Monday and Tuesday, I spent my days at Gyoda Yougo (行田養護学校 for those interested), the regional school for disabled children. Students' ages range from first to twelfth grade, and their capabilities range all over the spectrum. I am once again humbled by the patience, stamina, and character of the teachers who give themselves every day at the school. Two days' work was enough to exhaust me; the fortitude of the regular teachers there is absolutely astounding.
In my first-ever elementary school class, I spoke a few greeting and parting words with four energetic fourth graders. Then I donned a sumo hat (plastic hat looking like that infamous sumo hair) and the little daiper thing (yes, thankfully they allowed me to keep my pants on, which created an interesting look, let me tell you), and wrestled with them. For those 40 minutes I was just a playmate (and a bit of a weenie) and it was tiring but nice.
Last time I went to yougo (it's a fairly regular gig) I took part in the pottery class and made what I do believe is the lamest rice bowl ever. Actually I don't even know what it was supposed to be anymore because I botched it so much. I had envisioned I'd be some pottery master using that spinning wheel thing (think Ghost without the sex scene) but I couldn't handle the pressure. I had forgotten just how bad it had turned out, and this time I was forced to take a look at what we've come to refer to as my "art." Art indeed. It's been fired and this time I glazed it, so next time I visit yougo, my "art" will forever be preserved and available for photo shoots. Prepare.