More on Hobbies

Recently, we learned about hobbies in class.  We learned that some of the most popular pastimes among Japanese middle and high school students are reading comics, playing sports, and playing video games.  It was uncommon for me to encounter a student in Japan that didn't partake in at least one of these activities regularly.

Unlike the US, there are still many arcades scattered throughout Japan.  During my time teaching in Japan, it was very common for me to run into students at local arcades, comic shops, and game stores.

What are some of your hobbies?  How do you think you could incorporate your interests with your language study?

More on Studio Ghibli

Earlier this year, many of us watched 隣のトトロ, or My Neighbor Totoro in class.  Totoro is perhaps the most beloved movie and character in Japan.  Everywhere you go in Japan you see Totoro paraphernalia and hear the theme song.

Totoro even helps us with our morning greetings!

Studio Ghibli is often likened to Disney here in the US.  In addition to Totoro, Hazao Miyazaki and his crew have made numerous other movies such as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke.  The following link takes you to the official website:
http://www.ghibli.jp/

Have you seen any other Studio Ghibli movies?  If so, what was your favorite? Are there any other Japanese directors or movies that you can suggest for the rest of us?

More on Japanese Food

As part of our "I like/dislike" lesson, we learned a bit about Japanese food and Japanese food culture.  In addition to our food lesson, we encourage students to bring in Japanese food or candy wrappers they may have.  After sharing with the class the story behind the wrapper, we display them on wrapper wall.

The following link also provides a few more examples of traditional Japanese food:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2035.html

Do you have any experience with Japanese food?  If so, what is your favorite dish?  What foods do you shy away from?  Do you have any questions about Japanese food?

"Hello Japanese"

Welcome to Japanese Class!

 This is a site for parents and students to connect with the Japanese classroom.  Supplemental materials for lessons, picture of what we are doing in class, as well as space for comments.

About me
My name is Aaron Asmann.  I am currently the student teacher working with Mrs. West in the Japanese classroom at ISB.  I returned from a 3-year teaching program in Japan a little over a year ago.  While in Japan teaching English, I worked on enhancing my Japanese beyond what I learned in school.  Having reached fluency in the language, I am eager to share my experience with Japan and the Japanese language with the students at ISB.