Bobbing for apples

Most days as I sit here at my desk, I wonder what in the world I am getting paid to do. Today, for instance, I do not have a single class to teach. Actually, I only have eight classes this whole week and four of them were Wednesday. And to say that I "teach" on other days is a gross exaggeration. I generally show up and speak some words in English that they will never be tested on or expected to ever know again. The students do not have homework and are not held accountable in any way except a midterm and final. And I somehow doubt that these tests really examine their speaking or comprehension skills. But enough of that! Not being a real teacher does have its advantagesÂ… like when you get to teach holidays.




These pictures summarize my month of October. I bought some simple costume pieces at the 100 yen store and loaded up on candy. Students were challenged to memorize the ever-popular rhyme, "Trick or treat! Smell my feet! blah blah.. Show you my underwear!" I've mentioned they will do anything for candy and what better way to incorporate candy into a lesson than with some trick-or-treating. With my lower level classes, I taught them 20 popular costume names on cards with photos. And then with my fun classes, we played a quick game of charades. One class was particularly enthusiastic, even though they generally refuse to do any other activity, they were all about running around a room pretending to be witches. Anyways, it was really hilarious because one of the largest Japanese kids in the whole nation belongs to this class and he was MOVING down the aisle to hit/pound/SLAM the desk first and yell "GHOST-O!" Also, yesterday during one my lame/quiet classes, I woke them up by riding a mop around and cackling like a witch. I also sunk my teeth into the neck of the poor kid in the front row. If they won't act, I will!

It doesn't feel like Halloween though. The weather forecast for the last week and the next one includes temperatures in the low 80s and sunshine. It's fantastic, but I would trade it all for some falling leaves and sweaters. I missed autumn last year too, but at least last year I found a place with some delicious (oishii) pumpkin soup. I better start hunting. Although this year, I do get to go to a party and celebrate in a proper costume.

My Thanksgiving lessons that I have already planned aren't as promising for fun and excitement, but Christmas is going to be out of this world.