The day in which my students shock me

(Funny moments included) Wow, what a day! First, good luck to my sister Elise who is being induced today! Love you Bisou!! Ok, so the morning was fine, the bus ride was great (read a book), and school started just fine. I taught the first class period and it went pretty well. I taught one of my third grade classes and they worked hard and really impressed me. :)

After that class, I had a break and worked on some prep then I went and used my review game with a first grade class. I usually am accompanied to this class by another teacher. However, that teacher was busy so Hashimoto-sensei went with me. I really enjoy teaching with him so I looked forward to it. His classes are used to the way that he greets them and I have tried to incorporate it into these other classes, however... So, we walked in and asked the students to stand up. Then Mr. Hashimoto asked them to greet me by name. Well one boy near the front yelled, quite loudly, "Hello MY Ann!" The students around him busted up and it's been a long time since the days when I knew how NOT to blush. Those waggling eyebrows from my students made me all red! DOH! I joked about it, of course. "YOUR Ann? I am MY Ann, thank you." Oh man.. then during the game I heard some students make a very dirty joke. I stopped, thought about saying something to them, then thought better of calling attention to it and walked away. Sheesh! When I had them switch groups they didn't divide evenly so one group was short a person. As I walked around the room talking to the students and watching them play, I saw this group. So I took up the chair and said, "Me too!" The three boys cheered and we janken-ed to see who would go first. They all threw paper and I threw scissors! HA! So I started and they cheered wildly when I gave my answer. Then they enthusiastically started their turns but the bell rang. I was disappointed I didn't get to be there while they EACH took a turn, but I'm so glad they were happy I joined rather than stricken. :)

After that I had a game planned for another third grade class. I really thought they were going to love it (I planned it with them SPECIFICALLY in mind).. it was a GIANT flop. I felt really badly. I sat in on the rest of the class and tried to participate. When I knew the answers I would whisper them to the students around me so they could answer Oikawa-sensei. It was great to watch them beam as he congratulated them. When I moved seats and started giving answers this one kid cracked up. Every time I would start talking, he'd start laughing. That's a GOOD thing, right?

Then there was lunch and more prep time. Oh man today magnet-head almost won. I was BUSHED. I didn't nod, but I closed my eyes and the sounds around me got really far away and my mouth started to taste funny and suddenly I was fighting tooth and nail just to raise my 1000 lb eyelids. I don't like that game! However I got two of my lessons ready for Friday and blocked out a worksheet I need to make for Thursday. I also tried to brainstorm for my toughest lesson this Friday. I'm supposed to play alphabet games with my Deaf elementary kids and we went through the alphabet last time I taught them (first exposure). It's really tough to think of good games for them (for me). I game them all kinds of tools last time so they could succeed with it but they didn't care much (can't blame them) until I taught them the ASL alphabet (which I think would be more useful ANYWAY). Hmm.. I'll keep thinking about praying about it.

My last class was another first grade class in which we played the review game. Oh my word! I saw and heard and student yell "#*$! you!" while throwing up his middle finger. I was standing right next to him! (In his "defense," I don't think he saw me, still!) I said, "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Be nice!" The boys started saying, "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Which was fine with me - I'd rather THAT! Yeesh! After they changed groups, a boy from that original group said something very dirty to me in English. I took it at face value (that is pretended I didn't realize he was being dirty) and I think he was disappointed (good). I mean, no offense to my students but being dirty is not going to earn them attention and whatever from me. Since I disappointed him, I hope he won't try it again. That class is my most energetic about English so I'm glad they're trying to speak to me, new subject matter though! Thank you!

After that class (which was the last period of the day), I helped clean and actually it was at this point that I blocked out that worksheet. Then I talked to one of the teachers and saw it was time to go and left. I played a word game on my phone (yay for free games!) on the bus. I forgot to mention (or I don't remember mentioning) yesterday: Ant count: 4. Today, ant count: 0! :D (MMM!!!) I read a book, tried to eat some food (still feeling a little gross), OH! and I gave my neighbors a show. *facepalm* -- When I got home, it was cooling outside so inside of putting on the dehumidifier, I opened my bedroom window and set my fan there. It was MUGGY inside my place and I was overheating so I quickly started changing... with my window open. *hangs head* I just didn't think! However, I didn't see anyone see me... so I may not have inadvertently flashed anyone! :D Just recently I returned from the grocery store as I needed to get food. I was quite disappointed to not find my favorite ramen. :/ I thought about getting a different variety but I wasn't in the mood to try something new and the last couple times that I have, it feels like a punishment that I have to eat that other ramen and not my favorite one. I wonder what's in it.. something my body needs I guess! When I got home (I'm getting really good at pedaling my bike with my groceries), I put my groceries away and managed to accidentally spear one of my hard-boiled eggs with a carrot! LOL Poor egg! Then I did the dishes in my sink. Afterwards, I remembered to close my window before I changed into pajamas. (Victory!) I then sat down to type this. I hope you are doing well and having a good Monday! XOXO, A

Oh! Also the home-ec teacher at my school gave me a bag of fresh peas. I think she grew them in her garden. They smell INCREDIBLE. I was sure to thank her!