These past two weeks, I was with the three-year-olds and the four-year-olds. The three-year-olds were so sweet to me! They started telling me that they loved me. It made me feel so happy! All the kids have had water activities to do now that it is so hot. One day, the three-year-olds got to play in the sandpit while the teachers sprayed them with hoses and had a sprinkler on. They were all so messy, but they had so much fun! Nap time starts when I go on my lunch break. Every time I came back, there was always one specific three-year-old who wouldn’t be sleeping. When he saw me, though, he would shut his eyes tight, and I would help him fall asleep. I think the teachers appreciated it.
The next week with the four-year-olds was full of energy and activities. I got to see them use the pool! They played fun pool games, and the kids who did not have swimsuits got a bucket of water and water shooters to shoot water at the kids in the pool. It was cute and fun. After day one, the kids seemed like they had begun to mellow out. They were not as energetic and did not use me as a jungle gym like I am used to. However, after day two with them, I realized they were still as energetic as before! I had nice conversations with their teachers using Google Translate during the kids’ naptime. We talked about how sad it is that I have to go back to the States. Now that it’s July, it is officially my last month in Japan (insert crying).
Music therapy with the four-year-olds was extremely fun! Since my time here is ending, I planned a session with lots of games and activities that the children enjoy. We did a freeze dance to APT again. They were singing APT all week leading up to music therapy, so I thought it would be nice to let them dance to it one more time. We also played some games, and the kids did great with following directions, taking turns, teamwork, and using listening skills! I am so proud of the growth they’ve achieved in music therapy. I can see how far they’ve come.
One Tuesday, I got off from the nursery school because my program director, Naoko, wanted to take me to a traditional tea ceremony. I got to wear a traditional summer kimono, and it was so beautiful and comfortable. Naoko also knew someone who did my hair as well. I felt so beautiful! We were served matcha and desserts, and were taught how to eat and drink it properly and why those traditions are in place. The reason you have to turn the bowl when you drink matcha is because of the design on it. It shows respect to the painters who made the bowl that you don’t place your mouth on the side with the design. The teacher who taught us the tea ceremony traditions also had an adorable small business that I did some shopping at.
One of the things I have been focusing on outside of the nursery school has been doing these job applications for when I get home. They can be stressful, but after getting into the groove of them, it has gotten less scary. I have been continuing to make time to call my friends and family on the phone during free time. I had a really fun conversation with my friends back home. It is nice that we are all in the same boat in terms of trying to find jobs. Having someone who can relate is reassuring.
My weekends were awesome and eventful! I went to Nagoya to stay over at my friend Megan’s apartment. It was her birthday that week, and she had a birthday party in a karaoke room with friends. It was a blast, and there were many familiar faces I had seen before. Everyone sang their hearts out, and nobody was too embarrassed to sing. It was a great environment and a wonderful time full of laughter. The next day, after I said goodbye to Megan, I went to the Osu Shopping District. It was super cool and fun. I bought lots of great souvenirs! The following weekend, I went to the zoo with Hiro. Afterwards, I got to meet his nephew! He’s only two months old and so cute! Then I went to Nagoya to see Megan for a little girls’ night! We watched Episode Three of Star Wars, and then I caught the last train home.