By Yoshika Wason I don’t have a strong background in linguistics, but lately I’ve been learning more about the field to become a better English teacher and language learner. So for my final column in Today’s Lesson, I compiled resources that have helped me during my self-studying journey in applied linguistics. Enjoy! Miracles of Human … Continue reading
Category Archives: Today’s Lesson
Digital Learning Glossary
By Yoshika Wason As schools around the world have closed in response to COVID-19, education has been halted or dramatically altered for students. Overnight, many schools have shifted to some form of digital or distance learning. I’ve been reading lots of articles about these changes in the U.S. and other countries, and I’ve noticed that … Continue reading
Yoshika Wason Reflects
by Lanie Olmo As has been well–established and proven in a number of scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals, most people on the JET Program are, in the scientific jargon, weeaboos: people who have a fervent love and interest in all things Japan and Japanese language and culture. The JET Program is typically used as … Continue reading
Shy Students? No Problem.
By Yoshika Wason In anticipation of the new school year, here are a few tips and tricks to try out if you find yourself in a classroom full of shy students who are reluctant to participate. Your mileage may vary depending on each individual student, so tailor your approach accordingly. Take it from me, a … Continue reading
Engl1sh Numb3r W0rds [Lesson Plan]
By Yoshika Wason Q: What’s the cutest number? A: 910 (きゅうとう) If you didn’t get the pun, try saying the answer out loud. Disclaimer: I can’t take credit for this English/Japanese/number joke. One of my JTEs used this pun as part of a textbook lesson that was about numbers and English. That class was the … Continue reading
C is for Comics: Using Comics in the Classroom
By Yoshika Wason Popular media is a gold mine for language learners. Many people who have successfully learned a new language immerse themselves in their target language’s music, movies, social media, etc. In particular, many Japanese learners credit manga and anime for igniting their interest in Japanese language and culture. Parallel to this practice, in … Continue reading
American Things That Are More Popular in Japan [Presentation]
By Yoshika Wason As a kid I assumed that Snoopy was a Japanese character because I saw many Japanese products with his image on it. Snoopy seemed to be way more popular in Japan than in the U.S. It wasn’t until I was 12 or 13 years old that I discovered that Snoopy was the … Continue reading
NASA Survival Activity [Lesson Plan]
By Yoshika Wason What would you do if you were lost in space? Test your survival skills through this team activity. Title: NASA Survival Activity Time: about 45 minutes Level: middle school or high school Description Students are given a scenario where they are astronauts that crash land on the moon. They are given a … Continue reading
Lesson Planning 101
By Yoshika Wason With the start of a new JET cycle, I thought it would be a good time to discuss lesson planning, centering on three key questions and supported by pedagogy. Whether you’re a new ALT who is crafting their first few lessons or a veteran JET who just wants a refresher, I hope … Continue reading
High School in America Vs. Japan [Presentation]
By Yoshika Wason As we all know, the “E” in JET stands for exchange. Through this presentation, you can do some cultural exchange by sharing about high school in America. Title: High School in America Vs. Japan Time: About 30 minutes Level: High School Description: This powerpoint compares high school in Japan with high school … Continue reading
Extra Credit: Summer Reading to Improve Your Teaching
By Yoshika Wason What’s on your summer reading list? Consider adding the following three titles about education to your list, no book report required. Disclaimer: these books look at teaching beyond the scope of regular ALT duties and focus on education in the context of the United States. Learn New Classroom Management Moves Teach Like … Continue reading
Superlative Gallery Walk [Lesson Plan]
By Yoshika Wason Through a combination of movement and interesting questions, this lesson will wake up sleepy students and also keep energetic students engaged. Title: Superlative Gallery Walk Time: About 50 minutes Level: High School, Middle School Description: This lesson has students answer questions about their classmates using the following superlatives: most, best, -est, and … Continue reading
Creating a Token Economy Classroom Rewards System
By Yoshika Wason Happy new (school) year! This month’s article will help you revamp your classroom rewards system because sometimes a little external motivation goes a long way for students. First, let’s cover the basics: in psychology, a token economy is a behavior modification system that involves accumulating tokens or points that are exchanged for … Continue reading
Let the Vocabulary Games Begin [Lesson Plan]
By Yoshika Wason This fun and fast-paced vocabulary lesson includes 3 games: Shiritori, 4 Pictures 1 Word, and Odd One Out. Title: Let the Vocabulary Games Begin Time: About 50 minutes for all 3 games, or 30 minutes for the main game, 4 Pictures 1 Word Level: High School, Junior High School The why behind … Continue reading
Must Have Classroom Items for ALTs
By Yoshika Wason Last June was a bittersweet time for me. I was excited to start my new adventure in Japan as a new JET ALT but also sad to leave my old life behind. One of my biggest challenges during this time was packing up my kindergarten classroom. I consider myself to have minimalist … Continue reading
Don’t Reinvent the Wheel: Lesson Planning Resources for ALTs
By Yoshika Wason As a JET ALT, it can be a struggle to come up with new ideas for creative, fun, and educational lessons. But never fear! You can jumpstart your lesson planning process by tapping into pre-existing resources. You can prevent yourself from reinventing the lesson-planning wheel by using the recommended resources found below. Continue reading
What am I?
By Yoshika Wason Today’s Lesson is a column where we share lesson plans and discuss classroom best practices. Are you tired of playing Fruit’s Basket? Try this new game! It’s just as fun and educational as the infamous furu ba. Title: What am I? Fruits & Vegetables Game Time: About 30 minutes Level: Junior High School, Elementary Continue reading
Three Ways to Check for Understanding
By Yoshika Wason Today’s Lesson is a column where we share lesson plans and discuss classroom best practices. Continue reading
Explaining Japanese Culture/Words in English
Today’s Lesson is written by Pat Owens. Today’s Lesson: Title: Explaining Japanese Words and Customs Time: 45-50 minutes Level: High School Continue reading
ALT/JTE Dual Self-Introduction
Today’s Lesson: Title: Dual Self-Intro Time: 40-50 minutes Level: JHS/HS Continue reading
Good Morning Aomori 