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English in Elementary Schools

English in Elementary Schools. Niigata Prefecture ALT Mid-Year Seminar January 24 th ~ 25 th , 2011 Colleen McIntosh & Martin Sedaghat. History of English in Japanese ES.

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English in Elementary Schools

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  1. English in Elementary Schools Niigata Prefecture ALT Mid-Year Seminar January 24th ~ 25th, 2011 Colleen McIntosh & Martin Sedaghat

  2. History of English in Japanese ES • TOEFL score data for 2004-2005 put Japan next to last in Asia, just one point above North Korea. Is English being introduced too late? • Since 2002, about 97% of Japanese ES have introduced some form of English lessons, but with widely varying frequencies. • Compulsory English classes will officially begin in April 2011, with all 5th and 6th graders having one lesson per week (35 periods in one year).

  3. History of English in Japanese ES • The Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) strongly backs ES English education, citing a lack of employees who can use English. • 70% of parents and guardians support compulsory English education. • Some academics oppose English in ES, saying that many teachers are untrained in planning and executing lessons, and that Japanese children should spend more time studying their mother tongue.

  4. “Foreign Language Activities” guidelines To form the foundation of pupils’ communication abilities through foreign languages while developing the understanding of languages and cultures through various experiences, fostering a positive attitude toward communication, and familiarizing pupils with the sounds and basic expressions of foreign languages. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science, and Technology (MEXT), 2009

  5. Goals of ES English

  6. Goals of ES English • Preparation for JHS English (4 skills) • Alphabet and phonics • Classroom English • “Thinking in English” • Confidence

  7. Challenges of ES English

  8. Challenges of ES English • Pronunciation (not katakana) • 100% English vs. 100% translation • No English outside of the classroom • Motivation (why English?) • Shy, embarassed, or low-level students

  9. Tools & Methodology • BIG colorful pictures and realia. • Flashcards • Big books • Posters • Maps • Authentic objects • Puppets • Laminate everything

  10. Tools & Methodology • “Toolbox” words • Colors • Adjectives • Numbers • Days/Months • Phonics words • English classroom

  11. Tools & Methodology • “Circle time” repeated every class • Greetings • Questions • Chants/songs • Books • Review

  12. Tools & Methodology • Songs and chants • Integrating listening, speaking, and gestures • Repeat x 3~4 • Connect to theme/game • BGM during activities

  13. Tools & Methodology • Less translation, more gestures and repeating • English instructions and praise • Pair vs. group work • Competitive games • Students against themselves (bingo) • Students against each other (quiz) • Creative projects/crafts

  14. Lesson Planning & Curriculum • Eigo Noto • Primary or supplementary resource? • JHS 1st year textbook • Writing your own curriculum

  15. Lesson Planning & Curriculum • 1st and 2nd year • Introductions, themed vocabulary • 3rd and 4th year • Speaking and listening focus • Beginning reading and writing in 4th year • 5th and 6th year • All 4 skills • Grammar and communication

  16. HRT & ALT Roles • HRT responsibilities • Discipline • Join students (learn games and activities) • Help slow learners • Communication with your HRT • Team-teaching

  17. Games and Websites

  18. Thank you and good luck! Martin’s e-mail: martin.sedaghat@gmail.com

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