Job Discussion Forums

[TokyoLiz]

Richard and Joel, my fellow JET Program ALTs in Ehime-ken a long time ago, developed the Genki English activities and lessons in consultation with teachers and other ALTs, borrowed, stole and invented clever ideas and methods, and, of course, field tested the lessons for a long time.

I've taught EFL to kids (20 in a group with mixed grades 3-5) using some of the material adapted from Genki English, Jill Hadfield's communication activities, bits of Penny Ur's strategies for practice, Mario Rinvolucri's communication games, flashcards and activities derived from The Card Book and stuff stolen from teachers I worked with in my JET days. Genki materials, photocopiable games like Rinvolucri's and Hadfield's and simple worksheets are appealing to the kids.

I've played Genki's How Old Are You? Bingo and Hadfield's Birthday Game for the last 8 years and these activities never fail to engage the kids.

My standbys for elementary and first and second year junior high school are -

Jill Hadfield, Beginners' Communication Games

Mario Rinvolucri, Grammar Games: Cognitive, Affective and Drama Activities for EFL Students

Penny Ur, Five Minute Activities

Abigail Tom, The Card Book: Interactive Games and Activities for Language Learners