Hello, I'm sure you're all back into the swing of the new term, so here's
the September Issue of the Genki English newsletter to help you on your
way!
New things on the website
The flash card section has been improved. You can now print all the cards
out in one go! There will be more cards uploaded soon.
There are lots of little changes on the site this month, including lots
more Japanese translations (these are there for people who do team teaching
but can't explain the rules to the kids, you simply hand the Japanese translation
to the teacher!)
In August I was doing teacher training in Thailand. Thailand has been teaching
elementary school English for quite a while now and it is very interesting
comparing it to the situation in Japan. As expected songs and games, but
also role plays, were favourites of the kids, and the most disliked thing
was the grammar! But the teachers were great and were so keen to learn
more stuff, and also to share their ideas. I was so impressed by some of
their songs that I videoed them for the website, try them out, I'm sure
your students will love them!
Mind you I was quite surprised to find it wasn't just teachers I was training,
but also the Thai Border Police! When I asked why several of the people
in my group had big boots and police outfits on I was told it was because
we were close to the Cambodian border. Apparently instead of teachers,
in the border schools the police have to teach the kids! It was very interesting
seeing these tough police officers playing the Ostrich Game though!! But
it does make you think, these kids really do have a need to learn English,
it's the best way for them to escape the poverty trap they find themselves
in. So it was really rewarding to not just hear about people using the
free things on Genki English, but to actually see them using the ideas.
And of course, it's thanks to the support of people like yourself that
Genki English is able to provide these free resources and training to people
all over the World. Thank you!
Will's Tip of the Month:
Next time you do a shopping activity get your kids to use some coins from
another country. Watch them go mad using real money, but make sure they
give it all back at the end!
Hallowe'en
Yeah, I know it's early, but people have been asking! Check out the Hallowe'en ideas page at
If you happen to be near Tokyo, Maruzen bookstore in Nihonbashi will be
having a special Genki English demo on the morning of Saturday September
21st. You'll not only be able to buy the CDs without paying postage or
packing, but if you join their Kids Club you'll get a further discount!
Can't be bad!
Which free song do you want?
Next month will see the release of Genki English CD IV ! Yeah! As is customary,
as a thank you to you all, we'll be putting one of the songs on the website
as a completely free MP3. But rather than us decide which song to put on,
I thought we'd give you a choice. So if you have a look at the website
you can vote for which song you'd like to see on the website for free!
The choices are:
1) Rock, Paper, Scissors
2) Doctor, Doctor!
3) Animals (haven't thought of a groovy title yet!)
4) What do you do?
5) Where, where, where?
6) Bigger Please!
7) My name is Mr Octopus.
The song with the most votes will be uploaded in October!
(And if you want to hear sneak previews of the songs, come to Maruzen on
Sep. 21st!)
And Finally,
Quite a few people have been asking for more games, have a look at Joel's
Curriculum book (
If you know of anyone who might be interested in this newsletter, then
please feel free to send it on!
Oh, and there's also a Japanese version, you can sign up for it from the
main Japanese menu!
P.S. We're in Kumamoto, at the YMCA, this Saturday (14th), if you're in
Kyushu please come along.
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