I’ve started sitting in on Lilia’s math class once a week so I will know how she is learning and have a better idea of how to help her. Actually, all of the mothers are encouraged to do this. I may start sitting in on Japanese, as well, although my presence tends to be a distraction for Lilia. Anyway, here’s what I learned in the last math class: in Japan, there is a right and a wrong way to write the plus sign. First, you write the horizontal line, then the vertical line. Now that’s one thing I never would have known if I hadn’t been sitting in.
In other news, today is my birthday. That means there will be no cooking – at least not by me.
Gaijin Mama 
Happy Birthday to you!
And, thanks for the tip on the “plus” sign — imagine — I have probably been doing it wrong my entire life :). Reminds me of the Japanese teacher who, during one of our co-teaching experiences, informed me that I wasn’t singing the “correct ABC” song. Now that made for an interesting lesson — me trying to sight read and sing “the other” ABC song.
Again — enjoy your birthday!
happy birthday!!
i write the number “5” incorrectly…
Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! :)))
Happy birthday!! – Lori
A bit late, but happy birthday!
There is a right and wrong way to write EVERYTHING in Japanese! My son’s homeroom teacher is so anal about the way to write things – it drives me mental. (But, on the flip side, it does seem that Japanese people’s handwriting and printing – in English! – is much more attractive than ours!)
Happy belated birthday! You must be very busy with your own teaching, and the kids and writing too, but I do hope you got a nice breather.