Summer at School

You will arrive in Sendai during school summer vacations. However, teachers are still expected to work during vacations, so you will likely be at school every day (apart from Sendai Orientation). Students will be around over the holidays, practicing sports and preparing for the school culture festival, held in the fall term.

Summer vacation is a pretty relaxed time, when teachers aren't too stressed, and can be a good time to get to know the other staff members. You could also wander the corridors and introduce yourself to the students hanging around. Theyfll be excited to meet their new ALT, especially if you want to join in their activities.

Try to take the initiative over summer to avoid boredom setting in. Here are a few ideas to keep you occupied at school:
- Learn teachersf/stafffs names by heart.
- Learn the school calendar.
- Join a club.
- Read all the CLAIR literature.
- Use the school swimming pool and gym.  (If your school allows this.)
- Research big purchases, e.g. car, stereo, computer.
- Study Japanese (ask other teachers to help you!).
- Prepare your self-intro class. Prepare a few variations, because you'll do it so many times!
- Pay your predecessor for anything received! ?
- Explore the neighbourhood around the school (with your supervisorfs@permission, of course!).
- Ask teachers if you can gpreviewh your lesson ideas with smaller summer classes.
- Start a summer English club for students.
- Ask teachers if theyfll evaluate your lesson plans, give you ideas.
- Look through lesson plans left behind by your predecessor.
- Talk to as many other teachers as possible.
- Plan a syllabus for the rest of the year!
- Prepare for elementary school visits.
- Make teaching materials, such as game cards, etc.
- Make a bulletin board about your country.