Junior High Jazziness

So with the English speech contest this past Saturday, I was looking for this student Kengo everyday after school on the 3rd year floor so that we can practice and get him ready for the big day. In the process of searching for him, I would always stop and see what the students were doing after school. With the school festival only 2 weeks away, they are all busy making posters and banners and other fun things and anytime I ask them about it, they are more than happy to explain things to me. It seems a lot better if I go and just chill with them after school than if I were to see them in class. They really do put on a different persona. Anyhow, there are a few 3rd graders who are particularly friendly to me. One of them is Takeshi, who always says hello and makes it a point to answer questions in class. After school, the one day, he asked to have a picture of me. I felt like a true celebrity. I did like how he asked me first unlike the other students who just run up and snap a picture and run away giggling. I think I would like to be friends with some of the 3rd years. I would really like to know what they like to do and where they like to go, really get into the mind of a Japanese middle schooler. Sometimes I think I was destined to be a field sociologist.

Let's see, so yah, on top of that all the students take part in singing various songs for the school festival. They have been practicing since I arrived here and song amazing. I will be sitting at my desk lesson planning and hear the echoes of their songs from across the courtyard or through an open window. It is fantastic, being seranaded while I work. One of the songs the 3rd years chose to sing is We Are the World by Michael Jackson. They are slightly obsessed with this song, I've found.

Let's see, what else. Oh yes, the speech contest. It was good but really long. I arrived there at 11am and it went until 6:00 or so. 7 hours was waaaaay too long, especially because I was not told how long it would be and did not pack a lunch. I figured a few hours and I could grab a late lunch/early dinner. Well, guess it's my fault for not asking how long it would be. My students did not place, sadly. But the students of other JETs I know did which was great. I was genuinely impressed by the skill of all the students and wish them the best of luck with their English endeavors. 

After the contest, I went out to eat with Brynn and Emma at a ramen shop. Fan-freaking-tastic! It was some of the most enjoyable food I've eaten thus far and filling too. After that, celebration in Ueda which included doughnuts, alcohol, and good people. Hung out with Kazu, a Japanese guy I had met at Karen's party a while back. I offered to help him out with his English because I know how hard it can be in the company of native speakers (having lived in the Czech Rep.) and try to pick up things when no one is willing to explain context or what was said. He seemed quite excited about this and I'm sure that he will return the favor and speak with me in Japanese. :)

3rd years working on a countdown sign for the festival. Takeshi is on the far left.

Two 2nd years playing table tennis with their hands. They were hilarious.

These are meant to be snacks. Served at lunch, I found them to be disgusting, covered in some light sugary stuff and seasame seeds. Bleh, bleh, bleh. Trust me, don't eat these!

Mika giving her speech on 'Language'

Kengo giving his speech on the 'Nature in Nagano'

All the contestants, judges, and honorable attendees