YAY

So, today one of my JTE's came up to me and starting talking about lesson plans. I told her what I wanted to do for the first lessons and then I kinda threw out I wanted to do a project. She told me I should just do it, and I told her I was worried since no of what I do is graded no one will be serious about it.

So then she drops the bomb shes thinking of giving me some weight in grading. How much I am unsure, and thus she promptly explained to me the overly complex grading system of my school. Something like there are week test and then Mid-term tests and then final tests each with a portion put on it. So it would be apparently more complex to just stick on 10% of my lessons at the end, and it be easier to stick me something like 20% each mid-term and final. So somehow though I am unsure I am gonna get a portion of the first years grades! w00t!!!

Bad thing is I will have to tons more work. From not just making up random test questions for their test and grading that, but making oral sections and detailing a point system for the project (which I will stick onto their final test in the second semester) And then their participation which I will stick on the the final part of their grades as well. (It's basically going to be super complicated even for my grading since I am going to use their participation points on their grade as well...)

We also do all the requests for a need even some wheeling and dealing in the office! I totally am glad I kiss ass to those people with candies and yay, cuz the jimucho (office head) totally agreed! Yay! I really feel like I am doing stuff now, and I know it's going to be alot of work since I still have to teach third year oral and well as second year classes. I don't think I can be human tape recorder anymore for the regular third year classes, but I don't mind.

I feel sorry for the JET after me because grading, projects, teaching all three years, and English club (Which will hopefully at least be a doukoukai by the time I leave) is what I've filled my plate up with! I really feel now like I am making a difference. And in the Summer time I hope to start up English Lesson's for the other teachers!

My other idea is currently English club is just one day, but once June or July rolls by and third years stop going to clubs I am going to start up a intensive English club course for those who wish to take English entrance exams or TOEIC. There are 3 girls I know for sure who will need one of the other and perhaps one more who will come just for the intensive English practice.

ALSO! Apparently first years have been asking where am I and why I don't come to their classes. They all remember me from the mountain climb, I can't believe I made such an impression. So I feel overall good, this is a real invigoration after this recent slump!!! YAY!! Still can't wait for my trip! Which is going to be in 2 days! China here I come! Hopefully I won't die....I almost wish I bought the Chinese functioning dictionary...

On a sad note I still have not really talked to that one teacher I had a row with a few days ago,. I am unsure on how to approach the situation and I have already apologized for her taking offense by my lesson. But I am unsure on how it will go.... To be honest I will deal with it later I don't really want the negativity to bring me down, and I realize some people just don't mesh well. It's a shame that happened and she does seem really into English and into her students futures, she has to realize I am as well and just because our methods clash should not bring out hostilities... Oh well. We'll see...hopefully it will all just work out for the best.

I also hope I won't burn out, but hearing the students and other first year teacher's (ok, one first year teachers..) excitement makes me feel ready for the challenge!