There were 19 students in total in the class, and they were in the first grade. I think there were 11 girls to 8 boys, if I recall correctly. My class began at 1.25 and ended at 2.15. The assistant teacher there was very helpful, but allowed me to take care of all aspects of the lesson.
We studied how to make successful, and natural, conversation in English by talking about one topic and asking follow-up questions in order to get more information. We also practiced giving reactions, so that their English would sound more native. We had a lot of fun with the choral responses: 'Really?' and, everyone's favourite, 'Wow!' After rigorous practicing of the steps needed for a successful conversation: (a) initial question (b) response (c) reaction (d) follow-up question (e) reaction, plus (f) whatever you want (!), in the final stage, the students could all stand up and walk around, talking to each other, and enjoying communicating in English.
The students were great. They were attentive from the start, and active throughout, using the language we learnt with obvious enthusiasm. It was great to teach them, and very difficult to get them to end the activity! Because they were having so much fun!
Martin Connolly
English Dept
Tsurumi University