teaching an adult from Japan

[stacey19]

I am about to begin teaching a 37 year old woman from Japan. Her husband was relocated with his company.

She is a beginner. I could use textbook/workbook combo suggestions and any hints or tips, lesson plan ideas.

[Sally Olsen]

How about taking her to her local library and helping her to register. They should have an ESL section and she can pick out workbooks at her level. She might not tell you right away how much she knows but she will probably have had 10 years of English in school in writing and reading. That doesn't mean that she can understand or speak well though. Just work with her and gradually you will find her true level. I would also try to find Japanese stores in her area and visits those with her and get her to tell you what products are and how to cook them and perhaps even demonstrate in your home. You will gradually find out her interests and can get her registered for sports or crafts where she will encounter English all the time. Does she have children and can you help her help the children with homework or after school activities? Lots of areas to explore.

[Eric18]

Do yourself a favor - get a solid picture dictionary. The Oxford bilingual one would probably be my first choice, but several work.

I would also suggest making a list of simple verbs, and focusing on particular situations. Shopping for food. Eating at a restaurant. Looking at homes. Keep it simple, but entertaining. Always give the student a handout.

Enjoy!

Eric
www.compellingconversations.com

[eslweb]

Even though you are mostly teaching speaking, I'd suggest including spoken grammar rules. Most of my Japanese love it when you make a sense of order out of the chaos of the English language. A good place to start is:

http://www.jamesabela.co.uk/beginner/Pronunciation.html

I hope you do well... When I taught Japanese students, they were also fascinated by Western culture...

James