My Experiences in Joensuu

 

I was so glad to come at Mutalan koulu in Joensuu.

At first I was surprised that cultures and schools in Japan and Finland are completely different. But it brought me a good experience. I was also surprised that elementary school children can communicate well in English.

I found that a small class brings good things to children. The children were learning in a relaxed atmosphere. And the teachers were teaching in a relaxed atmosphere too. I think this is very important things in the elementary schools. That’s why the children could listen to my English carefully. I was happy that they were interested in Japanese cultures. I had various experiences in Joensuu, It is most remembered thing is when some children greeted me in Japanese after teaching greetings in Japanese.

I brought a letter written by a third grader (Mutala school) to Japan and showed it to a fifth grade of a Japanese elementary school. And I was happy to be able to interact by writing a letter and sending it to Finland. They were very interested when I introduced about Finland to fifth and sixth grade at an elementary school in Japan.

Especially, they like to use the word "moi moi", they are still using it.

This experience gives me a lot of new ideas. I will do my best to be a teacher again in Japan.

Thank you for all great and warm teachers and I hope the children can make their dreams come true.

 

Best regards.

Yuka Watanabe