Omoshiroi desu ('It's fun!')

Today in class, we actually had fun.
Because I'd been asked to do self-introductions for the first 17 classes, I'd spent all this time trying to figure out ways to present myself. Somehow, I wasn't able to find a groove last week. The energy level in the classes would go from sleepy to wildly energetic and back to sleepy. So, today I tweaked the whole lesson plan and instead of me giving a long self-intro lesson, I had them write their favorite hobbies, sports, etc. on a piece of paper, and draw pictures if they so desired. That whole idea really worked beautifully. All three classes were engaged, calm and focused. Some kids drew some amazing pictures, and it made me smile to see kids write their favorite sport was babmitton or softtessis ball. One kid wrote his favorite movie was Tira menetar 3. Can you imagine me sounding it out and realizing his Japanesification was grammatically correct?
Earlier, ironically, I had chosen the phrase "Omoshiroi desu"(It's fun) as my learning Japanese phrase-of-the-day. Heck, this job could turn out to be enjoyable after all.
Wednesday, duh duh duhhhh, I teach at my first elementary school. A whole other ball of wax there. I've got no clue how to plan a lesson for kids that young. Luckily, you are all far enough away from me that no one can shoot me when I tell you we are going to sing the Barney song("I love you, you love me...) as a warm up, since I don't know any of the 'cool' warm up songs listed in the JET teaching manual. I figure we'll keep it real simple, and play lots of games.
Finally, we are expecting the third typhoon since my arrival to hit late tonight or early morning. School is canceled tomorrow, so depending on the ferocity of the storm I will either go to the Board of Education for a day of sit-and-do-nothing, or take one of my days of paid holiday. Wish us all luck!