Hello all!

Yet another busy day for us as we headed into rural Japan to see for ourselves what primary schools are like!

We began the day with an early 7am start and a four train ride across Tokyo and out the other side. We arrived at our primary school in time to observe a variety of lessons including maths, moral education, science and art and craft. We were treated like VIPs and the children were very excited to see us practice their English which put our Japanese to shame!

We also visited the Kindergarten (like Reception class in the UK) and were impressed by how confident the children were and how they were keen to practise saying hello, how are you and goodbye! They even treated us to a performance of three Japanese songs that they will be performing at a music concert next week. We were blown away by how good they were, and how well they all sang. 

At lunchtime we were taken to eat lunch in classrooms with children from Grade 3 (our year 4). Lunch was rice, pork and miso soup - very different from our lunches. After lunch every child in the school takes part in 'cleaning' where everybody has a job to do from cleaning their classrooms to sweeping the floor, mopping the toilets and shining the steps!

We then were taken into the hall for a presentation from children who had been learning about disabilities and people who need to use a wheelchair.  Each group took it in turns to present their information and take questions. 

After this we returned to the staffroom to meet with the teachers whose lessons we had observed and talked about what it was like to be a teacher in Japan. We realised that we were very lucky to have the resources we have and all the extra teachers who come in and help as this is not the case in Japan!

Our bus then arrived to whisk us away to the town hall to meet the mayor and discuss the improvements they are trying to make to the education system. By then we were all very tired so headed into the mountains to an onsen (hot springs) to unwind and talk about the day. 

The last stop we made was to a traditional Japanese restaurant where we had to sit on the floor and rely on our best Japanese to order the food as nobody spoke English. it was a challenge for all of us but we got there in the end! 

Tomorrow we are heading back to our schools to look at lessons in KS2. We wonder how they will be different to what we have seen so far?

Hope you are all well,

Mrs Waldron and Miss Jones