2020 Post-Arrival Orientation

Useful Information for ALTs

Elementary School & Junior High School

Council of Local Authorities for International Relations

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1. ……………………………………….. P. 2 2. …………………………………………………….. P. 2

2.1 Self-Introduction 2.2 挨拶 (aisatsu) Greetings 2.3 What to Communicate (Information Sharing) 2.4 Who to Talk to (Chain of Communication) 2.5 How we Communicate

3. ………………………………………………………P. 6 3.1 Know Your Workplace (The Teachers’ Room) 3.2 Know Your Workplace (Papers and Announcement Boards)

3.3 Know Your Workplace (Scheduling Meetings) 3.4 Know Your Workplace (The School Day) 3.5 Workplace Manners 3.6 School Rules 3.7 Dress Code

4. ……………………………………….. P. 12 4.1 Values and Cultural Trends 4.2 Bowing 4.3 Omiyage 4.4 Certificates 4.5 Enkai

5. ………………………………………………………… P. 14 5.1 School Events 5.2 After School Activities 5.3 Community Involvement

6. ……………………………………………………………… P. 16 6.1 Elementary School 6.2 Junior High School

……………………………………………………… P. 17…………………………………………………….. P. 18

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1. The Japanese School System

ALTs on the JET Programme may go to one or multiple schools to assist in the instruction

of foreign language teaching, generally English. Knowledge about the Japanese school system can help you adjust to your new work more smoothly and be more effective in the classroom.

Elementary Junior High Senior High University School (ES) School (JHS) School (SHS)

1st-6th 1st-3rd 1st-3rd ages 6~12 ages 12~15 ages 15~18

Compulsory Education

How schools are decided:

Generally students attend the elementary (ES) and junior high schools (JHS) of the established school district where they live. Junior and senior high school students take entrance exams in their 3rd year. Senior high school (SHS) and higher education base enrolment on the results of entrance exams.

Types of schools:

There are both public and private schools in Japan with the majority being public, especially ES and JHS. Public schools can be national, prefectural or municipal. There are also various kinds of SHS including vocational, academic, part-time, and special needs etc. A little more than a third of SHS are private.

2. Communication Good communication skills are essential for building good working relationships and being an effective ALT. Below is advice both general and specific on communication in Japanese schools.

2.1 Self-Introduction

During your first few weeks in Japan you’ll have many opportunities to give a self-

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introduction. You’ll likely introduce yourself individually to your supervisor from the board of education or school and when greeting your new Japanese teachers of language/English in junior high school (JTL/JTE), homeroom teachers in elementary school (HRT), principals or neighbours. You might make a short introduction to the classroom, teachers’ room or at a welcome party. You might give a formal self-introduction on stage, in an assembly hall, to the entire student body or PTA. Here are some tips and useful phrases to see you through them.

English or Japanese? Keep it short Include interesting facts Be aware of how you present yourself Conclude with

よろしく

yoroshiku

お願い

onegai

します

shimasu

!

We suggest using English with your students. Speak clearly and not too quickly. You

might prepare a Japanese introduction for your coworkers and neighbours.

As a general rule, 30 seconds to a minute. If you are given an opportunity for a

lengthier introduction, such as a formal introduction in an assembly hall or in front of

class, still try to keep it simple and concise, perhaps 2 or 3 minutes.

Introduce your hobbies, talk about your major, or mention something that interests

you about Japan. It’ll give people an opening to start conversations with you later.

Give a good first impression. Have good posture and smile. Try to keep your hands out

of your pockets and at your sides or in front of you.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu is a very versatile phrase. When used at the end of self-

introductions, it equates to “I look forward to working with you.” Sometimes, it’s all

you need to say!

See the Useful Terms Index in the back for an example self-introduction.

2.2 挨拶aisatsu

Greetings

Aisatsu, translated as “greetings”, are an integral part of Japanese culture. There are even

committees at schools to check student greetings. Below are some greetings you’ll need throughout the workday.

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おはよう

ohayou

ございます

gozaimasu

お疲れ

otsukare

様

sama

です

desu

お先

osaki

に

ni

失 礼

shitsurei

します

shimasu

お疲れ

otsukare

様

sama

でした

deshita

“Good morning”. Repeated much more than you’d expect as you greet everyone you

see for the first time every day, including when first walking into the teachers’ room,

and again as you pass teachers’ desks to your seat, and again every time another

teacher or student greets you.

Literally, “You’re tired/exhausted.” It’s used to acknowledge someone for their work

and also as a greeting when someone leaves for the day.

“Excuse me (for leaving before you)”. Used as a farewell when you leave work for

the day.

A conjugation of otsukare sama desu above, this is also used as a farewell greeting, especially as a reply to osakini shitsurei shimasu.

2.3 What to Communicate (Information Sharing) Aisatsu is translated as “greetings” in English, but it actually has a much broader meaning. Many of the phrases used in set situations are also aisatsu, much like when you say “Bless you.” after someone sneezes. (Ironically, there is no aisatsu for after a sneeze in Japan.)

Learning when to say what to whom can take a long time to learn in a new culture, but efforts at good and frequent communication will reduce stress for both you and your coworkers. In fact, a lot of misunderstandings occur only because an ALT simply didn’t realise they were expected to report something. Below is a list of times you should communicate with your school.

Tell or consult with someone when you…

Go to the classroom

Leave for the day

Take the day off sick

Are running late for work

Will take vacation

Have a traffic accident

Notice a problem

(e.g. bullying, a broken light, etc.)

Need to talk about a lesson

Won’t need a school lunch

Wish to use/borrow equipment

Want personal advice/help

See the Useful Terms Index in the back for some Japanese phrases.

2.4 Who to Talk to (Chain of Communication) After knowing when to communicate, you need to know with whom. The general rule when communicating is to go up or down the chain. Your school’s vice principal might tell your

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JTL/HRT to inform you of a schedule change. You might call your JTL/HRT who will then tell the vice principal that you caught a cold and will take the day off.

When you don’t wish to involve an intermediary, knowing who is responsible for what at school will help you decide with whom to talk. When in doubt, you can always ask a teacher to tell you who the appropriate contact is. Below is a summary of school faculty and their roles.

The principal acts as the face of the school, representing it for public occasions.

The vice principal manages the daily running of the school.

The school nurse oversees the nurse’s room and students’ health and hygiene.

(Occasionally, they may also be in charge of kyuushoku, the school lunches.)

Part-time/office staff include school librarians, counsellors, janitors, etc. In other words, faculty that may not work full time

every day at your school.

Teachers teach and prepare for lessons, grade papers and make tests. However, they also have a lot of other duties:

managing club activities

managing homeroom and class affairs

checking students’ health and attire

meeting and communicating with students’ parents

handling student discipline

handling career counselling

taking care of committee affairs

cleaning/recycling around the school

greeting the students

attending meetings/seminars/training workshops

2.5 How we Communicate

The above list of teacher duties is hardly exhaustive, and so exhausted your teachers may very well be. And busy, which makes how you communicate crucial to forming good work relationships. Aside from face-to-face conversation, here are some other ways to communicate with your teachers.

email Remember to exchange contact information early.

messenging apps e.g. Google chat, Facebook messenger, or LINE, a common app in Japan

sticky notes ...or a shared notebook, or Kit-Kat messages, whatever you please telephone Register school number(s) or keep an addressed school envelope on you (helpful when running late, for emergencies or if you need your workplace details).

fax It may seem old-fashioned, but it’s still very much prominent in Japan!

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A lot of the advice about good communication can be broken down into two basic concepts: increasing the amount of communication and increasing the quality of communication. Below is some general advice for ALTs.

Increase the amount of communication

Be proactive and stay flexible in how you communicate. Situations aren’t always ideal but an open attitude can often better the circumstances.

Ask if you can help. It shows consideration, opens the door for conversation and frees up some of their time. They may be shy to impose

but don’t be discouraged. Keep offering!

Attend events. It creates more opportunities to communicate and in a different and more relaxed setting than at school. The shared

experiences also facilitate better communication. Some ALTs even meet teachers outside of working hours for coffee, etc.

Increase the quality of communication

Learn about your coworkers, school and students. The more you know, the more tools you have to draw on when you communicate and plan lessons.

Observe good social conduct. Intercultural communication is a two-way street, but it’s always wise to observe the local rules and traditions. It shows

respect and consideration and reflects your desire to form a good relationship.

Study Japanese. It goes without saying, but bridging the language gap will make communication more accurate and efficient.

Working with BUSY teachers You may try to set a fixed time weekly to discuss lessons or join the English department meetings, if applicable. It

takes time to build a relationship with your teachers, especially if you teach at multiple schools. Every teacher has their own

teaching style, experience level and goals. What works for one teacher may not work for another. Be patient and keep

working toward better communication and team-teaching.

3. Professionalism ALTs are hired by contracting organisations like boards of education and private schools. These COs want professional ALTs, and they pay your salary. For the ALT, learning how to act

professionally within a foreign culture will build valuable skills, and making a genuine effort will give

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you job satisfaction and enrich your experience in Japan. But the rules can be tricky, so below are some tips and tools to help.

3.1 Know Your Workplace (The Teachers’ Room) The teachers’ room is where the teachers do most of their work. Especially in JHS and SHS, where teachers constantly travel between classrooms, this communal workspace is where their desks are. You may receive a tour of your school and/or your teachers’ room upon arrival. If not, you may consider asking for one.

Classes in each grade study together throughout the school day while the teachers move between classrooms. As such,

‘class’ usually means the group of students rather than a subject of study, location in school or reference to time.

Generally schools will have designated shoe lockers and changing rooms with lockers for faculty.

Office supplies and equipment may be in the teachers’ room or a separate room. They’re sometimes divided for use by

class or grade level, so make sure to ask permission if you wish to use something.

Desks in the teachers’ room are generally arranged grouped by grade level, with the faculty with extra/special

responsibilities seated separately near the vice principal.

Students enter and leave the teachers’ room frequently to pick up materials for class, report to a teacher, borrow

equipment, and when receiving both awards and reprimands.

Some schools offer tea and coffee and/or have an area with some snacks. Please ask a teacher before helping yourself

as there may be a small fee involved. Many teachers and ALTs bring their own mug or cup to school.

3.2 Know Your Workplace (Papers and Announcement Boards)

There are several places in your school that will provide you with useful information about the school day, once you know how to find and read them. Below are examples of those most relevant to an ALT. Papers

Academic year calendar shows events for the entire school year like ceremonies, tests, tournaments, etc.

Semester schedule lesson schedule(s) for the semester

Weekly schedule lesson schedule(s) for the week. More information in section 3.3.

School lunch calendar menu for school lunch, usually by month. Kyuushoku is common in ES and JHS.

Faculty seating chart chart showing the location of faculty desks in the teachers’ room

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answer: Monday 3rd period or Wednesday 5

th period (right before the class!)

Class rosters (Confidential) names of the students for each class. Some also have pictures of the students.

Announcements Boards

Student Information shows the breakdown of the student body by

grade level, class, gender, etc.

Monthly Event Calendar shows events for the month like ceremonies,

tests, tournaments, etc.

2-Day Schedule has information about the current and

following school day such as teacher business

trips and schedule changes

Announcement boards may be on one board like above or in various locations. There are typically several other

boards as well, such as for absent/tardy students, substitutes, classroom/facility use, etc. See the Useful Terms Index in the

back for common abbreviations.

3.3 Know Your Workplace (Scheduling Meetings) The weekly lesson schedules are one of the most useful papers you’ll receive. If you don’t receive one, you can ask your teacher to print it for you. Formats vary, but it will have the subjects for each class period of the week and other important schedule information, like meetings or assemblies. Of course helpful in keeping track of your own work schedule, the weekly schedule is indispensable when considering a time to talk with your JTL/HRT.

This simplified example is organised by teacher, showing

their lessons over the week. The bold cells represent

periods the ALT is scheduled to go to class.

If you wish to speak with Tanaka about your 1B

English lesson together on Wednesday, 6th period, when

will you both be available to discuss it?

You may not have as many free periods together as

you would think, so early preparation and meetings are

prudent.

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3.4 Know Your Workplace (The School Day)

The school day schedule might be found on a wall in the teachers’ room or as a handout. Some schools may have multiple timetables for different days/occasions. Below is an example of a typical school day.

1. Faculty morning meeting

Check if your school expects you to attend. Not all ALTs do. If you don’t

attend, ask a teacher to relate to you any pertinent announcements.

2. Morning homeroom

The homeroom teacher shares with their class announcements for

the day or for specific clubs/students. ALTs generally do not attend.

3. 1st-4th period

Periods are typically 45min. long for ES and 50min. long for JHS.

4. Lunch (kyuushoku)

Although there are exceptions, most ES and JHS have a lunch served at school to all the students and faculty, called

kyuushoku. Your school may eat in a common lunch room or in the classrooms and teachers’ room. A nutritionist plans the

meals, often with growing children in mind, and kyuushoku is generally known to be well-balanced, inexpensive, and an opportunity for the school to teach students appreciation and table manners.

ALTs often participate and eat with the students, but be prepared that Japan may not be as ingredient-conscious as

you desire. If you have severe food allergies or dietary restrictions, talk to your school. Arrangements can be made for you

to share part of the meal or bring your own lunch. If you do join kyuushoku, be conscious of table manners like proper

chopstick use and trying some of everything on the plate. If you know in advance you won’t be at school for lunch, you

may need to notify someone or else be required to pay for that day’s meal.

5. Recess

ES and JHS generally have a short recess after lunch.

6. Cleaning time

This may occur before or after lunch or after school. Students clean the school with faculty both participating and supervising.

Many ALTs find this to be a good time to bond with students, but be aware that some schools discourage talking during

cleaning time.

7. 5th and 6th period

8. Afternoon homeroom

Like morning homeroom, the homeroom teacher gives announcements and homework reminders to their class.

1. 2.

3.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

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3.5 Workplace Manners

These scenes might not be out of the ordinary in your home country, but while in Japan, there are some rules of social conduct that should be respected for the sake of professionalism.

Avoid making loud noises or distractions

Keep your desk area tidy

Don’t sit or lean on desks or tables

Keep all student information confidential

(Don’t post any student work or pictures online)

Don’t put your hands in your pocket, especially during conversation

Avoid using work computers for personal reasons (e.g. social media, blogging, etc.)

Avoid constantly checking your phone

Don’t listen to music at your desk or use headphones if not for work

Ask for permission before printing/using materials (especially color printing)

Respect computer/data use policies (having access to something doesn’t necessarily mean you have permission to use/view

it)

Stand when someone comes to speak with you, especially the principal or vice principal

3.6 School Rules

Teachers are considered role models for students. As such, many teachers adhere to the same school rules as their students in order to set a good example. As an ALT you may be allowed more leeway than your Japanese counterparts, however it’s important to be aware of the school rules and try to follow them as much as possible. Below are common rules in ES and JHS.

No running in the halls

No snacks or soda at school

(ask first if you wish to hand out candy, etc.)

No water/tea bottles out during lessons

(Students may be permitted to bring water or tea in a

bottle in summer to drink between lessons)

No wearing coats in the classrooms

(Try Uniqlo’s Heat Tech line and kairo to stay warm)

No cellphones or game devices in the classroom

(If you need music for a lesson, using a computer is

often the simplest option)

Wear a helmet when riding your bicycle

(Note: students can’t usually ride bicycles to ES)

You must have a light on your bike at night

Dismount and walk your bicycle across crosswalks

Students have many other rules, such as restrictions on unsupervised activities outside of the school (e.g. no

student-only karaoke outings, no sleepovers, etc.). There are also strict dress codes at schools, especially JHS, which regulate

the uniform they wear to how long their hair or bangs can be.

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3.7 Dress Code

Concerning dress code, the basic rule of thumb in Japan is to tend toward the conservative. Below are some tips to help you coordinate your wardrobe. A nice blouse with a long skirt or a collared shirt with trousers are typical dress among school faculty. The “Cool Biz” period in hot weather also relaxes the restrictions some, so you can lose the tie and break out a short sleeved collared shirt or polo shirt.

Wear durable, comfortable clothes for ES, special needs classes and other places where you might get your clothes pulled

on or need to move more freely.

Wear sportswear for sports days, tournaments and club activities or PE.

Wear business formal attire, such as a nice suit with jacket, for ceremonies.

(The predominant color for formal attire is dark, usually black or navy.)

Consider keeping a backup jacket and/or sportswear in your locker or bag for the unexpected ceremony or special event.

No jeans, T-shirts, low cut shirts or tank tops.

Observe your coworkers’ dress and ask for advice if you’re not sure what to wear.

Tattoos can have a negative image in Japan. You may be asked to cover them.

Avoid excessive make-up and jewelry.

Avoid too much exposed skin, like showing any chest, shoulders or midriff.

Dyed hair, especially bright colors, is much less common and acceptable in educational settings in Japan relative to other

countries, and may impact how others see you. Students are typically not allowed to dye their hair.

Be aware that even outside of working hours, you could run across students and coworkers as you go about your

business. Don’t be taken aback if you receive comments, though usually with innocent intentions, after taking a jog

around town in a sports tank or dressing up for a night out with friends.

In Japan, black ties with black suits are worn to funerals. It’s better not to wear one to school if possible. White or

silver ties are worn at celebratory occasions. It isn’t a faux pas to wear a silver tie on a normal day or a normal tie

for ceremonies, but you may choose to pick your tie color to match, especially for graduation.

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4. Japanese Customs and Facts

4.1 Values and Cultural Trends

ALTs’ home countries share many common values with Japan, but you’ll also likely notice some distinct differences. Here are some points that may not be immediately obvious but sometimes affects work and workplace relationships. Unity and group success Harmony and balance are deep-rooted values in Japan. Therefore, there tends to be a heavier emphasis on unity and group

success than on independence and individual success relative to some other countries. This can manifest itself subtly and

obtrusively. For example, many ALTs become perplexed at how their students always seem to need to consult their classmates

before answering a question.

Consideration for others Japan puts strong value on consideration for others. Foreign visitors to Japan frequently exclaim about how polite and

punctual people are and the high level of service. On the other hand, this results in many Japanese having a tendency for

non-confrontational communication and oblique advice, which can frustrate an ALT who wishes for straight, direct feedback on

their work. Asking specific questions, such as “Did I speak too quickly?” can help open a discussion about a lesson.

Work life vs Private life Sometimes the line between one’s private life and work can get blurry. There is often an unspoken expectation in Japan for

teachers to report events that ALTs may not normally see as necessary, such as getting married or going on vacation. ALTs

might feel like their privacy is being threatened when, for example, their school or contracting organisation is contacted after

a traffic citation. But while you may sometimes feel people are being too nosy, there are many times it’s a blessing, like when

an acquaintance brings you soup because you stayed home sick.

High context culture

“High-context culture and low-context culture are terms used to describe cultures based on how explicit the messages

exchanged are and how much the context means in certain situations. Messages exchanged in a high-context culture carry

implicit meanings with more information than the actually spoken parts, while in low-context cultures, the messages have a

clear meaning, with nothing implied beyond the words used.” (Wikipedia)

Japan is considered a (very) high-context culture while English-speaking countries are generally considered low-context. To an

ALT, this may mean you don’t always feel like things are being explained to you thoroughly enough or that you aren’t

communicating effectively with your coworkers. Time, experience, and efforts to learn about Japanese culture and language will

help accustom you to this communicative environment, but being aware of the difference can help abate early frustrations.

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4.2 Bowing It’s common knowledge that bowing is a part of Japanese culture, but less known are the kinds and degrees of bows, and when it’s appropriate to use them. Below is a quick guide to help you bow with the best.

~15 degrees (The ‘head nod’ bow.)

~30 degrees (The ‘standard’ bow)

~45 degrees (The ‘serious’ bow)

While sitting (The ‘sitting’ bow)

used as acknowledgement for someone or some action and as a light greeting

used when formally greeting someone, introducing yourself, at ceremonies and

other occasions of formality

used rarely, and chiefly in circumstances of deep regret or apology.

equivalent of the more formal 30 degree bow from a sitting position

4.3 Omiyage

There is an entire culture in Japan surrounding omiyage. Areas in Japan become famous for their local omiyage, and omiyage have become so entrenched in Japanese society that companies may even have rules or stipends to recompense (or discourage) omiyage purchases.

When Omiyage are usually given to the workplace after someone has been on a trip, such as to a different

prefecture or abroad.

Why It shows consideration that the person thought of their coworkers while away. There is a social pressure in

Japan to buy omiyage, but it’s often felt less at school settings and there is never any obligation to buy omiyage. If you do decide you’d like to give omiyage to anyone, you’ll most likely receive many thanks.

What There are a variety of omiyage around Japan, mostly edible. You shouldn’t spend a fortune on omiyage, and it’s perfectly appropriate to get a large box of crackers or cookies for everyone to share.

Where Omiyage can be handed out individually, left on teachers’ desks, or placed in the tea room or snack

corner of the teachers’ room.

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When Choose which group of people you’ll buy omiyage for ahead of time. When you hand them out, do it

discreetly. In a small school of only 12 faculty, you may choose to buy enough for everyone, for a

school of over 50 faculty, perhaps just for the English department. Personal gifts are fine, but can be

expensive and may be received more seriously than intended or cause the receiver to feel obligated to

gift something in return.

4.4 Certificates

You may have a few opportunities to receive certificates, most notably from the head of your CO when you first begin and when you finish your appointment. When formally accepting a document, use both hands and bow while accepting it. When giving a document to someone, also use both hands and hold it facing the recipient. If you receive a business card, use both hands and don’t put it away immediately or stuff it inside your pocket.

4.5 Enkai An enkai is a party, reception or banquet. They usually occur after a large school event or at the beginning and end of the semester, year, or school year. You’ll likely be invited to some during your time in Japan so it’s prudent to brush up on proper etiquette. Some common examples of enkai are listed in the Useful Terms Index.

Arrive a little bit early (5-10 minutes) as the most important people are meant to enter the room last.

Seating is usually determined ahead of time or by lots.

Wait for the kanpai before beginning on food or drink. Refill the glasses of those around you when they become low and avoid filling your own glass.

There may be an unofficial dress code, so you may wish to ask what others will be wearing beforehand.

5. Involvement

5.1 School Events Involvement in school events can be one of the most enjoyable parts of being an ALT. Participation may not be required, but even if it’s on your time off, we encourage you to join them when possible. Always remember to communicate whether or not you will be attending. Following is a list of the major events.

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Entrance Ceremony ES and JHS. Ceremony for new students entering the school.

Opening Ceremony ES and JHS. Ceremony to mark the beginning of the school year or term. The opening ceremony may occur concurrently with the entrance ceremony and include a faculty

introduction.

Sports Day ES and JHS. There are two types of sports days, focusing on either track and field events or ball sports. The larger track and field sports day usually includes other games and events such

as cheering teams, dances, and tug-of-war, etc.

Class Trip JHS (possibly ES). The graduating class goes on a multiple day study trip. ALTs usually don’t accompany them.

Chorus Competition JHS (possibly ES). Classes choose students as conductors and piano accompanists and practice their selected song for a school-wide chorus competition.

School Festival JHS. While not typically as extravagant as school festivals in senior high schools, many JHS have an event to showcase students’ efforts in the arts, such as plays, handwritten newspapers,

games and showcases in their classrooms, and more.

Graduation Ceremony ES and JHS. Taking place before underclassmen end their school year, this ceremony to see the graduating students off is arguably the biggest ceremony of the year.

Closing Ceremony ES and JHS. Marks the closing of the school year or term. Leaving Ceremony ES and JHS. This ceremony is for teachers that will be leaving/transferring out of the school in

April, a particularly common occurrence in public schools. All the students (including the recent

graduates) attend.

Other events your school might have are sports club tournaments, school marathons, work experience, rice planting

or another agricultural field experience, volunteer cleaning/recycling or other outings and field trips.

5.2 After School Activities

Another potential opportunity for ALTs to get involved is after school activities. Club activities are an enormous part of students’ lives in Japan and they often come to school for practice on weekends and even during holidays. The intensity of club activities varies, generally becoming more competitive and intense in JHS. Many teachers also have club commitments and supervise meetings, lead practices, organise practice games, etc.

Many ALTs enjoy watching or joining in club activities, but it is advisable to make sure you communicate your intentions to the teacher in charge of the club and to your school and confirm what’s expected of you. You don’t want to hurt feelings by missing a game the students and teachers expected you to be cheering at.

Students may also spend time during or after school on a committee, like student council, and some students engage in activities that aren’t associated with the school, such as private

lessons or youth sports teams. Private learning is common in Japan, and many students attend juku,

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or cram school, to focus more on their studies. Below is a list of some common after school activities.

Sports Table Tennis, Baseball, Track & Field, Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Kendo, Volleyball, Badminton, Judo, Swimming,

Kyudo, Gymnastics, Handball

The Arts Band, Chorus, Science Club, Art Club, Broadcasting, Tea Ceremony, Shogi, Chess, Igo, Theatre, Newspaper, Dance, Piano, English, Cooking

Other Junior Red Cross (JRC), Student Council, Juku, Abacus, English conversation, Kendama etc.

5.3 Community Involvement Japan is a country rich with festivals, natural and historical sights and unique subcultures. Outside of your schools, getting involved in your local community and exploring the opportunities around you will enrich your experience in Japan. You’ll gain material to incorporate into lessons at school and form bonds with the local residents.

6. Schools

6.1 Elementary School ES is both invigorating and chaotic. Younger students bring all the enthusiasm and curiosity of their age, as well as all of the

challenges, to the classroom. English is still being newly introduced as part of the curriculum, and ES ALTs often have the most

freedom in lessons for games and activities. On the other hand, you are less likely to have a teacher trained specifically in English

teaching at your school, and may need to be proactive and creative to find a good working balance with the HRTs.

6.2 Junior High School JHS ALTs have the pleasure of working with their students during their first years of regular English study. JHS is where you see the

fastest development of students’ language ability, and where ALTs can begin having conversations in English with the students.

Sometimes the change from the relaxed ES atmosphere to the academic JHS study can be a shock for students, but with it comes a

broadened span of activities and opportunities in the classroom and new challenges for you as an educator.

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CLAIR Resources

JET Programme Website http://jetprogramme.org/

General Information Handbook (GIH)

The GIH is updated every year. You can download the English or Japanese files on the JET Programme website in PDF form.

CLAIR News

CLAIR News contains important information, reminders and links to information on the JET Programme website. Sent monthly.

ALT Handbook

The ALT Handbook provides ALTs with information on adapting to their workplace and team-teaching in Japan.

Teaching Materials

Teaching Materials is a compilation of ALT-submitted lesson plans and activities separated by school level.

JLPT Grant

CLAIR offers a grant for the N1, N2 or N3 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Please read over the guidelines on the website to see if you’re eligible.

TEFL・TESOL Grant

CLAIR offers a grant for selected JET participants who complete an online TEFL course which meets certain conditions. Please read over the guidelines on the website.

High Level Training Seminar

For JET participants in their second year or further, CLAIR offers a training seminar that teaches pedagogical theories to improve the teaching ability of JET Participants. For more information, consult your contracting organization supervisor. .

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Useful Terms Index Japanese Ro-maji English Page

はじめまして。

___と言います。

___と呼んでください。

___から来ました。

大学の専攻は___でした。

趣味は___です。

___に興味があります。

よろしくお願いします。

hajimemashite

___ to iimasu.

___ to yonde kudasai.

___ kara kimashita.

daigaku no senkou wa ___ deshita.

shumi wa ___ desu.

___ ni kyoumi ga arimasu.

yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Nice to meet you.

My name is ___.

Please call me ___.

I’m from ___.

My university major was ___.

My hobby is (hobbies are) ___.

I am interested in ___.

I look forward to working with you.

2.1

P. 3

おはようございます。 ohayou gozaimasu. Good morning.

2.2

P. 3

お疲れ様です。 otsukare sama desu. Lit. You’re tired. (Good/Nice work.)

お先に失礼します。 osakini shiturei shimasu. Excuse me (for leaving before you.)

お疲れ様でした。 otsukare sama deshita. (said as goodbye) Good job today.

授業に行ってきます。 jugyou ni ittekimasu. I’m off to class.

2.3

P. 4

体調が悪いです。今日は休みを

取りたいです。

taichou ga warui desu. Kyou wa yasumi

o toritai desu.

I’m not feeling well. I’d like to take

today off.

少し遅れます。 sukoshi okuremasu. I’ll be a little late.

-/-に休みを取りたいです。 -/- ni yasumi o toritai desu. I’d like to use a vacation day on -/-.

交通事故にあいました。 koutsuu jikou ni aimashita. I had a traffic accident.

私は大丈夫です。 watashi wa daijoubu desu. I am alright.

-/-に給食はいりません。 -/- ni kyuushoku wa irimasen. I don’t need school lunch on -/-.

○をお借りしてもいいですか。 ○ o okarishitemo ii desu ka. May I please borrow ○?

お時間ありますか。 ojikan arimasu ka. Do you have some time?

打合せしたいのですが。 uchiawase shitaino desu ga. Could we have a meeting?

校長先生 kouchou sensei Principal

2.4

P. 4

教頭先生 kyoutou sensei Vice Principal

先生 sensei Teacher, honorific (i.e. for teachers,

doctors, nurses, writers… ALTs!)

養護教諭（保健の先生） yougo kyouyu (hoken no sensei) School Nurse/Health Teacher

事務職員 jimu shokuin Office Staff

用務員 youmuin Groundskeeper/Janitor

担任 tan’nin Homeroom Teacher

顧問 komon Club Activities Teacher

職員室 shokuinshitsu Teachers’ room 3.1

p. 19

下駄箱（靴入れ） getabako (kutsu’ire) Shoe locker P. 7

更衣室 kouishitsu Dressing room

Japanese Ro-maji English Page

年間行事予定表 nenkan gyouji yoteihyou Yearly calendar

3.2

P. 7

時間割 jikan wari Class schedule

週間予定表 shuukan yoteihyou Weekly schedule

日程表 nitteihyou Daily schedule

給食献立表 kyuushoku kondatehyou School lunch menu

クラス名簿 kurasu meibo Class roster

出張（abbr. 出） shucchou Business trip

3.2

P. 7

年休（abbr. 休 or 年） nenkyuu Vacation day

病休（abbr. 病） byoukyuu Sick day *used when contagious/for hospitalization

防災訓練 Bousai kunren Evacuation drill

担当 tantou Person-in-charge

月・火・水・木・金・土・日 getsu・ka・sui・moku・kin・do・nichi Mon・Tues・Wed・Thurs・Fri・Sat・Sun

職員会議（朝礼） shokuin kaigi (chourei) Faculty meeting (morning meeting)

3.4

P. 9

学活（朝の会）（朝会） gakkatsu (asa no kai) (choukai) Homeroom (morning)

2 限目（第 2 限） 2 jigenme (dai 2 gen) 2nd period

給食 kyuushoku School lunch

昼休み hiruyasumi Recess (Afternoon break)

清掃（掃除） seisou (souji) Cleaning time

終りの会（帰りの会）（終会） owari no kai (kaeri no kai) (shuukai) Homeroom (after school)

部活動（部活） bukatsudou (bukatsu) Club activities

飲み会 nomikai Lit. Drinking party

4.5

P. 14

打ち上げ uchiage Party after an event (i.e. Sports Day)

送別会 soubetsukai Farewell Party

歓迎会 kangeikai Welcome Party

忘年会 bounenkai End-of-Year Party

乾杯 kanpai Cheers!

入学式 nyuugakushiki Entrance Ceremony

5.1

P. 14

始業式（開会式） shigyoushiki (kaikaishiki) Opening Ceremony

運動会 undoukai Sports Day (track & field) *mostly ES

体育祭 tai’ikusai Sports Day (track & field) *mostly JHS

球技会 kyuugikai Sports Day (ball sports)

修学旅行 shuugaku ryokou Class Trip

5.1

P. 14

合唱コンクール gasshou konku-ru Chorus Competition

文化祭（学園祭） bunkasai (gakuensai) School Festival

卒業式 sotsugyoushiki Graduation Ceremony

p. 20

修了式（修業式） shuuryoushiki (shuugyoushiki) Closing Ceremony

離任式 rinin’shiki (Staff) Leaving Ceremony