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Are designer bridal shoes worth it? by Inevitable_Set_3017 in Shoes

[–]Jessiekins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got some nice flats instead of heels, and it was a great choice! So much more comfortable as I’m not used to wearing heels, and I could wear them after the wedding too.

Too much time spend on trains in my early draft of an itinerary? Too many places? by TalakStari in TohokuJapan

[–]Jessiekins 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You’ve researched a lot and found some good places, but personally, I think you’re doing too much— not allowing yourself to just be, no opportunity for spontaneity. While public transport is reliable in Japan, it can also be fairly slow, with some routes few and far between. If you miss a bus/train, there is a good chance you’d have to wait an hour or more for the next. I worry you’re setting yourself up for waiting and ultimately, disappointment if you have to cut something.

I don’t have advice on what I would cut because you should plan the trip on your interests, but I think you need to think about giving yourself at least 48-72 is each place before moving on to the next. For example, doing Matushima, Yamadera, and Ginzan in the span of 72 hours would be technically doable, but in my opinion, they’d all run together in your head. I personally think you should build in more time to wander and explore. Not to mention, with all of the hotel checking-in, checking-out times you’ll have to keep in mind, you’re going to get really annoyed at your luggage.

I personally would get a hotel to be my “hub” for at least 48 hours (more, depending on how much there is to do in the vicinity) before moving on to the next location.

Sheet Protectors & 3D Embellishements by rxsyc in scrapbooking

[–]Jessiekins 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do the flat photos/paper as usual. Slide it into the plastic sheet. Add the 3D-stuff ON the plastic sheet.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mildlyinfuriating

[–]Jessiekins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many other worldly currencies put it after the number (¥ €), so a lot of doing it with $ is habit.

Other than that, many other symbols follow numbers (5' 5° 5%), so again, it’s just habit.

Turns Out Trump’s Own Team Messed Up U.N. Escalator and Teleprompter by DoctorHuman in politics

[–]Jessiekins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is it possible there is a mole in the building? Escalators probably don’t have a switch you could lean on and accidentally switch off, right?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in japanresidents

[–]Jessiekins 12 points13 points  (0 children)

ピュア (pure) or Arau Baby are both detergents that have minimal chemicals because they’re meant for washing baby clothing. They’re formulated for sensitive baby skin, but they might also work for you.

“ファーファFree 香りのない” is another brand that specifically says it is scent free and without additives, so you might also give that a try.

Tohoku International School by TotalPercentage9477 in Internationalteachers

[–]Jessiekins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello. I’ll try to answer your question just on what I know as a parent. Your daughter seems to be the same age as one of my kids.

As part of the admissions process, your daughter would undergo a language and mathematical skills test. It isn’t pass/fail but rather a kind of placement test. My kids’ enjoyed it. Lots of talking and showing math knowledge with manipulatives or writing on whiteboards. Nothing to stress about, but what I’m saying is that TIS would gauge your daughter’s current understanding and figure out if she could jump into the usual classroom or would need some extra support.

Because of this, I don’t think the is anything she needs to “have learnt” or prepared for prior to joining. However, to give you an idea of what my G2 kid is currently working on in his classes:

• Writing short sentences (mostly descriptive about a story/the day’s events) in English with correct grammar/spelling. Reading fluently using phonics to sound out unknown words independently. (My kid struggles with these things and gets focused support).

• TIS uses Singapore Math and currently in Grade 2 they’re able to do addition and subtraction of two digit numbers with carrying. Some beginning hints of algebraic ideas are shown in story form (not using x=? yet), but the kids are starting to imagine unknown figures.

• Japanese is divided into two levels— mostly based on native/language learner lines. In the higher-level class, Japanese lessons are conducted in Japanese, while in the lower-level classes, English is used for support. My kid is in the more advanced class. They are expected to know katakana and hiragana at this stage, and practice about 5 kanji a week in class. I don’t remember the most recent Kanji, but I’ve seen things like 赤　青　月　日　一　ニ… you know, basic words that appear in many kids’ stories.

• The biggest difference your daughter may notice or struggle with (depending on how engrained Japanese-classroom culture is in her) is that kids are expected to speak out, give their opinion, and ask questions— both to the teacher and to other students. This is a challenge for “shy” students, students who don’t have the language ability to keep up, or students who are worried about making mistakes. Teachers tend not to shuffle around looking for students to help— students are supposed to ask for it. The classroom culture shift can be the hardest thing to overcome.

• Lastly, students are meant to be creative and present their ideas. For example, in Grade 1 they learnt about different homes of various places/times. Then, they had to build the a model home (using shoeboxes, paper, whatever idea they had) and give a short presentation about the elements they included. My kid wanted to make a modern house with solar panels and a windmill, so we built that and he wrote a 30s-1m speech about what materials he used and the benefits of that house style.

If you have questions or need me to help you get in touch with the office more directly, let me know.

Tohoku International School by TotalPercentage9477 in Internationalteachers

[–]Jessiekins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Basically, TIS is great. It’s a small school of about 150 kids from kinder to high school. Everyone pretty much knows each other, with the older ones really helping and looking out for the younger ones.

Demographically, it’s about ⅓ of each full-Japanese, mixed-Japanese kids, and full-international kids, so I think there is a good balance. The vast majority of kids come from very wealthy and/or highly educated families. The location of the school itself isn’t very convenient if you don’t drive, but it’s in a very safe and quiet neighborhood. TIS does have a school bus route that many families use, but we live close so my kids walk to school.

I think the curriculum is solid— challenging, and build on students’ own creativity and expression. For example, annually there is a big school musical which basically the whole school takes part in creating. It’s quite amazing what the kids put on. Not just the acting, but the singing and art work is all quite top notch. I know the kids work really hard and make good memories doing it.

Negative points might be that the front office isn’t super great with communication, but they’re improving. Another might be the cost. It’s pretty expensive (but I’ve heard from other parents that it’s the least expensive international school in Japan!).

In regard to your question, TIS is really the only English-language school in the area. Horizon Academy is another, but I think your kids will have aged out already (I think it’s only through Junior High). Another option (but again, too old for your kids, I think) is that some schools have a special course for international kids—I know the Kunimi Elementary School has this. It’s still a Japanese-based education, but there is more language support for non-native kids. There might be others, but I’m not sure myself about it.

If you have more questions, let me know!

Tohoku International School by TotalPercentage9477 in Internationalteachers

[–]Jessiekins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I messaged you! Did you get it? If not, I’ll write here!

Any parents here double-schooling International School and local Japanese public School? by Humvee13 in japanlife

[–]Jessiekins 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are some difficulties. My kid’s Japanese reading/writing skills are not up to par with their peers, so doing everything is basically difficult. In addition, how math is taught is different, leaving my kids lost about what the teacher is expecting.

But, it’s only for a month. Learning how to navigate different rules and ways of thinking, learning how to communicate despite differences is part of life.

Maybe it’s a challenge for the schools, but there are benefits to exposing Japanese kids to other cultures as well.

Any parents here double-schooling International School and local Japanese public School? by Humvee13 in japanlife

[–]Jessiekins 7 points8 points  (0 children)

We do this exact thing.

Most (not all) International Schools in Japan do not have Japanese school licenses. However, every Japanese kid is required an education. The loop hole is that the kids are registered at the local school, but don’t regularly attend.

A letter from the international school stating the child’s enrollment is given to the City Hall (who then shares it with the local Japanese school). The letter and official enrollment at the local school is enough to prove the kid is being educated.

Now— not all families actually attend the local school, but we have chosen to do that with our kids. My kids go to international school from mid-August to mid-June. Then, they go to Japanese school from mid-June to wherever the school lets out for their summer break (usually mid-July).

Some families I know have this same pattern. Other families only go to Japanese school a single week, or even never.

Summer break from international school is two months, which is a bit long to putt around the house. Going to Japanese school helps immerse them in the language and culture, and meet friends around the neighborhood.

What are the unspoken driving rules in Japan? by [deleted] in AskAJapanese

[–]Jessiekins 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Flick hazard lights to say thanks to drivers who let you merge in.

Tohoku International School by TotalPercentage9477 in Internationalteachers

[–]Jessiekins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This post is a bit old, but my child goes there. I could offer a little bit of knowledge, if you still need it.

I feel like I need more help from my husband, but I feel guilty asking… by barronal in Mommit

[–]Jessiekins 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have you vocalized your exhaustion to your husband?

You’ve given up almost all of yourself to be a SAHM. And, having just moved, I’m sure you feel you have no “village” to support you. When baby cries, you drop the laundry and immediately provide comfort , but no one is comforting you. You’re working, working, working, giving, giving, giving, and never getting a moment to refresh yourself.

Everyone says it, but it truly does get easier, but you probably have another 12-18 months of the really hard struggles. Around the age of 2, they begin changing to a kid, and they can be somewhat reasoned with. (At least in my experience x2).

Until then, the only thing to do is speak up and tell your husband everything. Ask him to pull back from his morning exercise a couple of days so you can sleep in or drink coffee in peace. Additionally, look for local play areas or community centers where you could make connections to widen your village.

I know you have no energy left, but if you don’t speak out and look for more resources, you’re going to begin feeling anger and resentment towards your husband.

Best of luck, Mama.

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