Mountain Shadows Middle School students were very excited to participate in the first video conference with Shotoku Gakuen Junior High School on September 14. Since our students usually leave campus within minutes after the last bell we were thrilled that nine eighth graders were able to stay, possible due to the generosity of our Transportation Director, Russ Ramsey, who arranged for the students to have a ride home at 4:30 pm.

Prior to the conference, students made English/Japanese name plates and enjoyed a variety of sweets (I should say they REALLY enjoyed the sweets.). They also learned a simple taiko drum rhythm called "Renshu taiko", which means it is a practice piece. Folgers coffee cans served as our practice drums.

As the conference began, we gathered around a large table and scanned the students. It was a little mind boggling for them to see students in Tokyo, especially when they realized it was the next morning at Shotoku Gakuen, and that the Japanese students were not staying late, rather arriving early. They were also impressed with the uniforms, as our students are strictly "California casual".

They were also excited to see Aki and Shimo, remembering them from their visit last spring. The Shotoku Gakuen students did an outstanding job presenting their Future Cities models and leading a Japanese language lesson. The Mountain Shadows students were a great audience, and we hope that the students in Japan were able to hear the cheers and clapping going on in California.

One of our International Club members asked first thing this morning if we were going to meet for another video conference, so it's clear students are looking forward to another visit with Shotoku Gakuen students.

We did have a problem with an echo on our side, but are working to fix the problem before our next conference. Thanks to the other MTP folks who mentioned a similar problem and fix in their postings.

Best Regards,
Lynn Hammonds

źÉÕ¥Õ¥¡¥¤¥ë:

---

  100_1158.jpg (649.36 KB)

Hi Lynn- Sounds like a very successful conference. How nice of your transportation person to help with rides! My students were also excited to see the Japanese teachers. They too were amazed that it was morning over there. It is a neat experience for them!

I've a question for you- how did you get the student names written in Japanese?