Elementary School--Clubs

Clubs are a very important part of the school day in Japan. At Matsunaga Elementary School, the first club period started at 3:15 and was compulsory. The students had a variety of clubs from which to choose: soccer, art, igo/shogi (board games), sport, English, Koto (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument), table tennis, music, basketball, illustration, badminton, home ec, scientific experiments and computer. Teachers lead most of these clubs as part of their jobs--they are not paid extra to do so.

We were invited especially to attend koto club. A special music teacher came to teach this beautiful instrument to the students. I was first impressed by how the young ladies sat on their knees for so long without fidgeting! They received instruction from the teacher, listened to a flute player and then played "Sakura" for our listening enjoyment. The American teachers were then allowed to give the instruments a try.

This club period lasted until 4:00 and then there was a second club period which was optional. The choices for this period were track and field, music ensemble acting playing, chorus and art.

This was a great day. I was really exhausted by the end of it, but it was a good feeling.