Nara JALT:

Young Learners: Competent Communicators

Date: Sunday, August 21st, 2016 Time: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Speaker: Hikoko Shibata, Scott Crowe

Description:
Nara JALT is extremely proud to be presenting this particularly practical event that is sure to benefit all educators involved in the young learner (YL) teaching context. With over 30 years of combined real-world experience, the presenters are certain to leave attendees with fresh ideas on ways to inspire communicative confidence within their pupils and a unique perspective on incorporating creative narratives into the classroom. Time will also be allotted to allow attendees to exchange their on own ideas and methodologies related to the the topic and a Q&A session with the presenters. Come along to the conveniently located and air-conditioned Yamato Conference Hall on August 21st and join this wonderful summer event.

Presentation 1: Hiroko Shikata (13:00-14:00)
Keep in practice: Fluency before accuracy
Many of the pupils that the presenter teaches at elementary schools are afraid of making mistakes when they speak English. They want to confirm whether their English is accurate and free from errors before they actually speak. Small, simple, yet, fundamental steps to help pupils get used to speaking English in class make a big difference in their attitudes towards speaking English. Speaking English can be something special but nothing to make pupils feel daunted. The presenter will share practical ideas and activities to reduce learners' anxiety or nervousness about "I-must-speak-perfect-English" by listening, echoing, and practicing as routine work in class. Some classroom activities will be introduced by use of "Hi, friends", an English textbook published by MEXT. Presenter Bio: Hiroko Shikata is a J-SHINE certified teacher trainer. J-SHINE (http://www.j-shine.org) is an NPO dedicated to the promotion of teaching English in Japanese primary education by Japanese instructors. It offers training and seminars to those who are interested in teaching English at elementary school.

Shikata is currently teaching at a few public elementary schools and at home. Her 15-year experience of teaching convinces her that teaching English at elementary school is not only to give pupils an opportunity of learning the language, but also to make them feel confident about speaking English before they study it as a school subject in junior high school.

Presentation 2: Scott Crowe (14:30-15:30)
Adding a Narrative to Flashcard Games: Making your stories POP!
Scott Crowe has been teaching children for over 16 years in Japan. He presently runs a chain of English schools in Osaka with some great friends of his who feel very fortunate to have about 500 children at their schools. Prior to coming to Japan Scott got a double major in English Literature specializing in short stories and a degree in Theatre Arts. After graduating he played the lead in a musical and toured through 19 countries. Nothing would prepare him for Japan. He planned to stay for 9 months but well, he'?s still here and still loving it. Early on in his teaching career he became obsessed with the idea of his students wanting to use language of their own volition. This passion became even greater when he met his first son who was from a previous marriage and couldn'?t speak English. He began to write and illustrate stories that were designed to have kindergarten children take a vested interest in the language through funny characters in a book who needed help solving the problems in the stories. He was surprised to discover that even with his own students he could get them almost to the point where they would be engaging in imaginative play in English. He loves teaching and is very happy to share his experiences with whoever is as excited about teaching as he is.

Organization: Nara Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Nara JALT)

Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1,000 yen

Venue: Yamato Conference Hall (map)

Location: Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan

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