Advice for teachers -
Japanese Second Language

 

Detailed example

An email to a friend about a form of entertainment in Japan.

1. As a class, brainstorm entertainment options known.
2. Classify the options into traditional and contemporary.
3. Brainstorm words related to both styles of entertainment and underline culturally specific vocabulary and language.
4. Consider how to extract desired information from both listening and reading texts. Consider note taking and obtaining the gist of meaning.
5. Listen to texts about a particular type of entertainment.
6. Answer comprehension questions.
7. Read some examples of personal emails, noting the tone, style of writing and techniques used to exchange meaning.
8. Under the following headings draft a short paragraph, drawing on information from the texts:
• an introduction of the chosen entertainment
• a definition of key vocabulary
• a short explanation of the types of people who enjoy this entertainment
• reasons for its popularity
• cultural links or cultural aspects that are important to developing an understanding of this type of entertainment.
9. Draft the email paying attention to specific vocabulary for the topic and to linguistic structures relevant to personal email writing.

 

Detailed example

Responses to questions using information extracted from spoken, written and viewed texts on the topic of sustainability and energy usage in Japan.

1. Make a list of vocabulary related to sustainability and energy use in Japan.
2. Consider ways of recycling and caring for the environment and make a list of what you do and what you could do.
3. Read an article on ways the Japanese are attempting to conserve energy for a sustainable future.
4. Listen to a conversation between people discussing packaging in Japan and whether it is environmentally responsible.
5. View a documentary on ways the Japanese are looking after the environment.
6. Add new words from the texts to your vocabulary list.
7. Answer questions related to the texts and compare answers with classmates. Discuss answers and how and why they are correct.
8. Read and annotate an article for homework. Discuss in class how each class member tackles reading comprehension. For example; do you read it through once to get the gist? Do you read it and highlight unknown words? Do you look up every word in a dictionary? Do you translate the whole text? When do you read the questions? Do you read them first and then only look for clues to them in the text? Which of these world work best when there is a time limit?
9. Do the same with a listening text. Discuss how different class members take notes while listening. For example: do you try to write every word? Do you write how some words sound so you can look for them in a dictionary later? Do you listen only the first time you hear the text and then write notes? List strategies for completing future comprehension exercises.
10. Re-answer a previous comprehension exercise to practise successful responses.
11. Complete a practice test individually and in the next lesson discuss the answers as a group. Correct your own work and note areas that need attention.

 

Detailed example

A formal letter to the owner of a business in Japan to apply for a job for the holiday season persuading them why you would be suitable for the job.

1. View a poster of holiday season jobs.
2. Write notes about the jobs, list the pros and cons of the jobs as they relate to your interests and skills, adding information.
3. Read formal letters written in Japanese. Annotate an example to highlight salient features.
4. List appropriate opening and closing greetings for formal letters.
5. Read two examples of persuasive writing in Japanese. Analyse the writing for specific vocabulary and/or grammar features used and which linguistic elements are most effective.
6. Draft a plan that incorporates all of the above to make your letter appropriate for the task.
7. Add to the plan your personal information, your knowledge of the type of job and skills required and the skills you have or wish to acquire that would be helpful for the job .
8. Write the formal letter incorporating all the prepared content and ideas.