CWAJ has a long history of providing English lessons to Japanese children. For many years, volunteers provided a weekly English learning space for Japanese children who had previously lived overseas and who spoke English. In 2018, EOC shifted its focus to providing Fun-in-English literacy-based lessons to underprivileged children at St. Joseph’s Home, a children’s home in Nishi-Tokyo City, with the goal of making an important contribution to the children’s English language learning.
For each visit we base the lesson around a picture book,which one of our members has translated into Japanese. On the back of each book,we have provided a QR link to a bilingual recording of our members reading the book in English and Japanese,so that it can be enjoyed any time.
We have been delighted to visit the children, and help them to learn some English words and phrases.During each lesson we divide them into small groups so that our members can provide individual attention to each child and allow them to practice. Rotating through four stations (book reading, games, crafts, and worksheets) allows the children to have fun and be exposed to English in a variety of fun settings.
At the moment we have about fifteen volunteers. In accordance with the wish of St. Joseph’s Home we try to keep the number of volunteers at 8-9 at each class.
