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2010年8月4日 Look for the Good （良を捜す−相手の称賛） |
With the start of each new school year, older elementary student’s weekly schedules often change. Many of them needed to change days and times for attending English class, which meant they would have some new classmates, too! For some, this was a welcome and exciting change but others were a little nervous and hesitant. I started brainstorming ways to help them adjust to the change of having new classmates. I want all my students to enjoy English class as much as possible. I want them to feel as comfortable as possible with their new classmates and give them tools to help build a positive sense of community. This lead me to introduce a new theme for the school year, “Look For The Good.”
At the start of classes in the new school year, we brainstormed examples of good things to look for, especially good things in our classmates. Some examples include, “Good speaking!” “Good question!” “Good reading!” “Good writing!” “Good catch!” “Good drawing!” We took time to write these down and practiced saying them. We practiced making eye contact and also saying, “Thank you!” in reply.
It was a little awkward, perhaps, at first and a little embarrassing. But, there were lots of smiles and most students were quite willing to give this new concept a try. Every week, at strategic moments both during and after the class I took time out to encourage everyone to think of (look for) and say something appropriately good. I am so happy to let you know that after three months, several groups of students are regularly and spontaneously making positive comments to each other without my prompting. They do this after reading to each other. They do this while playing English games. And, they spontaneously give compliments to each other after the class before heading for the lobby. Occasionally, I even receive a “Good teaching!” comment. The first time a student said that, I was so shocked and pleased. What a positive and motivating way for everyone to end the class! “Look For The Good.”
Michelle
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It is so fun to greet each of my students right before class begins. I never know what they’ll say. Last week, when I asked one of my students what she had been doing recently she smiled widely and replied, “I have been chatting with friends!”
This was the first time I had heard one of my students spontaneously produce the word, “chatting.” I was very pleased. Personally, I tend to use the phrase, “talking with my friends” so I was naturally quite curious as to where she learned the word “chatting.” Luckily, I didn’t have to wait long to find the answer.
As the students settled into their seats and began introducing and reading the books they had borrowed I found out. My student had chosen to borrow a book called, “Stop Chatting, Bill.” Maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s about a boy who enjoys talking with his friends during class. No matter where the teacher asks him to sit he inevitably strikes up a conversation and soon finds himself in trouble yet again. The story ends with a nice twist.
I am constantly surprised at the benefits of our extensive reading program. Whenever I am tempted to scrimp and allocate precious time differently - perhaps introduce an extra grammar structure or a new set of vocabulary - I remember moments like this. Students who read really can and will learn independently. I am convinced it is worth taking the time to encourage and let students read. Of course, this first requires taking the time to teach students the skills needed in order to read. But, oh, what a pay off! My classroom observations tell me time and time again that reading English books often inspires meaningful language use. Or should I say, “Reading inspires chatting.”
Happy Reading!
Michelle |
Today was a great classroom day! Let me tell you about one of the best moments. This was a real breakthrough for classroom English!
While playing a game of charades, one normally extroverted student stood up quickly and then paused for several long moments. His lips pierced and twisted sideways to ponder while his eyes racked the back of his brain for ideas. Then suddenly, out from the silence came a friendly classmate’s voice. She said, “Thinking?” He smiled and said, “Yes! I’m thinking!” with a “Just a moment” gesture. It was WONDERFUL! Everyone smiled.
Several others then also used the phrase. It was the best! I can’t wait to see what new English they use next week!
Happy Teaching!
Michelle |
These words of thanks have been growing in my heart since the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays. I don’t think I can write much else until I take time to express how deeply thankful I am. Life is not always a bowl of cherries, to be sure, but through the ups and downs, the good times and bad, I feel a river of thanks running through my heart.
I am so thankful for the meaningful work that I have- working with children. It is such a joy to help them learn to speak, read and write English. I feel so fortunate to have known so many students for so many years. Unlike most school teachers who work with a child for just one year, I have had the privilege of watching so many children grow and improve their English skills year after year. I very much admire their dedication to their studies and the creative ways they express themselves when speaking and writing.
I can’t help but mention how very proud I am of the 6th graders who passed Eiken Level 5 and one who recently passed Eiken Level 3. Also, one of my second-year junior high students told me she passed Eiken Level 3 last fall while a second-year high school student passed Eiken Pre-2 around the same time. As you may know, Level 3 and above have an interview component. All the students passed with very high scores. I am so happy for them. Omedetou!
I am also very thankful for the new students who will be joining our school this April. I very much look forward to welcoming them and helping them start (or continue, as the case may be) their adventure in learning English. I can’t wait to see what kind of people they will grow to be. I hope we’ll have sunny weather for them at our new school year kick off Easter party!
Alongside the excitement of the approaching school year there are also bittersweet moments to live. A few good-byes will need to be said- an inevitable part of teaching. I will surely remember each student and hope they’ll indeed drop by to say, “Hello!” from time to time and tell me what’s new in their lives. I am thankful to have known each of them for so many years.
I am especially grateful for my professional teacher friends who are always willing to talk shop- sorry!- and who share not only ideas but also materials, and quickly lend an encouraging word. Your perspectives and friendships are invaluable. May 2010 be even better for you than 2009. I wish you much success!
Last but not least I must express my heartfelt thanks to my school manager. He offers helpful advice on culture and curriculum and yet allows me complete control and responsibility for teaching methods and curriculum design. --At least that is how it seems. :) He does an outstanding job with students, parents and gracefully balances a myriad of administrative details. Thank you for tending to all the behind the scenes work and affording me the chance to (mostly) concentrate on teaching!
With high thanks and thankful eyes toward clear skies,
Michelle |
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