Japanese children’s perspectives on the

(Natalie)
Hideo

Could you give me a brief description about peer relations and friendships in your class and school?

Natalie

Well….some pupils are well behaved…..some pupils are naughty…..but in our class, we do not have bullying, and have a fun time.

Hideo

Are you enjoying it?

Natalie

Yes.

Hideo

So everyone has good relationships, is that right?

Natalie

Like harmonious relations………there is no bullying at all.

Hideo

I see….so does the whole school have a good atmosphere?

Natalie

Mummmm….I think so.

Hideo

I see.

Well, why did you choose to be a peer supporter?

Could you explain the reason to me please?

Natalie

At the beginning I heard that some senior peer support members went to Ishinomaki-city for support activities for Tsunami disaster….

then I thought I would like to be a peer supporter like senior members who contributed to something good….like working for improvement in school.

Hideo

Ohhh…you wanted to contribute ..didn’t you?

Natalie

Yes.

Hideo

By nature, you are willing to work for other people, is that right?

Natalie

Yes.

Hideo

But even if you did not become a peer supporter, I think you can do something good for others, what do you think?

Natalie

No, I do not think so…..it is difficult to take action for others

Hideo

Could you explain the reason?

Why do you think so?

Natalie

Peer supporters have a power as a team….also each peer supporter can take great actions individually. Thus, it is better to create a peer support team in order to tackle critical issues. Thus, I joined the peer support team and I am taking actions.

Hideo

You mean, if you did not join the peer support team, it is difficult for you to take actions, is that right?

Natalie

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

I see..

Well, how do you feel when you are doing activities?

Natalie

At the beginning, I felt bothersome when I started the greeting campaign,

but, if I persevered at it, I was naturally determined to do it.

Then, other peer supporters worked together occasionally……..hahaha….

Hideo

Do not worry….please calm down….you are okay..

Natalie

Well….what should I say…..

Hideo

How do you feel when you are doing it?

Natalie

My feeling?

Hideo

Yes, how do you feel when you are doing it?

Natalie

Ehhh….how? What did I feel….?

Uhuhuhu….

My feeling?

Hideo

You can say anything…

Natalie

What can I say…..

Anyway, I just greet to other pupils whenever I meet them.

Hideo

Well…. you mean you just do it, is that right?

Natalie

Yes, I just did it.

Hideo

Well….how do you think about peer support activity?

Do you think peer support gives a good influence to pupils and the whole school?

Natalie

I think…everyone became more cooperative.

Hideo

Is that right?

Natalie

I think everyone shows more cooperative attitudes.

Hideo

Well, do you think peer support gives a positive influence to the whole school?

Natalie

Positive influence?

Hideo

If you have any example, could you explain to me?

Natalie

Example?

Hideo

…….Are there no positive influences?

Natalie
…….what can I say…..everyone became more cooperative.

Hideo

Did they?

Natalie

I think so….

Pupils in my grade became more cooperative…..I think

Hideo

Do you know the reason why this happens?

Natalie

……..well…….my senior members……..

Hideo

…Do you know the reason why?

Natalie

We watched a video presentation of senior members. As a volunteer activity, senor members really made efforts to clean the whole school.

Many senior members gathered as volunteers to clean up the school as a token of their gratitude.

I believe this happened because peer supporters really made efforts to promote that.

Hideo

You mean… if other pupils watched peer supporters’ hard work, other pupils also feel like to contribute to it, is that right?

Natalie

What can I say………everyone seems to be supportive…

Hideo

Well, if teachers asked pupils to do something, do you think pupils also will be supportive and take actions?

Natalie

Well, I am not sure….maybe……but I think pupils generally stand on the same footing……thus pupils seem be more persuasive when they speak to other pupils…

Hideo

Why do you think so?

Natalie

What can I say……we would like to do it ourselves….

Rather than teachers’ order……..friends….friends in a class can create the atmosphere to enhance our self-motivation to take actions…

Hideo

So pupils would like to do it themselves….I see……

Well, are there any differences between teachers’ encouragements and pupils’ encouragements?

Natalie

I do not know……….when teachers ask us to do something, we are reluctant to do it…..thus…….what can I say….

I think it is better that pupils ask us and say “let’s do it together”…

Hideo

I see.

Well, why do other pupils not want to be a peer supporter?

Natalie

It is too much trouble to be a peer supporter.

Hideo

Other pupils do not want to be a peer supporter, is that right?

Natalie

Ehhhhh……peer supporters have a role to stand in front of people, and encourage other pupils and talk about the activities…….well pupils are ashamed to be a peer supporter, and they seem to avoid joining the peer support team.

Hideo

Are you ashamed when you are working as a peer supporter?

Natalie

No, not much.

No, I am not.

Hideo

Well, are you okay to talk in front of people?

Natalie

If I need to speak in school, I know most of the pupils, thus I will be okay.

Hideo

Are you sure…I see…

Well, are there any differences between pupils who actively join the activities, and pupils who are not active in joining the activities?

Natalie

…..Difference?

Hideo

Aha…….if you think there are differences between pupils who actively join the activities, and pupils who are not active, could you give me an example please?

Natalie

Motivation………..I think their active attitudes have relation to their motivation.

Hideo

Could you give me an example?

Natalie

How?

errrr……

Hideo

Do other pupils give support?

Natalie

Ummm……..because friends are making efforts, it is natural that I should give support to them…..I think.

Hideo

So, you think that way in terms of your experience, is that right?

Natalie

Well…in terms of my experience…….well…..I have been given help from my friends and other pupils many times……thus I was okay…..

Hideo

Could you give an example?

Natalie

When I feel down very much, my friends were always close by……

Hideo

I see.

Do you think the school needs to have peer support systems?

Natalie

Mummm………..

Hideo

Maybe we do not need it.

Do you think we need it? If so, Why?

Natalie

So why do we need peer support?......

Hideo

If we do not have it, what is going on?

Natalie

…..in order to have good school life…..

Hideo

What do you mean?

Natalie

I think if we have peer support, the school life will be better and brighter.

Hideo

Could you tell me why school life will be better?

Natalie

Well…..everyone is making efforts…….what can I say…….

Well…when we showed our self-motivations and willingness to improve school ethos, the whole school atmosphere would be getting better.

Hideo

I believe teachers can also contribute to it, is that right?

Natalie

Mummm……….well….as I mentioned before, when pupils are making efforts to do something, other pupils tend to gain self-confidence….they think “I can do it, because others could do it. They are pupils, like I am”……

Hideo

Wow…..so that is the reason why you need peer support in your school, is that right?

Natalie

Yes, the school needs the peer support.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Do you have any idea to improve current peer support activities?

If you have, could you explain to me?

Natalie

Mummm…….

Hideo

Well… what is the ideal situation of school?

Natalie

Like a current activity, Bell-sit on a seat campaign…..

Hideo

What is that?

Natalie

When a bell rings to announce the beginning of class, we need to sit on seats in a class before finishing the bell. Then, we count the number of pupils who did not sit on their seat before the finish of the bell.

This is a competition each day where a class with fewer students is more likely to win.

But this is natural that pupils need to sit on seats quickly after the bell, we need to aim for something more professional ….

Hideo

You would like to aim for more professional activities, is that right?

Natalie

Yes, I would like to…….at the beginning, we need to accomplish the Bell-sit on a seat campaign, then we can move to the next step.

Hideo

I see

You believe your thoughts are right, and this will improve school life, is that right?

Natalie

Yes, this will improve the school life…I think so.

Hideo

I see.

I understand.

You would like to start from small things first….is that right?

Natalie

Yes, I would like to start from small things first.

Hideo

I understand.

Well, have you had any good experiences since you became a peer supporter? If so, could you explain to me please?

You can share any experience…

Natalie

No….I haven’t…..

I haven’t changed my character or actions.

Hideo

Were you a shy person for a long time before?

Natalie

Maybe I was a shy person…..
Hideo

Do you think you are not a shy person now?

Natalie

No…I am still a shy person, but now I feel less nervous when I do something in front of people.

Hideo

Aha…I see…..

Now you feel less nervous …......do you feel less nervous, is that because of your experience of being a peer supporter?

Natalie

Yes. I am less nervous now.

Hideo

Good for you.

Natalie

Ahahahah…..

Hideo

I think it is very difficult for us to speak in front of people…..what do you think?

Natalie

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Could you explain the most enjoyable thing in peer support?
Natalie；

During a greeting campaign, when I said “Good morning” to other pupils, they returned their greeting to me. That was the most happy moment for me.

Hideo

Ohhhh…..you were happy when they returned their greeting to you

Natalie

I thought I am glad I did it.

Hideo

Other pupils returned their greeting to you, is that right?

Natalie

Yes.

Hideo

Do you think pupils returned their greeting back to you from the beginning of a campaign?

Natalie

Well….some pupils did not returned their greeting (good morning) to peer supporters and teachers.

But during a campaign, I had a duty several days to greet.

When I said “Good morning” to some pupils whom I did not know well, they said back to me “good morning”. I was glad about that.

Hideo

I see.

Well, what are the things you do not like about peer support?

Natalie

A greeting campaign……because I need to get up early in the morning.

Hideo

Hahahaha……..so you needed to get up earlier, is that right?

Natalie

Usually, I leave the home at 8am in the morning, but during a campaign, I needed to be there (school) by 8am.

It takes 15mins from home to school.

Hideo

I see….. from your house…..

Natalie

I need to get up earlier…

Hideo

What time do you need to get up?

Natalie

I get up at 6.45am or 7am
Hideo

Wow….that is early morning.

Natalie

Because it takes time for me to prepare myself before going to school.

Hideo

Well….

Do you have any difficulties when you are doing peer support?

Natalie

Difficulties?

Hideo

Yes….have you had any difficult experiences?

Natalie

Difficulties?

Hideo

Yes.

Natalie

Mummm…..I do not think I have a difficult experience. ..

Hideo

Ohhh……you do not have any!

Natalie

Well…mummm…probably….I did not have much trouble.

Hideo

I see. Well, you mean you did not have many problems……..

but have you had any small problems? or what do you think about the tough duty as a peer supporter?

Natalie

Regarding small problems and tough duties, I have to tackle them, because I decided to become a peer supporter.

Hideo

I see…..you decided to do it by yourself. Thus you need to tackle them, is that right?

Natalie

Ummm…….troublesome……..ummmm……….

Hideo

Hahahaha………..you think you have to tackle the problems because you decided to do it by yourself, is that right?

Natalie

That is right………yes.

Hideo

You mean you should have responsibility for what you decided by yourself, is that right?

Natalie

Yes…..ahaaaaa…..but….I may not be able to be responsible for it..

But I try to do it as much as possible.

Hideo

As much as possible……..

Well… do you think there are any differences between peer supporters and other pupils?

Natalie

Errrr………….what are the differences……

Hideo

No difference?

Natalie

Well……ahaa….errrr…..some peer supporters reluctantly do the activities…..what can I say……some peer supporters positively take actions in order to contribute to the school life.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Did you ask teachers for help when you have a problem?

Natalie

Problem?

Hideo

When you are in trouble, did you ask teachers for help?

Natalie

I have not been in trouble…….

Hideo

Hahahaha…..you have not been in trouble!

I understand.

Well, when you face the difficulties, how did you tackle them?

Natalie

I asked my friends for help..

Hideo

So, you asked your friends for help.

What help have you got?

Natalie

I said to her “What should I do?”, then she encouraged me and said “Do your best”.

Hideo

Aha…she said “do your best”, is that right?

Was this helpful for you?

Natalie

Yes, that cheered me up. Then I thought I can do it if I do my best for it…

Hideo

Well, your friends cheered you up, is that right?

Natalie

Yes, hahaha….

Hideo

Was this useful?

Natalie

Yes, it was useful.

Hideo

Have you had any advice from teachers?

Natalie

Have I asked teachers for help?...........I have not asked teachers for help ……because my problem was not serious at all.

Hideo

I see.

Do you have any negative views toward the difficulties and problems?

Natalie

No, I do not.

Hideo

So you do not have….wow.

Natalie

I may be reluctant, but eventually I reach a conclusion “there is no choice”….hahahaha

Hideo

So you think there is no choice. Then, what do you do?

Natalie

Then, I become self-motivated and try to do it.

Hideo

So…..you think the things positively.

Natalie

Hahahha…..

Hideo

After overcoming the difficulties, have you had any change of mind?

Natalie

I just feel like…”I have finished at last!”,

Hideo

How do you feel like?

Natalie

I feel refreshed.

Hideo

Refreshed?

Any other feeling?

Natalie

I feel that is the end of the difficulty

Hideo

How do you feel? Any other?

Natalie

Most of the time…..I had more fun than I expected.

Hideo

Even when you were in difficult situations, do you feel that way?

Natalie

At the beginning, I may do it reluctantly, but after a while, I feel sense of accomplishment....like “I did it”

Hideo

I see.

Some time ago, you mentioned that it is great idea to involve other pupils into activities in order to have great activities………

Do you have any idea how to involve other pupils who reluctantly do the activities?

Natalie

Ummmmm…..

Hideo

Do you have any good example?

Natalie

Ummmmm…….I am not sure…….

I think some activities need to be compulsory

Hideo

Why do you think so?

Natalie

If some activities are compulsory, pupils find it difficult to escape from the activities, and they eventually join them.

Hideo

But…. if teachers ask pupils to join compulsory peer-led activities, do you think pupils join the activities?

Natalie

Errrr……what do you mean?

Hideo

You mean pupils will propose the compulsory activities, is that right?

Natalie

Yes.

Hideo

You mean pupils make a decision, is that right?

Natalie

We should have a compulsory activity as a part of peer support.

Then I hope pupils would really enjoy and benefit from this activity.

Hideo

Do you think this would encourage pupils to be involved in peer-led activities?

Natalie

I think this would encourage pupils to be involved in peer-led activities..

Hideo

Do you have any example? Example of how to involve pupils?

Anything?

Natalie

Let me see……errrr……example?

Hideo

Yes.

Natalie

Ummmmmm…….I don’t have any

Hideo

So…you do not have any example, is that right?

Natalie

No.

Hideo

Well….I believe some pupils show negative attitudes toward peer support activities, so how do you make contact with them?

Natalie

Errrr……I just contact them with an easier mind.

Hideo

Up to the present, have you contacted pupils with an easier mind?

Natalie

What can I say……I just mentioned peer-led activities are joyful activities…..

I emphasised how fun it is.

Hideo

So you emphasise that the activities are enjoyable…..then you would like to encourage pupils to attend the activities…..is that right?

Natalie

Yes.

Hideo

Do you have any other example?

Natalie

Any other? Ummm…….that is all.

Hideo

Well, when you feel down because of peer support, how do you cheer yourself up?

Natalie

Errrr……….after having a good sleep, I will be fine.

Hideo

Hahahah…….so you would sleep, is that right?

Natalie

Yes.

Hideo

How about food?

Natalie

Yes, whenever I eat meals and have a good sleep, then generally I will be fine.

Hideo

Generally you are fine after having meals and sleep, is that right?

You are a healthy person, aren’t you?

Natalie

Hahahah…….

Hideo

Have you had any good advice from teachers?

Natalie

Well, when I need to speak in front of people, Mr. Tanaka, Mr. Honma and other teachers gave me advice.

They taught me how to convey my message effectively and clearly.

Hideo

Aha…. That is good….so you were fine, is that right.

Natalie；

Yes, it was very helpful advice.

Hideo

Aha..I see

I understand.

What do you think about current peer support activities in your school?

Natalie

I think they are good.

I hope the school will continue the peer support activities like this.

Hideo

So you are satisfied with that, is that right?

Natalie

let’s say..…I am satisfied with..…… I think it is great.

Hideo

Why do you think that is a great activity?

Natalie

Well….say…….because I am a shy person, it is difficult for me to communicate with other schools……thus I think that is great..

Hideo

Errrr……..what do you mean?

Natalie

Things like……communicating with other schools

Hideo

Aha…...is that school summits with other schools? Or your own school summits?

Natalie

Both of them are right…..aha……..we can communicate with others in the school summits.

Hideo

Have you been to the school summits?

Natalie

No, I have not.

Hideo

So you heard the details of school summits from other peer supporters, is that right?

Natalie

Yes, you are right. Thus I know it.

Whenever I hear about the school summits, I think that is a great activity.

Hideo

Aha… you hear about if from other peer supporters.

Do you think we need the school summits?

Many pupils from 12 schools in a city work together to have the school summits…..what do you think about it?

Natalie

I think that is great.

Because we can learn some good activities from other schools. Then we can apply them into our school……..well…..what can I say……..that really excites us very much…..thus I think that is great.

Hideo

Well…do you think your school needs the school summits?

Natalie

Yes, we need it.

Hideo

If you do not have school summits in your school, what do you think?

Natalie

If there is no school summit……………….well……………maybe there is no improvement……

Hideo

no improvement?

Natalie

What can I say………we have secondary school pupils in our school, but there are many secondary school pupils outside our school…….thus…..we can improve ourselves when we communicate with other pupils.

Hideo

Aha…..

Natalie

If we do not have any information about other schools, we cannot improve ourselves as much…..

Hideo

So you mean if you do not communicate with other schools and just stay in your own school, you cannot improve yourselves much, is that right?

Natalie

Yes.

Hideo

I see.

Well, could you explain to me what will happen after having school summits?

Natalie

Through the school summits, we can learn some good activities from other schools. Then we can apply these activities into our school. Our school life would be better….I think.

Hideo

Hoooo……..the school summits are very influential, is that right?

Natalie

Yes, they are.

Hideo

I see…..I believe your school has your own school summits, don’t you.

How do you feel about your own school summits?

Natalie

I really enjoy our school summits.

Class presentation was fun.

Hideo

Aha…class presentation…….

Once again, I would like to ask you a question.

Well, do you feel any difference between pupils who actively join the activities and pupils who do not actively join?

Natalie

What? Difference?

Hideo

Are there critical difference?

Natalie

Errr……..difference?

Hideo

Any opinion?

For example, some pupils want to contribute to something, but actually they do not take actions….

Natalie

We may have this kind of pupils………

Hideo

What kind of pupils?

Natalie

Some pupils want to provide support to other pupils, but they are too shy to take action………something like that.

Hideo

These pupils are too shy to take action, is that right?

Natalie

I do not know………..maybe…some pupils…..

Hideo

Some of your friends are this kind of pupils, is that right?

Natalie

Aha….no not really.

Hideo

You mean some pupils support others because they want to do it, is that right?

Natalie

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

Well, finally, do you have anything to tell me?

If yes, please tell me anything.

Natalie

Errr……what do I need to say……..

Hideo

Anything will be okay.

Natalie

It is a good idea to join the peer support team…..I think.

Hideo

Could you explain the reason why?

Natalie

Because I gain many benefits after joining a peer support team.

Hideo

Many benefits?

Natalie；

Many benefits.

Hideo

Could you give me an example?

Natalie

Through volunteering activities, I can be open-mind. I have come to take interest in various issues.

Hideo

Aha….I see.

So you see the society more actively, is that right?

Natalie

Ummmm….yes...

Hideo

I see. Well, you mean you want something different, is that right?

Natalie

Yes.

Hideo

Like a shock…..or like exciting information……..

Natalie

Yes, I enjoy these excitements…

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Thank you very much.

Natalie

Thank you very much.

Hideo

Thank you very much for your help over a long time.