Handicap School Visit

[globetrotter611]

Once a month I visit what the Japanese call a "handicap school". In Japan there are entire separate schools especially for students with special needs - mental and/or physical. My first thought was that it was a great idea - the students get an amazing amount of individual attention and help there. The teachers there, however, are a little disappointed that the students are separated from the rest of society (unlike the States, where most schools have only a separate classroom, not school, for special needs students). The kids are great - most are completely unafraid to try to speak English, unlike many students at most academic schools. I mostly just help the students with their fun classes at the handicap schools - arts & crafts, music class, magic tricks class (for real!), gardening class, and playing games. The teachers at these schools are completely different from those at academic schools - totally laid back. We spend a whole lot of time laughing and playing throughout the day. Definitely an interesting change from my top, fairly serious academic school. I sure don't think I'd be able to do it every day though - once or twice a month is good for now!

PHOTOS from my last visit: http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeAN2TNu4asWTDbg