Pre-Kinder Week 2

Hello parents and welcome back to the exciting adventures of Pre-Kinder A

Our goal for week 2 was to get used to the classroom routines, how to use a pencil correctly and practice their line work on paper, and have fun while doing it. There were a few ups and downs, however in the end the students did well! Everything from lining up, helping to clean the classroom and after themselves has improved greatly from the 1st week.

During the 2nd week we had an art class where they had the opportunity to paint whatever they wanted. After, I put it up on the wall in the hallway. I know many of you were able to see their artwork. The goal of it was to imagine being in an art gallery and pretend. To go around and see the artwork but also ask about what they drew, and what other students saw in the artwork. It was a good exercise, I wanted them to name their artwork but many students could not think of a name for their artwork.

In the future I would like to revisit this and see what else they can paint later on.

These students have been together in a class for several years, and it shows. Sometimes they get frustrated with each other, but other times they work very well together. This week was a lesson in caring for eachother, and working together. Here are some photos of their progress.

And lastly, the students had a fun time in Japanese class, learning to make Origami flowers, with Ms Hisako. 

In conclusion it was a fun week! I look forward to week 3!

- James Barbosa

Hello everyone!

Hello everyone!

First let me introduce myself. My name is James Barbosa and I am the Pre-Kinder A teacher for this year. I am from Toronto Canada. I can speak two languages fluently; English and Portuguese, and a little bit of Japanese. I have lived in Japan for 6 years and I have taught English in Kagawa for 4 years and in Hyogo for 2 years. If you have any questions you can always ask me.

First week of Pre-Kinder.

I had a lot of fun getting to know all the students. This group is very dynamic.and at times they can be a handful, but kids will be kids.

This week was about getting to know the students. Their strengths, and their weaknesses in order to go further and teach them in a way that is fun for them. One of the books I read to them was a book called Shark in the Park. They really enjoyed the book and wanted me to read it again! I have read this book many times over the last 6 years to many children and I never had anyone so captivated, and so into the book like these children were. 

I will definitely read it again to them again in the future. 

This week was also the first time the students got to learn and use the smart board in the classroom. They were so excited to try it out. I hope to get them to use it more in the future, but first we need to learn how to treat it nicely! 

The students were also able to show their artistic side by decorating the classroom door with whatever they wanted. It was a fun exercise, which gave me a window into their personalities.

All in all, I want to have fun with the students, but I also want them to work together and display good manners when interacting with people inside and outside of the school. This is our primary goal this year. For now we are learning safety and procedures when going to the park. Learning how to treat each other with kindness in the classroom and helping the teachers clean up!

Stay tuned for more exciting tales from the class of Pre-Kinder A

- James Barbosa