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Michael Gustave
Kurihama Junior High School
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This is my second year teaching as an ALT at Kurihama Junior High School and I am pleased to report that the student’s grasp of the English language far exceeds my ability to speak Japanese. Hat’s off to the fine job that each Japanese English teacher is doing. Every morning is a pleasure as I am acknowledged by a variety of greetings ranging from a timid “Hello” to a more boisterous “What’s goin’ on Mr. Mike”. I try to speak with as many students as possible and these exchanges are a delight. We may talk about anything from American Professional Wrestling to Britney Spears’ new album. I am impressed by the improved quality and quantity of their English conversations.
Teaching in the classroom is also enjoyable. After our initial greeting
I usually tell the class a three minute story about my recent adventures
in Japan. I try to make shopping events, life with my wife and dogs, and
Japanese dining experiences interesting to the students. I try not to embellish
too much in my storytelling and we follow with a question and answer period.
The students seem curious about my adaptation to Japanese culture. They
are also enthusiastic whenever we incorporate English word and grammar
games such as “Rows and Sides” or “Lightning Round” into the curriculum.
Lastly, I have really been impressed with the time and effort the students
and Japanese teachers have given to make the extra-curricular activities
a success. This year I have been able to attend the Sports Festival, a
baseball game and the chorus competition. It was good to meet and talk
to some of the students’ parents at the events. With all the positive
student-teacher-parent relationships I understand why the Japanese school
system is so successful.
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ALT・TOPへ |