Starting this December, we are offering afternoon classes for kids (ages 4-6) and parents. Kids will learn basic English words and phrases, while singing songs and listening to stories. Parents can learn easy English and correct pronunciation so that they can practice with their children at home. Everyone can gain confidence and have fun together.
So...Why do parents need to speak English?
Kids need more English practice that once a week. Hearing a bedtime story in English from mom or dad, or practicing vocabulary in the grocery store or park is a great way to reinforce what they learn in class. If they practice a little bit at home, they will feel more confident and comfortable in class. They will remember better, and learn more quickly. English is not just for "English schools." It is something that must be practiced and incorporated into everyday life.
Many moms or dads say, "But I can't speak English!" But actually they all know things like colors, numbers, or animals.They don't need advanced English skills or perfect pronunciation or grammar to say a few phrases to their kids.
I want to provide a warm, fun environment for children and their parents, so that they enjoy speaking English, rather that think that it is a chore or "subject" to study.
Any questions? Check: http://www.innocence-plus.com/kidsandmoms
or feel free to call us!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Have a Cornucopia! (It's too early for Christmas.)
In Japan, the day after Halloween, shops put up their Christmas decor. It's too early for Christmas!!
In America, people and shops don't really decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the 4th Thursday of November in America. So in November, people stick with fall-themed decorations, such as autumn leaves, pumpkins, and gourds. Some people have a fall wreath on their door, or a centerpiece on the table. Indian corn is also a popular decoration. After Thanksgiving people pull out the Christmas stuff and start playing Christmas music.
*Keep in mind, this is just American me. Canada, Australia, England, and others surely have different traditions. Even in America, I know one family that keeps their Christmas tree up ALL YEAR. Some people are always in the holiday mood...
On to the pictures!
Gourds! These are in Japan too. There are many colors, sizes, and textures. I like lumpy ones.
Indian corn. It's used as decoration- no one eats it. The colors are very nice for fall.
Finally...the CORNUCOPIA!! Or "horn of plenty." A symbol of abundance and fall harvest, this is filled with fruit, nuts, or sometimes flowers. It's been around since Greek/Roman antiquity.
Here's one more, because they're so cool!
In America, people and shops don't really decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the 4th Thursday of November in America. So in November, people stick with fall-themed decorations, such as autumn leaves, pumpkins, and gourds. Some people have a fall wreath on their door, or a centerpiece on the table. Indian corn is also a popular decoration. After Thanksgiving people pull out the Christmas stuff and start playing Christmas music.
*Keep in mind, this is just American me. Canada, Australia, England, and others surely have different traditions. Even in America, I know one family that keeps their Christmas tree up ALL YEAR. Some people are always in the holiday mood...
On to the pictures!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Night Club! *Halloween Version*
This Saturday at 7:00, we will hold our first meeting of The Book Society.
Book clubs are popular in America, and there are some in Japan too. Usually, people meet every week or month to discuss a book. Everyone reads the same book at home, and then analyze it together during the club meeting. I know one group of people in Tokyo who read modern fiction, and one group of women in Sendai who are reading The Tale of Genji in English. The Tale of Genji ladies will take several years to finish the book, but are having fun and making friends.
At Innocence Plus, we will read and discuss some easy short stories, and hopefully in a few months we can do some poetry or perhaps a short novel. So don't worry about having to read anything long or tedious. Also, you can request something, if you have a book in mind!
***This Saturday, we will do something special for Halloween. I have not decided yet, but I am looking through Poe and other authors of scary/bizarre literature for something fun and easy.***
Any questions? Please call: 022-797-0762 or comment.
If you are an intermediate or advanced speaker and love literature, please come.
Book clubs are popular in America, and there are some in Japan too. Usually, people meet every week or month to discuss a book. Everyone reads the same book at home, and then analyze it together during the club meeting. I know one group of people in Tokyo who read modern fiction, and one group of women in Sendai who are reading The Tale of Genji in English. The Tale of Genji ladies will take several years to finish the book, but are having fun and making friends.
At Innocence Plus, we will read and discuss some easy short stories, and hopefully in a few months we can do some poetry or perhaps a short novel. So don't worry about having to read anything long or tedious. Also, you can request something, if you have a book in mind!
***This Saturday, we will do something special for Halloween. I have not decided yet, but I am looking through Poe and other authors of scary/bizarre literature for something fun and easy.***
Any questions? Please call: 022-797-0762 or comment.
One Week
Innocence Plus has been open for one week. Thank you everyone for coming to visit! Thank you everyone who has taken lessons. I'm having a lot of fun with you guys. Thanks to you all, I have an ideal job. I will do my best to make this the best school possible.
I am often free in the afternoons and some evenings as well, so please come anytime to chat. On Sundays, we have no lessons, so stop by and I will definitely be here.
遊びにきてね。
Oh...and there are Hershey's Kisses in the candy dish. Try them! They're pretty good. If you don't eat them, I'll end up eating them all... >.<
I am often free in the afternoons and some evenings as well, so please come anytime to chat. On Sundays, we have no lessons, so stop by and I will definitely be here.
遊びにきてね。
Oh...and there are Hershey's Kisses in the candy dish. Try them! They're pretty good. If you don't eat them, I'll end up eating them all... >.<
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Watch out!
Watch your pronunciation ESPECIALLY with easy words. You know, those easy English words that every Japanese person knows. For example- sorry (not ソーリー) or car (not カー）. And: dinner, dog, apple, vanilla, fish, cafe, shirt...
Foreigners in Japan who are used to heavy Japanese accents may understand you. But if you go abroad and say "シャツ" instead of "shirt," you will not be understood. When speaking English- forget katakana!
Foreigners in Japan who are used to heavy Japanese accents may understand you. But if you go abroad and say "シャツ" instead of "shirt," you will not be understood. When speaking English- forget katakana!
Friday, August 24, 2012
貸してください～！
vocab review:
Lend ----> "I forgot my umbrella. Can you lend me yours?"
Borrow --> "I borrowed two books from the library."
Rent-----> "Let's rent a DVD from Tsutaya tonight.
Lend is 貸す. You can lend your friend some money.
Borrow is 借りる. You can borrow a pencil from a friend, or borrow books from the library.
Rent is... paying to borrow something. Like a DVD or a car.
Past tense:
lend ・ lent
borrow ・ borrowed
rent ・ rented
Do not confuse the meanings of borrow and rent.
Please DO NOT confuse your R and L on this. You cannot pronounce Lent and Rent the same.
Lend ----> "I forgot my umbrella. Can you lend me yours?"
Borrow --> "I borrowed two books from the library."
Rent-----> "Let's rent a DVD from Tsutaya tonight.
Lend is 貸す. You can lend your friend some money.
Borrow is 借りる. You can borrow a pencil from a friend, or borrow books from the library.
Rent is... paying to borrow something. Like a DVD or a car.
Past tense:
lend ・ lent
borrow ・ borrowed
rent ・ rented
Do not confuse the meanings of borrow and rent.
Please DO NOT confuse your R and L on this. You cannot pronounce Lent and Rent the same.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Book Review: Stories for Young Readers
title: Stories for Young Readers (1 and 2)
rating: ★★★★★
These are the best books ever! Stories For Young Readers, Books 1 and 2. I'll use them for upper elementary kids, junior high, and beginner adults. Despite their appearance (rather boring covers) they're practically perfect.
Each chapter has a simple story, usually about teenagers, followed by various questions, quizzes, and games, which focus on grammar and vocabulary. Some of the stories are downright bizarre. For example, the amusing story about the girl who puts fish in her shoes. These are not your average junior high text books, so they can keep the interest of teenage students.
Also the illustrations are great. The books include both American and British English (and young people from around the world). The English used is casual, correct, and up to date- the opposite of most school text books. Useful! Yah～
rating: ★★★★★
These are the best books ever! Stories For Young Readers, Books 1 and 2. I'll use them for upper elementary kids, junior high, and beginner adults. Despite their appearance (rather boring covers) they're practically perfect.
Each chapter has a simple story, usually about teenagers, followed by various questions, quizzes, and games, which focus on grammar and vocabulary. Some of the stories are downright bizarre. For example, the amusing story about the girl who puts fish in her shoes. These are not your average junior high text books, so they can keep the interest of teenage students.
Also the illustrations are great. The books include both American and British English (and young people from around the world). The English used is casual, correct, and up to date- the opposite of most school text books. Useful! Yah～
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)