RRJ#5

Reference
Shiomi, N. (2009, Dec 3rd). Hokkaido primary teachers help each other in English. Daily Yomiuri Online. Retrienved on Dec 8th, 2009 from
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/language/20091203TDY12001.htm

Summary

This article is written about the training to teach English for primay school students. In Hokkaido, teachers gathered there to train and share how to teach English, and at the same time, they established an organization, AEEN, to exchange thoughts and teaching skills. Then they showed their own lesson sample, later every teacher made suggestions to presenters about how to improve classes. In this orgnization, thay talked about not only how to teach English but also the severe problems which happened in their school.
In Saitama, Tomoko Mizugychi, who is enpliyed in an organization like that of Hokkaido, helps the primary school teachers when they teach English. She used good materials, such as traditional toys. Moreover, this city's government gathered many people who can teach English: for instance, flight attendants and teachers who have already worked. And this organization offers teachers training program to reach English.

Reaction

I want to suggest that the government should force every city to make an orgnization like that of Hokkaido and Saitama. A lot of teachers have no strategy to reach English, so this is a nice chance to know how to teach English. In addition, all primary school teachers have to research how they teach students English effectively. Hitomi Mori, who is a Kyoei primary school teacher, said, " I focused on using things that will hold my students' interest." I strongly agree with her ideas. The most inportant aim of Englsih class for primary school students is to give students interests in English. If teachers can't do this, the prifect will spoil in spite of thinking for a long time. She teaches not only English noa also America's culture over playing game. It is good for students to know the difference between cultures because students can know the unknown world and extend their view.
In terms of Mizuguchi's class, I was interested in her teaching. It is the main point that she used materials which are related to traditional Japanese culture. Students should know the Japanese traditions brfore learning English, because students can't introduce Japan's tradition when foreigners ask about it if they don't know it. Her class is efficient for students.
Finally, teachers have to discuss English lessons together as any teachers can make them nore effective by taking advantage of the organization.