Students at SSE Katsura(スミス英会話 桂) sometimes talk about Kyoto and Japan. A
s a foreigner living here, I enjoy these conversations very much. Last week I was given a chance to learn something new again.
I found out that the first elementary school in Japan was opened in Kyoto. Not only that, 64 elementary schools were opened here between 1868 and 1869. And how do I know that?
For her Man-to-Man lesson my student Hisako prepared a presentation called: ‘The First Elementary School in Japan’. I was really impressed by her effort. Before she started I was told: “If you have any questions, please just ask”. I had many questions and Hisako answered and explained all I wanted to know. Wow!
She spoke in English for over 20 minutes. Talked about the beginnings of education in Japan and interesting historical facts. She also explained all main ideas and important people behind the big project. I was amazed how well prepared Hisako was.
All I had to do was to enjoy the story, look at prepared historical drawings and ask questions when I wanted to know little more. She was the teacher and I was the student. And what an amazing lesson it was.
At the end of the presentation we had a short discussion, went through some difficult English vocabulary and practiced pronunciation.
Thank you for your big effort Hisako. I enjoyed it so much and I’m looking forward to our next lesson. I know it will be fun.
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