News from AJET: February 2015

“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.” -  John Boswell

As we enter February, the month of my birth, we endure the slowly lengthening and sometimes bitterly cold days. It can feel like the warmth will never come back. However, a few days ago I was treated to the most wonderful and warm afternoon. I stepped out from school and felt a light breeze on my face.  It whispered, “Spring is coming.”

For many of us living in Japan, this time of year can be a time of “stage 2,” or general depression and homesickness, which can grow stronger with rainy and overcast days (I come from the UK so, I’m a little used to this). In the words of Robert Byrne,”Winter is nature’s way of saying, “Up yours.””Though, as to my first quotation, there are sparks to be found if we look for them; through our friends, family and our work.

This term, I endeavored upon a new challenge for myself. Each term my students have had to do a presentation project. In the first term they had to do a show and tell and in the second term they did an international city presentation project. And for this term…I decided to push their limits and set up a drama presentation.I wanted them to experience (and hopefully enjoy) using their English in a creative and fun way.

In the span of 4 classes they had to write the script for and present a drama.  I did say I was going to push their limits…my students are mid-level 1^st year highschoolers.

In preparation for this I introduced them to the idea of storytelling and characters in a story. We broke down the classic Super Mario into a beginning, middle and end, as our example. Then they were given a choice of 6 basic story templates to use for their script. Then had 1 class to develop the story in any way they wished, including changing the characters and template substantially.

The students have totally excelled and my co-workers have been very surprised at how well the students have coped with working to a strict deadline.  Their creativity has shined through and given me one of my many sparks that keeps me going through the winter.

I hope you too can gather some golden moments this winter and enjoy the remaining time you have in Japan, whether recontracting or saying sayonara later this year.

Peter Hein-Hartmann