Back to the Grind?

Back To School Blues?

Well, school began this week and it feels great to get back and see all your friends. So, while you (or your kids) were at school today, what were kids in other parts of the world doing?

The average 12 year old student in the USA might have a day like this:

8 a.m. Roll call

English class

Break time

Social Studies class

Lunch Period

Honors Math

Break time

Computer class

Health class

3: 30 p.m. Soccer or Cheerleading Practice

4:30 Home from school to watch T.V and do homework

Compare that schedule to other students around the world:

(from the book Pick Me Up!, DK Publishing, David Roberts & Jeremy Leslie)

Cameroon
1-5 mile walk to school

8 a.m. Registration (roll call)

Household management and Childcare class

Natural Science and Technology class

French or German class

Lunch break-Very short!

Manual Labor- To help pay expenses for school

1-5 mile walk home from school

4:00 p.m. to dark Help family on farm


Australia
8 a.m. Registration

Art Hour

Break time

Society and Enviroment Hour

Japanese Language studies

Lunch/Football practice

Culinary Hour/Vocational Subjects

Debate Club

Surfing team practice

6 p.m. Home from school for T.V. watching, internet surfing, and homework


Iraq
8 a.m. Registration

Religion Classes

English Class

Lunchtime

Gym

Break time

Math Class

History Class

Shop work/After school Extra Study


Japan
8 a.m. Registration

Moral Studies

Preparation for Annual School Festival

Japanese Studies (History and Language and Social Studies)

Cleaning Session *students take care of their own schools

Calligraphy/Writing Class

1 p.m. to 4-6 p.m. Cram School (extra studies for college bound students)

6 p.m. Home from school for homework and some computer/internet time



Are you glad to be back in school? Would you like to trade school schedules with kids from other countries? Have a great 2008-2009 school year!
Michele