Today was our last school visit.
We visited a high school. I think I already told you that compulsory education only goes through ninth grade. The school we visited today is not governed by the city’s board of education, but by a board of education at the prefecture level. A prefecture is comparable to a state.

Again, we were treated like royalty! We met briefly with the assistant principal when we first arrived. The principal was on a school trip to Okinawa along with the whole 11th grade class and many of the teachers. They arrived back at the end of the school day after being away for four days. We got to tour the school and saw the lovely courtyard area planted as a Japanese garden along with many of the classrooms.

Next we went to the art room and got to try Japanese calligraphy. You use a wide, but pointed brush with a rather thin wash of ink. We got to pick out a particular kanji (Chinese character). I chose the one that said “Hope”. Then some students helped us to form the character. Thank goodness we got several tries. See what you think of the ones I did. I’ll bring more into the classroom to show you.

Then we were able to stay in one classroom for awhile. I got to be in a Home Economics class. All you fifth graders find out what “Home Economics” is. The boys take the class as well as the girls. Today they were preparing a meal. The group of students I was with didn’t seem to have much kitchen experience, but I had to rely on them to read the recipe which was in Japanese. I tried to help with some cutting and frying techniques and together we managed okay. All of the ingredients of the soup were put into small bowls and then placed on a rack inside a double boiler (fifth graders, find out what a double boiler is!) and that’s how it cooked.

We were treated to a box lunch, Japanese style. It bears no resemblance to the American version which usually consists of a dry sandwich, apple, and bag of chips. It arrived in a beautiful lacquer ware box with compartments inside, each one holding a different and exquisitely presented type of food. YUM!

After lunch we went to another large room and some students showed us how to make kimono book marks. Maybe we can try them in the classroom. I might need to practice a little more!

After meeting with a group of teachers we saw some of the after school activities. I got to see a tea ceremony group and also the band. I’ll have to play the video of the band playing for you and for Mr. Coelho to see what you think. The band had only about 15 members – SOOOOO much smaller than at Woodbury!

After we got back to our hotel we ALL went out for dinner together at an Italian restaurant. Usually we go out in small groups and explore different places, but we decided to celebrate together tonight. Tomorrow we will get picked up at 9:00 by our host families. We have learned that not many of the families speak much English, so this should be an interesting experience. I hope to see a little more of the city of Hashima since our hotel is in a neighboring city, but I’m ready for whatever we do. I have a couple more sets of jacks, some pick up sticks and a deck of cards, so if all else fails we will play games!!!

More pictures for October 18
High School Band
High School Visit
Italian Restaurant Photos