Ishiki Jr. High-A "Peaceful" Welcome!

I could hardly wait to pack my slippers because our first school visit was to Ishiki Junior High School (Grades 7-9). In Japan's Junior High setting-Grade 1 is 7th grade, Grade 2 is 8th grade and Grade 3 is 9th grade. I have been an elementary teacher for 15 year so I was anxious to spend the day at a Junior High School.

A VIP welcome was given to us at Ishiki Jr. High. We heard the students cheering long before we saw them. Their school band was playing as our bus approached. Over 600 students were lined up in front of the building cheering for us in English. The students eagerly gave us the "peace" hand symbol as we passed. Their school band played music and the American flag joined the Japanese flag in waving a friendly hello to us as we approached. It is a moment I will never forget. It set the tone for the entire day. As you entered the school you placed your shoes in a cubby. Then you must don your own slippers or complimentary slippers provided by the school. I had already been told I had Sumo Wrestler feet so I decided to pack my own slippers.
Here���s a little slipper etiquette. When you enter the restroom you must take off your own slippers and leave them on a platform and put on a pair of rubbery bathroom slippers. As you exit, you must remember to change back into your own slippers because walking in the hall with bathroom slippers is a big no-no!

The American delegation had a brief meeting with the principal and Student Council President. The principal explained to us about the history of the school. We then had free reign to observe classrooms. Observing the students, I noticed they were very attentive and respectful of their teachers and took great pride in their penmanship.

Much to my dismay there was only one computer lab and no computers or televisions in any classrooms. As I toured the school, I realized I had stereotyped Japanese schools. I had the opinion that they would be very modern with advanced technology. Generally, Japanese students outscore American students on standardized tests; therefore I had the misconception that the school environment must be better. What I discovered was that their buildings were older and the students had well-used equipment, desks and textbooks. In other words, it was very similar to the American public schools I have visited.

Back at the conference room, two students from each homeroom class carried a student made poster that had each of the 20 American educators names on it. We then paired up with the appropriate delegates; they escorted us to the gym for a special program. The students were eager to introduce themselves in English and practice their conversational skills with us as we strolled to the gym.

The students had practiced a special program for three weeks. The students were courteous and orderly during the program. They sat on the floor. When the teacher called attention for the program to begin, you could have heard a pin drop. The program consisted of a short skit, an archery demonstration, karate and judo exhibitions, and a speech recited in English. An out of the ordinary moment occurred for me when the school band played the Japanese National Anthem followed by The Star Spangled Banner. All the American educators rose with hand over heart and sang along. That was a spine-tingling moment for me. It is hard to explain but being thousands of miles away from home and have Japanese Junior High students��� play your National Anthem is simply a nostalgic goose bump moment.

Students swarmed around us at the end of the program and worked in cooperative teams to teach the Americans how to do origami (art of paper folding) and calligraphy. The students enjoyed being teachers and all the American educators definitely enjoyed being learners. I must admit I am better at calligraphy than folding paper. Do you know how hard it is to make a paper crane out of a small square?

Our student delegates escorted us back to their homerooms where their classmates were all eager to talk to us in English. The students had definitely practiced their conversational skills. I was impressed with their knowledge and use of the English language. It was time for lunch. But we did not head to the cafeteria. The food was brought to us. The students served themselves: soup, rice, vegetables and a sandwich. They ate at their desks and at the end of the meal they cleaned their trays, bowls and utensils. Then they went to the restroom and brushed their teeth. Recess time followed lunch. The students changed clothes and went to the playground. I was amazed that almost all of their activities took place with little "teacher supervision." It is not the school building or materials that are better, it seems to be the culture in Japan that teaches students to be responsible for the things they use and for their own actions. The education system is a different environment in Japan. One teacher stated that discipline is the parent's job and belongs at home.

To my amazement after recess students engage in a ritual known as cleaning their schools. Japanese schools do not have custodians per say. Each day students take responsibility for cleaning their school. I must add they do a pretty good job of it, too. Just imagine 600 Jr. High School students cleaning the school at the same time without any horseplay or water fights. You would have to see it to believe it!

The American and Japanese teachers had a joint teacher's meeting to discuss their pivotal role in the education system and issues. We learned from each other during the conversations and realized we have many of the same issues and commonalities. As we left Ishiki Junior High School the student body once again formed two rows and wished us a loud and clear goodbye in English and shared one last "Peace" sign.