And this is why I teach

We have less than 2 weeks until our school year ends.  My little four-year-olds are getting ready to move up a level and we've been talking about all the new responsibilities they will be undertaking.  We've reminisced about how far they have come this year.  This is my first year at the school and for some, their first year of schooling.  These kids have kept me on my toes as we learned to find a common language to understand each other as well as just being their little three-year-old selves.  ::grin::  There have been tears and laughter a plenty and I don't think I'd trade more of one for less of the other as it's all a part of growing up and coming together.  Words can't describe how bittersweet it is to see this school year end.  I am so incredibly proud of how our class has grown both on an individual level and as a whole.  They are curious, animated, boundary-pushing, sweet-hearted students who challenge me to learn something new everyday.  I'm so excited to see them getting ready to step up while at the same time I just want to keep them in my class just as they are.

We asked them today who they would like to have as their teacher next year.  Teachers can change grades from year to year and students don't know until just before the new school year.  I named different teachers in the school, but this is what I heard from one student. 

      "Teacher Kira, I want Teacher Kira for (their grade level) next year."  

That short sentence said it all.  The positive impact I hoped to have on these children.  To share my love of learning and exploring.  To teach them the independence in making their own choices and accepting the consequences.  To support them as they learned to stand on their own.  In that moment, I felt like we'd reached these goals together.

And this is why I teach.

Tis Time!

Hi everyone!  Yes, I'm still alive.  I haven't been kidnapped, arrested, or become a hermit (mostly).  I had to take a step back from social media for a couple of different reasons and while I've recently been itching to do another video on my vlog, technology has had other plans.  Youtube shut down their video editor and my two sources to the internet AKA my computer and phone are both dying.  ::sigh::  As many of you know, I have a very strong hate-hate relationship with technology so I haven't been particularly keen to jump back into the shopping pool to replace them.

That being said, I also need to acknowledge the human side of my withdrawal.  I remember when I first started regularly posting again and one thing I discussed was how to balance a 9-5 job after having traveled for so long.  Stressing the importance of keeping the good habits I had developed and not falling back into familiar, non-constructive cycles.  I'll admit, I backslid a bit there.  There have been some periods of difficulty in adjusting here in Japan.  This country is different than any other place I've been to and while that's not innately a negative, it can be stressful.  Luckily I have made some wonderful friends who have been able to offer support and advice as I navigate living and working in Japan.

So what the heck have I been up to these last however many months?!

Well, I am now the proud owner of a 5-person tent.  Gotta love those second-hand shops!  I've gone out camping several times with friends to places like Izu, Hakone, and Nikko.  I know you may just shake your head when I say there is video coming for those trips but I really do have pictures and videos to share!!  Look, here's a picture as proof!!  ::chuckle::

our view from our tent at Nikko

I am still hula dancing with my school I discovered.  And yes, there will be another video although I can't share the actual dances due to privacy for the choreography.  But here's a GIF to entertain you...

My school is keeping me busy.  It's hard to believe we're halfway through the school year and only 6 months left with my class.  Time goes by so quickly!  We're gearing up for Halloween and can you guess what my classroom theme is?  HINT: My costume involves a love of cookies!

And of course I have been discovering new and amazing things here in Japan.  Karaoke is of course a crowd favorite.  I've also discovered dessert cafes which I don't even have words to describe at the moment.  Trust me, you want to know more.  I'm also learning how to make yummy Japanese food!

And I shall now leave you with a picture of my attempt at being a ladybug.  Because who wouldn't want to see that?  ::laugh::

If you'd like to check out my vlog on Youtube, you can check it out here.

Monkey with a Backpack VLOG

**Please note: all photos and video are property of Kira Zebroski**