Mayor's Cup Speech contest, etc.

My English translation of Kouchou-sensei's article about the Mayor's Cup Speech contest


Lilica conquers the tallest oni ("ogre") @ Chayamachi's Oni festival


Recently, our Junior High's Principal published the above article in the monthly newsletter about a student's presentation at the Mayor's Cup Speech contest. I coached the student from start to finish with the help of another English teacher and the support and feedback from still other teachers. This marks the second time I've been involved with this activity and, though the speeches didn't place in the top 6, each of these students I've coached worked their hardest and grew exponentially.

It must be very challenging to make a speech in another language, especially one that you're still learning. I have yet to do the same in Japanese, at least in any formal circumstance. There is a Japanese speech contest which I'll aim to enter in next year. Until then, I'll at least do my last performance of the season as the Multinatioal Cheering Squad captain this coming Sunday for the Kurashiki International Friendship Festival. This cheer is done all in Japanese in a big, booming voice and with the aid of a script and other vocal cheering squad members. It's a lot of fun.

Meanwhile, my daughter is getting along very well socializing and playing at kindergarten 5 - 6 days a week. Her schedule for kindergarten changes monthly and this October, we're all waking up very early to get her ready and on the bus by 8AM. This is the prequel period of her Elementary school training. We continue to adjust, grow and learn as we go as parents and as Lilica's support system. She's blooming!