Day 4 in Tama: Higashiterakata

Today we visited Tama City Higashiterakata Elementary School. We had the opportunity to observe the students arriving at school. Interestingly, almost all of the students walk to school. There are community volunteers that are at the busy streets each day that act as crossing guards. It appeared as thought the students travel in groups, but it is still incredible to see because some of them are so young. As they arrived they met each other and went to the playground. I wanted to make a connection with the students so we played tag with them. The school was big into giving the students many different outside activities during recess. In addition to the normal sporting and playground equipment, they also had a little area where the students could fish, ride unicycles, plant rice plugs, walk or run a path in the woods, and even tend to a garden. After working up a sweat in my nice clothes we headed inside for school orientation--don't forget to take off your shoes and put on your slippers!

At the orientation we met with the principal and vice principal to discuss issues the school is facing. The Japanese government is focusing on bringing world language to each public school in Japan. In this case the Elementary School will have English in three years time. This will not be a part of the curriculum, but instead it will be integrated throughout each trimester. The requirement will be 35 hours per trimester with the government providing guides and materials. They do not want students to focus on memorization, but instead increase exposure of a world language to the younger students. The principal stated, "We want to nurture the students ability to live in a global world." This really was music to my ears.

After orientation we were given a school tour and then set free to observe any class or grade level we wanted to. I was able to observe a number of classes and was impressed. I thought they were all very comparable to the United States. Again, it was very impressive how the students set up lunch in their classroom, cleaned, and then went to recess with very little help from their teachers.

After lunch and some more observation of the classes we visited with three parents that are part of Japan's equivalent to the PTA. Overall, the parents made good comments about the school. They would like to see higher expectations during the day so students wouldn't feel the need to attend cram schools at night. About 50% of the public school attendees of the elementary school participate in a cram school. It consists of four days a week around 3 to 4 hours a night. Parents would like to see them participating in more things that activate their right brain.

Finally, after causing more commotion in the school were able to conclude by meeting with the teachers. The discussion regarding standardized tests was a common thread. None of the teachers felt that it was a good representation of what a student really knows and can do. Other questions regarded special education, expectations, rules. I think we could have talked all night and it would have been. Most of the Japanese teachers have to teach, eat and clean up with their students, hold an after-school activity. Then, because the teachers do not have a preparation time, the teachers work well into the night with the addition of driving or riding the train. It is a very long day for them and the superintendent made the comment of trying to change this so teachers stay healthy. Enjoy the photos.