For the final lesson in 6th grade, the task was to make an English version of Momotaro as a play. For the beginning lesson introducing the vocab, we asked the students what they thought Momotaro was in English. The class was divided between Peach Boy and Peach Man. Except for these two knuckleheads. Talking among themselves they concluded the Momataro character in the book looked like Michael Jackson! “Peach Jackson deshou ne?”

So we polled the class, is it Peach Boy or Peach Man? The class was divided about 50/50. I snickered “And Peach Jackson?” Their hands shoot up and in unison they shout “HAAAIIIII!!” laughing their butts off.

When it became time to start writing the play, one of my students asked what is “Mukashi mukashi no tokoro de” in English. Very good question. I have no clue. My trusty dictionary saved the day once again. “Once upon a time” and it was really cool coming to that realization. That our fairy tales still have that same beginning.

One of my classes, the teacher was no help. Completely on my own. We spend a month going over the Momotaro lesson. Drilling the English vocabulary. And apparently I spent a month talking to myself. When it came time for the final presentation, the play? They did it entirely in Japanese! I was just so flabbergasted.

The classes where the teacher was a collaborator for me turned out amazing. Some classes put an enormous amount of work into it. Props and all. They got so super creative with the Momotaro story. In one group, instead of a giant peach, Momotaro came from a pachinko machine when the grandpa hit the jackpot. In another group, the Oni win. Bopping Momotaro, Dog and Monkey into submission with paper towel tubes. The Oni declare “We are strong!” Part of the vocabulary was “I am ______. Strong and brave!”

One group absolutely took the cake though. The boy decided to gender swap and played Momoko. A girl made him a giant pink construction paper bow. He declares “I am Momoko! Strong and........” He dramatically pauses, and mock flips his hair. “Beautiful! Don't worry!” He was such a ham, he stole the show.

For the most part that final lesson was an absolute blast. It was a great note to end on. I still think of that line. “I am strong and.....beautiful!”