Teaching Children Mini-Conference
Sunday, May 24th, 2009

Theme: Teaching Children - Assessing Children

Time: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (registration begins at 9:00 a.m.)
Location: Hokkaido International School
(Daycare will be available.)

Keynote Speaker: Mari Nakamura

Title: Exploring the Power of the Picture Book-Based Curriculum in Young Learners’ Classrooms
タイトル: 絵本を中心としたカリキュラム作成〜その有効性と魅力

Summary: Good quality picture books have enormous potential as a tool for English language teaching. However, it often feels daunting to design a curriculum around a picture book. In this interactive workshop, you will first examine who children are as language learners, what sort of learning environment we want to provide to our children, and how picture books can support their learning. Then the presenter will demonstrate how to design a four skills program using a popular children’s story as a springboard. By participating in the designing process and trying out several fun classroom activities, the audience will see the picture book-based curriculum in a whole new light.

サマリー
質の良い絵本は、英語指導において大変重要な役割を果たします。しかし絵本を中心としたカリキュラム作成は難しいと感じる指導者も多いようです。このインタラクティブなワークショップでは、まず、子どもは言葉をどのように習得するのか、彼らにどのような学びの場を提供すればよいのか、絵本は言語習得をどのようにサポートするのかを考察します。そして、プレゼンターがある絵本を使って４スキル・プログラム作成方法をわかりやすく紹介します。参加者のみなさんは、カリキュラム作成過程に参加し、楽しいアクティビティを試すことによって、絵本中心カリキュラムの新しい魅力に気づくことでしょう。

Bio: Mari Nakamura, a popular children's author and co-author, has been giving numerous teacher training sessions all around Japan and writing educational articles while teaching young learners at her own school, English Square, in Kanazawa City. She is most well-known for her dynamic and practical workshops. She has earned the Postgraduate Diploma from the MSc in TEYL program at Aston University, and is volunteering as the ETJ Ishikawa Group Coordinator.

中村　麻里（なかむら　まり）
『ホップ・ステップ・ジャンプ・イントゥ・イングリッシュ』（アール・アイ・シー出版）著者、『イングリッシュ・ランド』（ピアソン・ロングマン）共著者。金沢市にて英会話教室English Squareを主宰のかたわら、全国各地でのティーチャー・トレーニング、教材開発に従事。エネルギッシュで実用的なワークショップで人気。JALTニュースレター、『子ども英語』（アルク）などへの執筆記事も多数。英国アストン大学ＴＥＹＬ修士課程、Postgraduate Diploma取得。ETJ（English Teachers in Japan）石川支部長。

Keynote Speaker: Lesley Ito
Sponsor: McGraw-Hill
Title: A Close Look at Assessment Methods Used in the Young Learner EFL Classroom

Summary: Why is it necessary for us to assess young learners in the EFL Classroom? What are the pros and cons of different assessment methods? The presenter will draw on her 16 years of experience as a school owner and EFL teacher to take a close look at various assessment methods: student evaluations, class observations, assessment tests, standardized tests, portfolios, “Can-do” statements and homework. Practical advice will be given on how these can be successfully implemented in any YEFL program.

Bio: Originally from Florida, Lesley Ito is an EFL teacher, private language school owner, author and teacher trainer in Nagoya with over 16 years of experience. She is the current TC SIG Program Chair and past secretary of ETJ-Aichi.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Takao Ishii
Sponsor: JALT Hokkaido

Summary: Dr. Ishii will present on common types of learning disorders affecting children, symptoms - what to look out for, forms of treatment, what happens if ignored. He will present in Japanese with a PowerPoint presentation in English at the same time. Handouts will be in English and Japanese. He is able to answer questions in English.

児童、思春期にみられる精神障害
一般に学童期の精神生活は、家庭、学校などの保護下にあるため、安定しているといわれる。一方、思春期においては、身体・精神の両面で成人へと成長する大きな転換期であり、この時期の心理的不安定が様々な問題行動として表現されることもある。加えてこの時期は、種々の精神疾患に罹患するリスクが高まることもよく知られている。この講演では、児童期後半から思春期における精神医学的な問題について概説したい。

Bio: Takao Ishii, M.D., Ph.D. Psychiatrist, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, School Health Sciences at Sapporo Medical University.

石井貴男　（精神科医）
2001年札幌医科大学卒業、同学神経精神医学講座に所属。2008年より同学保健医療学部作業療法学科。主研究領域：精神医学全般、アルコールなどによる脳障害の分子生物学的解析

Panel Discussion: Teaching Children (in Japanese)
Sponsor: ETJ Hokkaido
Host: Mari Nakamura
Target Audience: Parents
Language: Japanese

McGraw-Hill

Presentation 1
"The Goal Driven Class − We can do it with WE CAN! presented by Lesley Ito (in English)
ゴールに向かって進む英語学習
When children can achieve goals during their English classes, they become even more motivated to study! But how exactly can a teacher bring goals into the lesson? In this presentation, experience how chants, games and extension materials can fit into the goal driven class. Tips will be given by a veteran teacher on how to effectively use goals in a time-efficient way and how to adjust activities and goal checking for both large and small classes."

Presentation 2
"Fun with Reading!" presented by David White (in English)
楽しいリーディング
Children never forget the books they read when they are young. Wouldn’t you like to share the joy of picture books in English with your students? By learning about the sound and meaning of English through books, from phonics to reading, this presentation will help you understand how to introduce reading into your classroom through supplementary materials."

R.I.C

Presentation 1
Kids lesson planning it's as easy as Hop Step Jump
Lesson planning can be a real headache-with a range of stimulating lesson plans your students can quickly enjoy the fun of learning English. This hands-on workshop will put teachers in their students shoes so they can experience a variety of highly effective activities . Furthermore, the presenter will offer 30 stress-free lesson plans to keep yourself and your students on target for a smooth school year. Come and join the fun!

Presenter: John Moore is a highly practical teacher trainer and has given many fun and enjoyable workshops all over the country. He is the President and owner of RIC Publications, Japan. Contact elt@ricpublications.com