Owner: Chris's English Conversation School URL:http://www.waikiki2yanai.blogspot.com Join Date: Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:24:25 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Hawaii boy now teaching English Conversation in the Japanese countryside. Site statistics:Click here
Livin' Yanai style **sweat** 2007-08-11 04:41:00 Slippin (on sweat) into the major holiday week in Japan. All the classes are doing great and I have decided to REALLY jump a couple levels with 2 classes.Imagine we are at step 5 and we go right to 7 and through pressure and sheer will we get there in one highly motivated piece. So after 3 months of struggling they will have a collective "wakata" moment...after which I tell them that they are a full 4 years or more "level wise" ahead of their peers. I have done it before and it does wonders for the confidence.Because of the way I teach we really don't "skip" anything it's more of a intensity of expectation thing.The mind of a child/kid/etc. is so strong it can do most anything it "believes" it can. It takes a certain type of class though...and I happen to have 2 on Saturday that fit the mold.
School Holiday Post 2007-08-14 05:27:00 Well since there are no classes during the holiday I will do a "review" post.Bought a new Fujitsu laptop and love it. However...it came with VISTA and I am very disappointed with it. I already have XP with the paid version of windowblinds and VISTA 3-D desktop so my XP looks better than VISTA and it seems buggy, it seems like what it is....a publicly paid for beta-tester. It also has (un-editable) windows services which send data from your PC without your consent. I could turn those off in XP but not VISTA? Do I mind? In theory ..no but in principal yes. I paid for this thing so I should at-least have the right to tell it who it can and cannot talk to.I recommend you wait on VISTA till an SP-1 ver.Me? I will build a mac based computer next time. I am finished with windows. Read more:School
, Holiday
It's a ...HEAT WAVE!! 2007-08-18 04:09:00 This is usually a 28 student day. Today I had 7. Starting next week though the students are returning and regular classes will resume. I chill in Hawaii so I don't need this down time. I'm ready to start stressin' on some little minds and get them a level 3 black belt in English conversation.
Yeah Baby!! Woooo hooo!! 2007-08-15 22:32:00 100+... Man I love this stuff!! I wish we could have a couple months of this. I enjoy the sun actually but the heat comes with it so..nothing you can do about that.Today is laying out, hitting the bag, and a little school work. That is about it.Discovered a new program on Sky-Perfect called "Dexter" about a serial-killer/super hero. Good show. anyway....time to layout.(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.
The Great purge of 2007 2007-08-22 06:58:00 The girl who is in the middle picture just requested to take on a second class. She has decided that she wants to work/travel in the U.S. when she gets older.This is why I love being a teacher. If you are a good teacher, you can help shape young lives!***Happy teacher***as for the purge....I was going to wait until the end of the year to start dropping some adult classes. But I have already started it. No time like the present. I don't have the room in my schedule anymore to entertain casual studiers. They will catch on elsewhere. Good luck to them!! Read more:Great
Phonics....your swimmin' in it!! 2007-08-21 06:28:00 This class is a new one and they are drowning in phonics. Studying at my school requires a student learn phonics completely and quickly. The faster they can use that dictionary the better. This is a conversation school and that (conversation) can't really happen on the level I want until the kids can open a dictionary and tell me "exactly" what it is they want to say.
( T.G.F.S ) Thank god for Saturday!! 2007-08-25 03:32:00 I was having a very bad day before todays classes. Kid are very straight and to the point. ( Maybe that is because I'm not their parent). Anyway, I get worn out sometimes trying to understand adults and all the games that they play. You gotta cut your losses and move along. The kids energy and character were much needed and highly appreciated!Chiharu did very good at her first try with a higher level class. I was happy to see that she will do just fine. Read more:Thank
, Saturday
Why are girls better students?? 2007-08-30 04:38:00 I don't know the answer?If I was a young boy studying Japanese it would NOT be at the top of my list. Baseball or American Football would be. I guess its the same over here?The girls on the other hand seem to really really enjoy studying English. It is on the top of some of their lists. They want to travel and work and study abroad. Good for them. I'm more than happy to help make that happen. Maybe its just my school or town but these girls run rings around the boys!(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan Read more:better
And so.....the fallout. 2007-08-29 07:36:00 Everyone is getting ready for the big push starting next week. I have totally revamped my adult schedule this week, and I am very happy because it means my schedule is crystal clear. I will lose a few adults (Oh nooooo!)not. But anyway. Yeah...(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan
The week begins 2007-08-28 08:26:00 Well another week begins. I`m looking forward to seeing full classes this week. The kids are all back from vacations so it`s time to get busy with the teachin'. September to January is the best time of the year for teaching. We got the "BIG 4" holidays coming and its great for expanding into the cultural part of their education.The Halloween party this year is going to be awesome....AWESOME!!
a.k.a. "The Dream Class" 2007-09-01 03:45:00 (Potential)Having possibility, capability, or power.This class meets the definition alright. With Chiharu (the best student from her other class) now joining my best class....This has become a teachers dream. They are going to become a "measuring stick" that others will be compared to. If anyone says my teaching is too hard I'll point them towards this class and tell them to have a nice day.September is here!!! Woo hoo!!Halloween is coming soon!!(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party, Read more:Dream
Next up......Kanye West 2007-09-25 22:11:00 Well, I was going to do Jlo but since Kanye
has the biggest selling CD right now in America and he is an influential performer/producer it seems like the obvious choice.They will study him and the lyrics for his new track and video "Good Life". I think the students really enjoy this type of studying and it keeps them motivated. Read more:Kanye West
Saturday FTW!! 2007-09-22 03:41:00 Saturday wins again!!We have a little more to go with Beyonce and then its on to JLo. The students are all doing great and the pressure is on me to keep challenging them and pushing them.Some of these students are going to be using English to enhance their lives....no doubt! Read more:Saturday
Lotta Coffee 2007-09-20 19:54:00 Ordered some coffee for my adult students...about 23Kilo and ended up paying 110.00 U.S. just for shipping..OUCH!!!Next time I'll order a pallet 4x and save on the shipping costs.Meanwhile....The Halloween party is looking to be quite the scare-fest! The U.S. Holiday season is THE best time to be an English Conversation teacher in Japan.(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party, Greatest teacher in the World, Yes I am better than you, Read more:Coffee
Like Ice Cube Said, 2007-09-19 07:05:00 "Today was a good day"All classes moving along nicely. Also...Paper Mache' is harder to work with than I remember.....in elementary school!But I'm workin on it. The 5 severed and horrifying heads project is still a "go"(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party, Greatest teacher in the World, Yes I am better than you,
Dangling severed heads!! 2007-09-18 02:48:00 This is the beginning of my "5 severed and dangling horrifically mutilated heads" project.I'm going to hang them outside the entrance to my school and see how many young students refuse to enter. I'm thinking quite a few.Oh well....just sharing the culture.Halloween!! Wooooot!!
Halloween Party V3 Edition 2007-09-17 00:51:00 Well these are a few things made last year using cardboard...mostly.This year will be paper mache' and black plastic strobe and black lights.I hope to make this Halloween
party as emotionally scarring and mentally traumatizing as I possibly can. With a little bit of help from my friends of course! Read more:Party
, Edition
Another week that flew by 2007-09-15 03:37:00 Saturday FTW.....again!!I will start really preparing for the Halloween party from tomorrow. Lots to do but its a ton of fun. I will enjoy it even more than last year.(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party, Greatest teacher in the World, Yes I am better than you,
Another good day of classes 2007-09-13 06:18:00 Another week is flying by. The 4pm girls class is doing very good. The youngest girl Yu is amazing. She is 6 but she hangs with the 8yr olds no sweat. Anyone who has taught knows there is a big difference between those 2 ages. I usually don't accept kids before they have started Elementary school because of my sit down style of teaching. Kids who cannot focus get washed out of here pretty quick! But this girl is hangin'....I'm pleased and surprised. I wish I had 20 more like her.
Firing on all cylinders (Almost) 2007-09-12 07:02:00 The top pic is of the latest advanced J.H. lesson. Luckily CD-RW's are cheap enough now, to buy for all the advanced J.H. students. Instead of some random story CD they can follow along to a song that is "now" and "current" which means they might hear it on the radio which in my book means its practical and fun AND educational.Asuka actually translated the song into Japanese to help her understand its meaning. THAT'S why she's top, because she does extra. All my best students are like that.So yeah...Another good week keeps rollin'.(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party, Greatest teacher in the World, Yes I am better than you, Read more:Almost
Japan is on it! 2007-09-11 05:42:00 When it comes to Internet shopping, nobody has better service than Japan
! I ordered something from Tokyo yesterday via normal delivery and I got it in 20hrs!! I gotta say these guys are pros!! The people at soundhouse.co.jp are the bomb!!I ordered this for my Halloween party and was shocked to see what I got. This thing IS DJ quality like advertised and it is huge!! I could use it in an auditorium it is so big. The kids and adults are going to trip when they see this. My Halloween party just got alot better!!
Best week ever 2007-09-08 02:41:00 I have the best conversation School in Japan! I'm just the captain of the ship, it is the quality of the students I have that make it great. I thank god I stuck to my guns at the beginning when people said "rejecting students will damage your schools reputation".Yeah....riiiiight!!I have the best school BECAUSE I did that. Meanwhile...I got alot of ideas for the Halloween party so I am getting very excited right about now. Cannot wait for the holidays to start.(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party, Greatest teacher in the World, Yes I am better than you,
Homestay Girls. 2007-09-07 07:36:00 These two just returned from one month home stays in America and Canada. Today they gave me some souvenirs and showed me pictures from their trips. They are VERY smart and I'm glad they are back safe and sound.(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party, Greatest teacher in the World, Yes I am better than you, Read more:Girls
State of the Blog report. 2007-09-06 03:30:00 I have decided to bring a little more focus to the blog. I will follow 5 or 6 classes and follow along as they learn with a little about what is being taught and how its going.It will make it easier to make and follow. Some students don't like pics so they can't be on the blog anyway. The classes I will follow like the fact that they can see themselves on the Internet and their parents can get their only peak since I do not do open classes.I taught "Go Fish" to the class pictured but instead of reading the cards they just have to say "Name, do you have this card"? Yes I do...here you go etc...after they are comfortable with the game then I will require they read the card out loud without showing it. (the way it is supposed to be played). They can read words but in phrases and sentences is right at the limit for 3 of the 6. They are between 5 and 8yrs old.(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monit Read more:State
, report
Is today really Wednesday? 2007-09-05 07:08:00 Is it really Wednesday
.... cuz it sure felt like Saturday? These kids are doing great.Meanwhile I cut, laminated, and re-cut about 200 Fall themed cards today. 4 of each so we could play "Go fish!" It worked out good. I'm so smart I scare myself sometimes.....stop laughing!! no seriously....stop laughing.Meanwhile...I love this time of year!!!(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party, Greatest teacher in the World, Yes I am better than you,
Exploding brains!!!! 2007-09-04 08:38:00 2 of today's 6 classes started level-up lessons. I could swear I heard their brains frying. In a few weeks they will be just fine.Halloween is coming soon!!(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party,
A "Horror Factory Production" 2007-10-01 20:44:00 Fresh off the monster factory floor comes the "Soul Snatcher"!I will tell the students that if they look at its eyes too long it will steal their soul.Spooooky!!(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween Party, Greatest teacher in the World, Yes I am better than you, Read more:Factory
, Production
Top 10 for October 2007 2007-09-30 20:58:00 Wow!This list is getting very hard to make.The "3 Chi's", Chinami, Chikako, and Chiharu are all moving up and making Sat 3pm a hard class to beat!I got a lot done yesterday preparing for the Halloween party.Horrific!! describes the Haunted house perfectly as would "emotionally scarring" Read more:October
Saturday FTW!......again 2007-09-29 21:52:00 Once again, Saturday
proves to be the strongest day! Even with the "sports festivals" depleting the ranks it was still a good day.
Halloween HORROR!!!! 2007-09-28 02:27:00 The Horror is so horrible it's.....HORRIFYING!!!!Ohhhh!! The kids are going to have a lot of fun or maybe the trauma will be so bad they will carry the mental scars till the day they die?....hmmmanyway, see you at the party...or.... be forever cursed so bad that your life is a facade, a shell, designed to hide the horror that is your life, a pathetic existence waiting to be mercifully extinguished.Unless you have a good excuse....in that case the curse is lifted....carry on!(Note)The blog title should say "Chris's English School" if it does not, please refresh the page. This page was designed for monitors of 1024+ res.Tags: English Conversation School, English teacher in Japan, Halloween
Party, Greatest teacher in the World, Yes I am better than you,
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