Egawa Syogakko (Elementary School)...

Yesterday was the most fun I've had at work yet. I went for my first visit to Egawa School and met some wonderful students. They were fantastic! I taught every class over the course of the morning starting with the 1st and 2nd grade. I played my sax, taught them names of fruit and then played a game. They are so bright and willing to try. A 6 year old girl had already planned an introduction for me before I got there and was so excited to try it out and help the other students say "Nice to meet you!"

I taught 3rd and 4th grade and they all drew pictures of me, made it into a book and gave me it as a present! I was thrilled and really impressed at how observant the kids were! I only realised how much I needed a shave once I saw that a lot of the students had drawn me with a beard!

5th and 6th grade was a challenge as I was completely on my own. It's always a gamble to know whether I will be helping or running a lesson. This one was for me to do alone and once I'd begun teaching them numbers and how to ask "How old are you?" a huge group of adults walked in to watch. In fact it was every Headmaster and School governor from Shimogo alongside the school's PTA! They wanted to watch me teach the lesson (which someone else had planned for me). Luckily it went ok and sheer enthusiasm was enough to make it a success. It's not easy though when suddenly you realise that the words "twelve" and "years" are incredibly difficult to pronounce.