Gogatsubyo? Thinking About The Element Of Fun!

There is a term called gogatsubyō (May Blues) in Japan. It refers to the widespread lack of motivation and feeling of depression people feel when returning to work or school after the Golden Week holidays in early May. It supposedly stems from the stress of adjusting to new April routines to new schools or jobs, then the sudden return to routine after a long, relaxing break causes a sharp drop in energy and motivation.

You might be feeling the same way right now, day one back at work... unless you're lucky to have a school that doesn't require you to start until next Monday, which in this case the gogatsubyo will (might) get to you then.

This short post is all about fun, and how it will be beneficial for both you and your students. Note, fun it's not only applicable during gogatsubyo, but also after any long holidays throughout the year, so be mindful about this and always strive for fun.

“Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning.” ~ Diane Ackerman

For most Japanese schools, at this time of the year the students will have just become accustomed to their new environments, understand the school and class rules and expectations, and are hopefully ready to get ‘real’ and ‘serious’ in their studies, which can especially be good for those in majime and high academic schools. If we do go by Diane Ackerman's quote however, both students and teachers should be having fun.

Who likes to have fun? Raise your hand! Come on, don’t be shy, be honest with yourself. It is not an assumption, but a fact that everyone likes and wants to have fun. Otherwise, perhaps a career in education was not meant for you, after all...

For students, having fun:

-makes learning more enjoyable.

-makes learning more engaging.

-makes learning easier.

-makes them forget that the are learning English.

-encourages the shy and quiet ones to participate, even if only a little.

-is contagious and will spread around the whole class, creating a great environment for learning.

-can make even the most unmotivated ones have a shot eventually.

For you, having fun:

-gives you the motivation to climb out of bed every morning.

-makes you more approachable to students and colleagues.

-makes it easier for you to teach your lessons.

-is less stressful in those rowdy classes.

-generates fresh and FUN ideas for activities.

-is productive and will make you more efficient at your job.

-is healthy and will spread to all other aspects of life outside of school.

Without a doubt, having fun has its fair share of merits. If fun is not your thing (or in Japan they call it your kyara), then I would be interested in learning about some demerits of having fun - do share in comments.

Go play! Add an element of fun to your classes. We do hope that you are having fun being an educator. Life is too short not to have fun!