Posts

Educational Crossroads: Leaving Primary School in Japan and TT

-
As I prepare to say goodbye to Japan after five enriching years, my thoughts gravitate towards the diverse education systems that have shaped the young minds I've encountered. One striking contrast emerges when comparing the experiences of my Japanese 6th graders embarking on their secondary school journey with the realities faced by their counterparts in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). In Japan, the transition to secondary school is marked by considerations of sports offerings, location, and a desire for a change of pace. Many of my kids chose schools because they offered baseball or they had a strong tennis team.  Conversations with Japanese students revealed a sense of relaxation and a lack of the overwhelming pressure associated with decisions that seem to shape their entire future. This stands in stark contrast to the scenario in TT, where students navigate a system heavily influenced by the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA). Our students are choosing schools as we truly believe,
Post a Comment
Read more

Why educate?

-
Image
    The Mighty Sparrow ponders on the purpose of education in 1960's T&T What really is the purpose of education? I don't think that this is something that I've considered. We know that education is important and we are aware that we must pursue it vigorously for a way out, a way up, a way to bridge the gap...etc. However, what really is the purpose? A great place to start when considering this question is with the bodies who control education.  In his address to the nation of Trinidad and Tobago on the eve of it’s gaining Independence from Great Britain on August 31st, 1962, first Prime Minister of the nation, Dr. Eric Eustace Williams, fired up the audience at the International Youth Rally by declaring to them that they “carry the future of Trinidad and Tobago in your school bags”. He underscored the importance of education for the very young nation.  Prior to this, the first Education Policy for Trinidad and Tobago was made by Governor Lord Harris in 1834. At that t
1 comment
Read more

International Love: Ugly Crying Once Again

-
Image
One year ago, I was ugly crying in my apartment after saying good-bye to my kids at home. Now, one year after, I am ugly crying in the school's bathroom after saying good-bye to my students here in Japan as I will switch schools next term. Now, if this is a foreshadow of how all my Julys will be in the future, then I may need to reconsider my career choice.  This was the first school that I visited when I came. I was also at this school when I saw snow for the first time. I made mistakes here and made friends here with both the teachers and students. I learned a lot here. I never expected to feel the torrent of emotions that I felt. These children are amazing. They are so smart, funny and so cool! I love them. People always say that love knows no boundaries and I accepted it but I've now experienced it. We are so different and I don't even speak the language well but in a few short months, I was already ready to give my life to keep them safe and happy. Love
1 comment
Read more

The ULTRAMARATHON: Okinoshima's J'ouvert

-
Image
I've only been to J'ouvert twice in my life. Once in Maraval with my Aunty Deborah when I was about 15 and in Curepe last year with my nephew (mainly because I wanted to see his reaction). I've tried to describe J'ouvert to people who aren't from Trinidad and Tobago but I'm never satisfied with the words that I manage to force out. I try to explain the historical context and the modern day celebrations but, to me, it falls flat. (This same thing happens when trying to describe doubles. "Doubles is life" is by far the only definition of it that we acknowledge). Some things you just have to experience yourself. So, if you told me last year that the Okinoshima Ultramarathon would remind me of J'ouvert then I would say that that seems impossible. After all, how could a 5 to 8 hour run (INSANE) around an island be similar to a --- It starts with the anticipation. People prepare for these events as soon as the last one is finished. Musici
Post a Comment
Read more

The Millennial's Classroom: Encouraging de people chirren to move

-
Image
We know that we need to exercise. We know that we should encourage our children to exercise daily. We'd love to do this but the days are so long, busy and fraught with admin requests, classroom projects and behavioral issues. It is hard. So, so, so hard.  So... do we just throw up our hands in defeat? Nah. Here are a few moves that I'd like to implement in my classroom to get my students moving more and instill lifelong positive attitudes about exercise and living a more active life. 1. Let's get creative De chirren tired of de ole, beat up ball and broken hula hoop.  Google images I've taught at schools that have unicycles for riding, gigantic tyres for crawling, tall monkey bars for climbing and an array of gear for basketball, tennis, football, table tennis and even frisbies. I've also taught at a school which only had a few broken hula hoops and a football.  I've found, though, that the more creative the schools got with their activities,
Post a Comment
Read more

1st Term in Japan: Reflection

-
Today, I taught my last lesson of my first term in Japan. These are 10 things that I want Term II Ariel to remember: 1. Prepare everything well. A good teacher prepares for every eventuality 2. Read what they will cover before the class. Do extra research even if you'll never be able to articulate it in Japanese. Duh. 3. Be yourself. You are more than enough. 4. Be innovative. Try something new each-time. You never have to be great at something to give it a try.  A good teacher takes risks 5. Make the kids a study. 6. Spend more time with them outside of class. Bit by bit. 7. Always stay gracious with your co teachers. 8. TALK with your JTEs. 9. Wait for the respect. 10. You deserve to be here. HAVE AN OPINION. It's what you're here for.
Post a Comment
Read more

A Tribute to Karaoke: The Thing I Didn't Know I Needed

-
Image
You have not lived until you are packed into a very small, dark room with good people, a karaoke machine, a mic or two, a chac chac, a tambourine, some alcohol and nothing but determination to sing the stress all away! I can tell you it took me 25 years and 2 months to truly start living when I went to my first karaoke lime in August. I have been craving karaoke since then. That's something I never thought I'd say. At home, going to karaoke never really appealed to me so I never went. What is it that makes karaoke so special? I'm trying to figure it out myself. Maybe it's the collective energy before you arrive. The build up. Everyone knows that, yes, life may have all its problems but in a couple hours, as those off key notes gush out of your mouth, so will all that stress. Maybe it's the start when everyone is not yet loose. Still uptight from the struggles of this life and as the songs and drinks keep flowing, the voices keep rising, new moves appear, anx
1 comment
Read more