then sleep again. One day while she's miraculously awake during class, I praised her drawings which are really detailed and good. Then whenever I meet her in the hallway, I try to find something to compliment about like her hair. After several months, she is mostly awake during class and would now greet me before class starts.

4. Help them during seatworks and other exercises

Some students are brats because they just can't understand the lessons. Their disruption is a cover of their difficulties in their studies. They don't understand and they don't want to try so they disrupt. The best thing to do is help them once you gain their respect. I try to make them feel that it's okay even if they don't know. What's important is they try. However, some students tend to depend on the teacher's help so it's important to also balance things out.

I had a lot of students who do not participate and do not do their work because they don't know. During worksheet time, they would talk with their peers, sleep, doodle or read mangas. I always go to these students to help them out in the first items. Before they know it, they have finished the worksheet.

5. Have genuine interest for the students

I believe that ultimately, teachers who have genuine interest for the students would find ways to help them straighten out. There's no clear cut formula for bratty students. Some students' brattiness can be killed with kindess. Some needs an iron hand. The bottom line is that whatever you do, think of the student's welfare and not just because you feel like being mean or being Mother Theresa. I am a very calm and friendly person but there are times when I really have to be strict. It's not easy but it's necessary at times.

A change in a student's behavior will take some time- days, weeks and even months. But in all my experiences, just when I decided to give up on a student, something would come up to inspire me again- a smile, a good output, a nice word, a raised hand. Then, I would keep going again and believe that at the end of the school year, I have done something good to a bratty student.

For ALT's: Tips When Having Lunch with Japanese Students

Eating lunch with your Japanese students is a good way to establish rapport. Admittedly though, it took me sometime before I get the courage to eat with my students. I was a foreigner and most of them do not understand me. I didn't know how to go about it. But after sometime, I got the hang of it and enjoyed eating with them. Overtime, I also developed a style when eating with students to ensure that I will have a great time and that my students will have a great one too.

teacher eating lunch with students
PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-teacher-eating-lunch-his-students-image6081302

1. Start with the classes you like
Teachers aren't supposed to have favorites but it can't be helped. There are classes that I'm more comfortable with- nicer and livelier kids, friendlier teachers. Take advantage of this and start your first few lunches with the class you're comfortable with. Lunch will be a breeze.

2. Inform the class adviser at least a day before
Tell the Japanese class adviser that you want to eat with his class. Do this at least a day before. Japanese teachers somehow feel uneasy with ALT's due to language barrier. It's better that they are prepared with your coming to their class for lunch. You are like a house guest. It is better to turn up announced.

3. Use utensils that you're comfortable with
The company recommended that ALT's use chopsticks in school to show that we are willing to learn Japanese culture. I'm okay with using chopsticks but I am a bit slow when eating with it. I don't like to be left behind. As much as I want to please them, I use my spoon and fork and they don't really mind. Most of the students are actually amused to see someone eating with spoon and fork.

4. Be on time and go around the room during lunch preparation
The first 10 to 15 minutes of Japanese lunch is spent on getting and preparing the food. Be there during these first minutes because this is time when you can go around the room. Ask students questions and simply say "hello." These few minutes will set how warm the class will receive you.

Usually, I ask the if they are hungry or sometimes I would ask them to name the food being served, Then, I would ask them if they like the food. Welcome your students responses no matter how short they seem to be.

4. Ask simple questions while eating
I usually have 5 to 7 questions in mind while I eat with students. These questions prevent awkward silence. Japanese students generally panic when they learn that the ALT is dining with them making them quiet all the more. Usually, I ask what sports do they play, when's their birthday, who are their friends, if their adviser is good, if they have a girlfriend or boyfriend. Mildly tease the students to elicit smiles and laughters. More than 7 questions will prevent you and the students from eating. My goal is to have them giggle or laugh so they won't be too uneasy. There are also times when I ask them to teach me some Japanese words so they have something to say.

5. Thank the students and the class teacher
After the meal, thank the group of students you eat with then go to the teacher to also say thank you. Before you leave the class, say a loud thank you to everyone.

Always keep in mind that your purpose is to establish rapport and get to know the students better. So keep a relaxed attitude and shed some of your teacher's clothing.

School Lunch: The Japanese Way

Japanese people are very cultural. They have their own way of doing things which can really be fascinating. And this includes as simple as eating school lunch.

Japanese schools serve school lunch to the students and to the teachers. There's a big kitchen in the school where several cooks prepare the lunch. I think the Board of Education decides the menu and supplies the ingredients. They would start cooking at around 9 am and finish just before 12 noon. They would then place portions of food to big bowls for each class. 

Then after the 4th period, a group of students would go to a receiving area where they can claim their class' rations. Each class has a group that is assigned to facilitate school lunch- from getting their supplies, distributing the food and collecting all the utensils and garbage. On the other hand, students left in the classroom, would begin arranging their desks to make their lunch groups. They would also take out their chopsticks and place mats. I wasn't really used to using place mats when eating in school. It was only when I started working in Japan where I used place mats. 

Lunch Monitors
photo credit: http://rocketchic.blogspot.jp/2010/06/school-lunch-japanese-style.html

As soon as the lunch monitors enter the classroom, the students would line up to get their share. Two or three lunch monitors would go around the room distributing rice and milk. The class adviser would always eat lunch with the students. Also, there is always milk during lunch! Again, I am not a milk drinker. But I get used to drinking milk when I came here in Japan. 

Japanese School Lunch
photo credit: http://blogger-off.com/tag/school/

After everyone got their portion, they would sit down and a one person would go in front to lead the meal. Japanese don't pray before meals. They would just put their hands together and mutter "Itadaikimasu."I don't know what it means really. I just say it along with them Afterwards, everybody would start eat while a music will start playing in the background. 

photo credit: http://main.kitchendaily.com/2010/02/22/school-lunches-around-the-world/

There are some instances when there are extra milk, fruits, food serving. The lunch monitors would try to pass these around to those who want extra serving. If there are more students who like the same food item, they would have to decide by playing rock, paper, scissors or what they call as janken. 

The only thing I don't like with school lunch is how fast you have to finish your meal. They serve big amounts which you have to finish in 10-15 minutes. During my first weeks, I have to gulp down my food so I can finish on time. And I am just so amazed how students who are smaller than me get to finish their food in no time. I think this is the reason why school lunches are quiet compared to my country. Everybody is just so concentrated on eating. There`s no time to talk. 

A warning will be heard five minutes before the end of lunch time. Students will then hurry up and try to finish everything. After five minutes, another students would go in front of the class and lead "Itadaikimashita" while putting their hands together. This signals that lunch has officially ended. 

Students then would arrange their desks again, line up to return empty plates and dispose garbage. Students who haven't finished their meals can still finish them but this seldom happens. The lunch monitors would then return their class bowls and all the utensils they have used to the school kitchen. Lunch has truly ended.