Entrance Ceremony and the First Week of School

Here in Japan, ceremonies are a big deal. Celebration is a big deal.  The Entrance Ceremony for my K4 students was two weeks ago, and it was definitely a big "to-do". Below is a picture of our Kindergarten staff, who I truly enjoy working with each and every day.  

The first FULL week of school was this past week, the 18th-22nd. Luckily, Monday and Tuesday were half days, so pretty much consisted of playing with the kids and going over rules and procedures during the usual times of Japanese Class and English Class.  I have 16 little munchkins that are absolutely adorable in every way. They all have such different personalities; I have a few that are super shy and hardly speak, but the majority of them are super outgoing and silly.

It has definitely been a challenge so far teaching kindergarten, as I am teaching them how to sit nicely, how line up, how to play nicely with their friends, things that are very simple but very, VERY repetitive. 

Lunchtime was one point that I was a little nervous about, but for the most part, my kids are GREAT eaters, and all but two drink their milk! The majority are pretty fast eaters, and since they can go outside and play right after lunch, that is pretty good motivation for most of them. 

I have a few that are space cadets, that are in their own world and need to be reeled in constantly, and one in particular that is incredibly strong-willed and stubborn.  Overall, they are great kids and all love coming to school (and who wouldn't when you get to play on awesome playgrounds for more than half the day!). More pictures to come soon; this one is just a teaser...