Because summer in Japan can go over 30°C, teachers have planned several activities to beat the scorching heat. Since summer vacation has started for most elementary schools, a lot of students join the morning summer school in Yume Kirara. Two bilingual teachers with the occasional help of our Juku teacher are in charge of the lessons and activities for the morning shift, while I and the rest of bilingual teachers take charge in the afternoon.

Children learn useful English that they can apply in simple conversation such as saying their schedule, what they like to become in the future, and the things they like to do, eat, and play during the summer festival. Each day, a different target language is taught. Students also make different crafts such as fan, wind chimes, summer costumes, alphabet garlands, ribbons, and bracelets for the summer festival. They also play scooping game, a popular summer activity where they used expandable water balls instead of goldfish. They also have a writing activity where they drew and used the target language.

In the afternoon, kids experience movie theater role play where they watch an English movie while eating popcorn that the teachers have prepared in advance. Before starting, rules are established in English and teachers make sure for everyone’s understanding. Bilingual teachers conduct a quiz game about all teachers and some students. It’s a nice activity to know more about each other.

To fight the scorching summer heat, students are taught dessert making. Everyone enjoys making a different dessert each day. Kids make ice cream, shaved ice, fruit punch, and fruit soda. They eat the dessert right after making it. For their crafts, they make summer diary and summer cards addressed to their loved ones. These are a few experiences that they can share and do with their family and friends.

I conduct the regular curriculum for the afternoon lesson time. I make sure to plan a wide selection of speaking activities so that students will enjoy and be fully engaged in our discussion. I’ve always believed that understanding occurs and a longer retention of the lesson is obtained when students have a fun learning atmosphere.