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 TOEFL score data for 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 5 th and 6 th graders having one lesson per week (35 periods in one year).

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.

“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

Goals of ES English

Preparation for JHS English (4 skills) Alphabet and phonics Classroom English “Thinking in English” Confidence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Games and Websites

Thank you and good luck! Martin’s