First Day of School

Well this is what I came for.. teaching. This is what will be paying the bills of our adventure. The first day was actually very easy. I have a keen ability in not getting too fazed or nervous about first days, maybe because I've had so many. But - it was a good day. I didn't know to bring slippers to school. Everyone shoes up in regular street shoes and then puts on slippers once we're here.. see tomorrow's blip...

I'm blown away by just the entire atmosphere of this place. The students bow to me and other teachers in the hallway. The students come into class after it's over to sweep and mop the classroom, and it's a great honor for them to do so. NO ONE leaves the class without being dismissed by the teacher first. There's an incredible respect for authority and the hierarchy of things here.

All the while, the kids run wild. The students run and yell and kick and scream and play and fight all throughout the hallways. It's a madhouse at times. But what's comforting or reassuring at least, is that the other teachers and administration have no problem with it. No one scolds anyone for being to loud or rambunctious. It's probably because they know, once the students are in the classroom and the teacher calls for attention, they get it in record time.

But for everything that's dissimilar and different from America, there's a ton that's just the exact same. The teacher's lounge, the principals office, etc.

Oh and my classroom is totally Norman Rockwell. Everything is old school and wooden. The doors are sliding types, as are all the windows.

It's just a lot of fun.