English language school in the heart of the Japanese Alps, and English language learners sharing their experiences online. Teachers post regular items about teaching, learning tools, events in the school, their day to day experiences living & working in a foreign country. Students post on whatever takes their fancy - book reports, festivals in home towns, postcards from business trips etc. A little Brit of England in the guts of Japan!
Friday, 27 February 2009
High Life,Low Life
Nothing but the truth
I don't have a favourite day
My name is Yuuya. I didn't do my homework so my teacher is not happy. We girls are angry because we did our homework (below). Actually, Yuuya didn't do his homework last week, either.
Mmm. Bad boy. Next week, we will put his photo here if he forgets again. This is his plane, which is really cool. It's a bad boy rocket.
My favourite day
My favourite day
1. My favourite day of the week is Sunday, because during the weekdays
I can't play with my family but on Sunday I can play with my family.
2. I watch T.V. And I eat breakfast, then I do the cram school's homework.
3.I eat lunch at home .And after lunch I practice the violin.
4. In the evening, I go shopping for dinner to supermarket with my mom.
see you tonight. Remi
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Mike's Amazing Adventure - introduction, by Yuya
Once upon a time there was a yellow bird called Mike. He lived in Japan. He was a young bird and he couldn't fly.
One day he called his best friends Thomas and Kim to his garden because he wanted to fly. He couldn't fly but his best friends Thomas and Kim could fly. His house was on top of a hill. Thomas said 'Climb the tree and glide. Then you might be able to fly.' Mike went up the tree and he jumped! He glided, and then crashed to the ground and rolled down the hill. He rolled and he rolled and he rolled and came to the river but he couldn't stop and he couldn't see. So he went into the river, down to the sea. He went to Australia, the Ocean, The Amazon Jungle and Africa. At last he stopped when he crashed into the tree. How could he go back home to Japan?
Ireland
THE USA
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
The USA
When I read this book, I firstly knew the USA's History is shorter than other country like Japan, China, England and so on.
There are various people in the USA, In the sixteenth century Europeans started to come to America, A lot of immigrants continued to arrive from all over the world until now.
I understood. I think people have strong pioneering spirits and pioneer to live new land. It's wonderful.
I have been to USA three times. I went to Hawaii, California. I prefer to visit to enormous nature place than big city.
When I went to California, I told a man at the Sacramento restaurant, "Can wee see Rockey mountain range from here?". A man said "You should go to Colorado.". It is 500miles away from here. What huge America! I think I had small thinking.
Information Technology
Q3. How do you feel about computers and information technology?
Trip to Ireland and England
First I went to Dublin where we enjoyed eating and sightseeing, and we saw some buskers on the street.
We stayed 3 nights at my daughter's house. We had a birthday party for my grandson there. I had lovely days!
Then we went to London for 3 days. We went to Harrods and bought some souvenirs. We also went to Hyde Park, The London Eye and Big Ben. The next day we went to Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, Saint Paul's Cathedral and Covent Garden.
We walked all day. But we enjoyed London.
Recycling
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Strong Medicine
After reading
1. What do you think happens to Mark Latto and Sylvia Koning?
Latto stayed in Santa Cruz more 2weeks.
Latto send a e-mail to Dr Alison Partridge asking him about Deborah Spencer's book. They had a meeting about Deborah's idea of treating Parkinson's Disease. Finally, they perfected about healing of Parkinson's Disease, they helped many patients.
After Latto went back to Scotland, Latto and Sylvia send e-mail to each other about not only professionally but also socially. Before long, they got married, they started their own health centre in Latto's home town.
Nagoya - OE training
Easily said, but quite a task to bring a room full of teachers together to pool all their experiences and do something 'new'. On Saturday we focused particularly on making sure everyone understood what they were supposed to be doing and how, changing partners regularly and encouraging a free exchange of ideas and opinions (and there were plenty to be expressed!).
On Sunday, we changed things around a bit, to think about the impact the examiner's demeanor and physical performance have on the candidates, not just their spoken delivery of the script. We also thought about the exams from the candidates' perspective, and how the examiner should respond (or not) to manifestations of eg nerves, panic, stage-fright. Examiners were also shown how the new online resource for oral examiners will really make a big difference to their professional development as teachers and as examiners; we practiced using the site and explored the facilities that are now available 24 hours a day, every day of the year - and not just when Jim comes to town!
By the end of two, very intense days of study, a very tired but satisfied (and qualified) group of fresh oral examiners joined our ranks. Most will be examining at KET & PET levels next month, as the university initiates its adoption of Cambridge ESOL examinations. This is a really exciting step, with Luna very much at the forefront.
Jim wants to say well done to all the teachers who attended over the weekend, and to thank the staff at the school for looking after him so nicely. He is looking forward to meeting the next group of new OEs in April.
Monday, 23 February 2009
Lisa in London
When Summer Comes
Sunday, 22 February 2009
A Picure to Remember
After Reading
Q2:Which museums or art galleries have you visited? Are there any pictures that you remember very well? Why?
I visited some famous museums, for example, Musee du Louvre and Musee d’Orsay in Paris, and National Gallery and Tate Modern in London, and Kunsthistorsches Museum in Wien, and Museum Modern Art in New York, and The Art Institute of Chicago, and so on. When I visited foreign country, I usually visited museums because I like both paintings and atmosphere of the museum.
In these museums, “La Charmeuse de serpents” painted by Henri Rousseau left the deepest impression for me. It is exhibited in Musee d’Orsay. This painting is very mysterious and fantastic. The woman in this painting is drawn almost in the black, and only eyes are clear. I felt not only beauty but also fear.
High Life, Low Life
After reading, Question 2.What do you think about homeless people?
Recently many news tell us, because the economic is downward, many dispatched workers were dismissed, lost their houses and became the homeless. Some city hired some of them as temporary workers. However, the government looks doing nothing. I think the government must help them at first. We don’t need more roads but they need houses and foods by our tax and duty.
On the other hand, I want to say homeless that don’t select your job. Because there are many jobs which need more resources, e.g. farmer, fisher, health care and welfare work for old people etc... Those jobs are very important recently. We need food more safely and must earn by ourselves, not import. Old people will increase in near future. We need worker for those jobs. Then I hope this country will be good enough for all people.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
School system in Japan
After elementary school, children go to junior high school which has three grades. At junior high school, English classes start. Club activities also start. Until junior high school is compulsory education. Children finish it when they are 15 years old. But most junior high school students go to high school.
To enter high school, students must pass exams. There are five examination subjects (Japanese, math, science, social studies, and English). High school has three grades. There, we can choose subjects which students want to learn.
After high school, some students go to university. To enter university, students must pass exams, too. Students take the national center test for university admission. It has seven or eight examination subjects. University has four grades and students graduate when they are 22 years old. At high school and university, if a student doesn't have a good record, student must do same grade again.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Visit to Rome
Dear Diary,
Yesterday I went to Rome. It was interesting.
In the morning I ate a donut.
Then I listened to music.
I had lunch at my friend's house. I ate spaghetti, and I drank a glass of iced tea.
After lunch I went to the Colosseum with my friend. It's very big.
I had a wonderful time!
Ireland
Q3. Etsuko visited Dublin for the weekend and send you this postcard. Circle the correct words.
Hello form Dublin
I arrived here on Friday and walked along the river through the center of town. I stopped at a pub and drank some of Ireland’s famous beer called Guinness. It was black and very strong! I looked at the Post Office, which is famous for Easter Monday, 1916.
Then I visited Trinity College to see Ireland’s oldest book, which is a thousand years old. It was very beautiful. And just near there I took a photo of the statue of Molly Malone selling fish from her wheelbarrow.
Tomorrow I am going to visit the house of Ireland’s President and walk in one of the biggest parks in Europe.
Dublin is a wonderful city!
See you soon.
Etsuko
Seasons and Celebrations
Monday, 16 February 2009
Rip Van Winkle
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Must admit I don't venture there too often, but there is an awful lot of fantastic content there. I mean this top ten of Aussie drink ads for a start! After that, have a look at the second set. Good stuff {except the Bundy one which is rubbish. I went to see The British and Irish Lions play Vodafonia (Aus) in Sydney, a series sponsored by Bundabloodyberg Rum and could I get a Bundy and coke? No. Ended up withan extremely crap glass of Bacardi instead. I am sure I have a picture of my brother actually getting that round in somewhere - check the VB add at number 10 for politics of that}
Anyway, just wanted to share some chuckles - I'm in a good mood even if Wales are going to run rings around England in the Six Nations later tonight. Ask me why...
Matsusho High School - a day in the life
I have lunch at school between twelve o'clock and twelve forty. I usually eat onigiri (a rice ball) and talk with my friends about TV.
I have science lessons three times a week, but I don't like it because it isn't interesting. My favorite lesson is PE, which I have on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. I am good at tennis.
The lessons finish at three thirty, and I go home by bicycle. It takes about twenty minutes. After school I do homework for two hours. I hardly ever use a computer. I have some important exams next month and in April.
Valentine's Day - stuck for ideas?
If you fancy a swanky restaurant, you will need this. If you are a bit of a stuntman, you might want to try something more adventurous. Take her some where nice, set the mood, surprise her; this method might work.
And ladies, you can always help - tart yourself up a bit, set the trap with ****
Friday, 13 February 2009
On 30 April 1986, Swedish scientists reported that radiation level are rising to dangerous. In western Europe, a lot of observation points reported same result. At present, the cause is uncertain. The scientist is speeding up the analysis. They analysis a lot of data from many observation points report and the wind. We must wait a few days until the result comes out. Some scientists guesses that it is an accident of a nuclear plant or an atomic bomb. We only wish not to become a big disaster.
Seasons and Celebrations
1.The Notting Hill Carnival is in London at the end of August. Immigrants from the Caribbean began it in the 1960s. About a million people come to see it every year.
2.The biggest Chinatown in the USA is in San Francisco. A lot of Chinese immigrants live there.
3.Jesus was born about two thousand years ago in Bethlehem People remember that special time at Christmas.
4.At Christmas, people send cards and presents to their friends and families. They sing carols and put decorations in their houses.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Royalty visit Luna
Or so you might be lead to believe. Look at those beautiful crowns! Can you spot the diamonds and pearls? Not to mention the most wonderful variety of circles, squares, triangles, hearts and stars! Well done kids - a sterling effort!
Seasonal Poems, translated by Minemura
These poems have been taken from the NHK poetry program:
1) Uchiwamote Tsumanijizaini Ayatsurare
My wife is making a cool breeze for me with the fan. I feel very comfortable to have it in the living room. It's so nice that I think that I feel that I am a person of gentle nature, like a good child of her. I'm happy that she handles me at her will.
2)Nemureru wo Uchiwano Kazega Mamoriwori
It's a hot afternoon. Mother's fanning her baby. A gentle breeze is blowing to her. It seems to protect and keep the baby's health and happiness.
3)Henahenano Uchiwade Aogu Yazizakana
I am now baking a fish by fanning a charcoal fire. The fan is very old and worn out. But it can help make the fire well by fanning it.
My favourite haiku is number 3. I think this fan is very old and already worn out(like me!) This writer gives the old fan practice. The fan is very useful for baking fish by charcoal, not by grilling. Maybe the fan isn't welcome by the children or guests at the dining room because there everything is clean and new. There they will throw it away.
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Great Crimes
After reading
2. Here are two reports about the arrests of Oswald and Ponzi. Complete the reports with the words below.
John F. Kennedy was shot as his car drove past the Texas Book Depository. Not long after the shooting, a policeman, J.D.Tippit, stopped a man on the street. The man shot the policeman and ran away. Later, Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for murdering Tippit. Then a gun belonging to Oswald was found in the Texas Book Depository, and Oswald was arrested again – this time for killing the president.
The well-known businessman Charles Ponzi was arrested in Boston today. Police went to the office of Ponzi’s business, the Securities Exchange Company, which has been taking thousands of dollars a day from excited investors, and took him away for questioning. After the arrest a number of investors said that they refused to believe that Ponzi had done anything wrong. ‘He paid me exactly what he promised,’ said one, ‘so I invested it all again. He will take care of us, I’m sure.’
I was a kindergarten kid, when there was the JFK assassination. My parents were surprised at that news from TV. But I didn't understand the meaning of news at all. There were a lot of theories, in the reason for the assassination. I don't think this event was solved.
The Lahti File
Sunday, 8 February 2009
YLE - certificate awards ceremony
We have been doing this since 2000, and I do not get tired of seeing our students puff up with pride when they get their marks back. I'd say nearly all of them do better than they expected; regardless of their achievement, they all get a certificate anyway which is great. Parents also get the chance to see that their children are making progress, with this first step or two in their English-learning careers. This, after all, is an international award, which measures English abilities in all FOUR skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) - and is exactly the same test that kids would have taken in Japan, Argentina, Greece, Finland or Thailand. The test results therefore add a lot of weight to our objectives in teaching children to not only communicate effectively but to 'learn to learn'.
What helps our students do well?
- Good, patient teaching with an eye to long-term development
- showing young learners how to build words phonetically
- empowering kids to break down long words into readable 'chunks'
- extensive reading - our students read a lot and are at ease with texts
- a natural understanding of grammar, which is not bashed into them but constantly recycled and refreshed
- encouragement to try - making mistakes along the way is all part of the fun
- small classes with a teacher paying attention to students' particular learning needs & styles
- flexible curriculum and wealth of resources to inspire and intrigue learners
- develop themes & ideas which come up in class with immediate online access
Anyway, Saturday was all about applauding our stellar students who had a go. Congratulations from me - proud school owner & teacher. On this occasion I was wearing my hat as an Examiner Trainer too, hence the tie. Well done all of you - next level up in November, yes!
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Friday, 6 February 2009
COMMERCE
I think that these will go good in the near future, because a government all over the world is going measures. I hope that our life and job are keeping.
I had interest about commerce. I will study it. I want to do trading if I had extra money. But I don’t have extra money…
Eiji
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Within High Fences
Jojo's Story
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Recycling
The USA - Factfile
Information Technology - Factfile
I read this book about Information Technology.
I am surprised a evolution of information technology. When I am high school student, there are no mobile phone and no mobile PC, no car navigation system. Our life became very convinient.
Probably Information technology was evolved more and more. I think that student won't use notebook and pencil and textbook in the future. I think that they will use mobile PC for their studies in the future.
I think the robot is increased more and more. They will be able to drive a car and to speak language, to think theirselves. I would like to see they do them. I am looking forward to do them.
Two Lives
To tell the truth, I didn't like love story, but I recently prefer such a sad love story. I can feel characters.
Does that means I'm eager to have such a passionate love in my own life?
Dear Paul
I'm very sorry I have to tell you that dreadful things, but I must say that I can't marry you.
I know you are so wonderful. I really dreamed of happy life with you.
I loved you very much, and still loving.
However, things have changed at once since Huw came back to my life.
I couldn't help thinking of him every second.
After all, I has decided to go to Toronto with him, and marry him.
It seems that my love in my youth was so strong that even fifty years couldn't break it.
I know it cannot possibly be forgivable thing, but I would be glad if you accepted my faithlessness.
I hope you will be happy.
Love,
Megan