Job Discussion Forums

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

As most of you know I have only been teaching in Japan for a few months. These past months have been ok, but just have been random lessons here and there. It wasn't smart to make anything permanent or anything that could be built on because the schedule was going to completely change in April (these past months have been spent finishing someone else's contract).
SO now the schedule has changed and I want to actually see some progress in my classes. It would be easier for me to have a specific plan each week so that the lessons could build on one another and actually get somewhere. This is not necessary for my school, having a few flashcards and a game would suffice...I am just tired of communicating in sign and body language and want their many yen (spent on classes) to be well spent.
Most of my students (I am referring to the children aged kindergarten up to junior high) have been taking expensive once a week classes since they popped out the womb but still they only know the basics (such as what is your name, how are you, etc, mainly because teachers change so much).
So I feel almost as if I am starting on a blank page (which is exciting in a way); I don't think that they have ever had an actual "plan" of their learning, so I am looking forward to introducing one.
They can not read. Thinking about it logically I think that maybe I should start with that..but is that the best idea since they will more than likely learn that in junior high? Teaching them to read would be a solid starting point, but is the best option?
So I have two weeks before my "permanent/until they decide to move me" schedule and I really want to be prepared.
So if you have ANY ideas of where to start or a book that gives a clear outline of what to do (this would be the best) please let me know. My work tells me that they will buy the book if I can find it. So a book featuring a curriculum for children would be great.
This will help me SOO much, so give me your advice, or maybe tell me what you do in class. ThANKS!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

I am almost 100% positive that they cant read. The classes are about 3 or 4 to each class and a few weeks ago I made a game where they had to pick a question and then find the answer on their board (sort of like bingo) and then write in the missing word. As we did this I would show them the question card and read it with them, they couldnt even recognize the word what (the questions where like "what is your favorite animal?", "what is your name?") and they never could find the answer alone on their board. I always had to find it on their board and then write their answer on the black board so that they could copy it. They are about 9 to 11 years old. I found a book called The Reading Lesson that I may buy and do with them, it is aimed toward very young children but I dont think that my students will mind. I may need the book again with my children. Like you said, most children can learn to read before or at age 4 so it is very sad that this kids do not know.
But I am wondering if I should teach them to read or go another path. It seems important but they should learn it later.
I will check out that website, thanks for the response Smile