Yuri Kuno
Anaheim University Lecturer
& Children’s English Education Specialist

Engaging Young Learners

Yuri Kuno sensei shared her over 30 years of experience in teaching English to elementary school students and teacher training. Her lecture provided valuable insight on how to engage young learners. Participants in this workshop had an opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable advice on a wide range of topics in which Kuno Sensei has expertise, including classroom management, motivating young learners, the current situation in elementary school English education and her view on what is needed to improve English classrooms in Japan.

Holding a BA from Tokyo Women’s Christian University, Yuri Kuno began her career as an English instructor at Seijo Gakuen Elementary School in 1975. She is one of Japan’s most renowned authors and creators of children’s English learning materials, has conducted Ministry of Education Elementary School English Activities Teacher Training Seminars, and is Vice-Chairman for the Japan Association of English Teaching in Elementary Schools.

Junko Shimura
Narika

Using Interactive Whiteboards in Elementary School Classrooms

A wide variety of teaching materials are needed to depend children’s understanding in an educational context. Traditionally, teachers need to spend a great deal of time in doing this and preparing for classes. How can technology help teachers in this area? The usage of Interactive Whiteboards in the Japanese Elementary School classroom is set to become mainstream in the not so distant future. This practical demonstration familiarized teachers with this new technology and prepare them for the future direction of elementary school level teaching in Japan.

Keiko Shimura joined Nakamura Science Limited after graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University’s Department of Engineering and Physics. She is an expert presenter in the use of technology in schools and has presented on the use of the ActivBoard technology to educators throughout Japan. She is well-know for her lively, spectacular and informative workshops.

Takao Ogawa
Toda Dai-ichi Elementary School

Effective English Communication
and the importance of Prosody

In order to make the jump from merely speaking Japanese English In the elementary classroom to being able to communicate in English with people from all over the world, prosody (rhythm, stress and intonation patterns of an utterance) is essential.　Mr. Ogawa talked about how to work with English sounds and rhythm to energize Japanese young learners.

Takao Ogawa has been involved in the practical usage of English for 17 years. His specialty is in the area of Elementary School English Education. With his long background in methodology and effective practical experience, Takao Ogawa offers encouragement and solid, practical advice to all elementary school teachers. Mr. Ogawa studied Oral Communication at Rikkyo University Graduate School Communication.

Keiko Abe-Ford
CALA President

Songs, Chants and Activities
for Young Learners

Young learners and teachers can gain new motivation through interactive activities, songs and chants. When related to the target language, taught with action, and a positive attitude, these activities bring special energy into the classroom and fun back to the learning/acquisition process.
This demonstration modelled effective activities, attitudes and actions through the rhythm of songs and chants adaptable to learners at any level.

Keiko Abe-Ford has taught children for more than 30 years. She is the President of CALA, Lecture of Seigakuin University, Teacher-trainer, Author, Consultant of Disney English and the Elementary School English Education Supervisor of the Gyoda-shi and Minato-ku Boards of Education. Her publications include “AJ’s Pic-Dic Series”(APRICOT), “New Let’s Sing Together”(APRICOT), “Classroom/Home English for Better Communication”(Kirihara Shoten), “Waku-Waku English”(Kobunshoin), “Longman Children’s Picture Dictionary” (Pearson Longman).

Pearson Longman