Just a quick word to let you know that the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) has just released on their website preliminary details of the new 5th & 6th grade compulsory English curriculum. http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/gaikokugo/index.htm
The site is in Japanese but also includes worksheets, flashcards etc. to go with the new “textbook” (which they are calling a “no-to” or “notebook”) that will distributed when English does eventually become compulsory. Over the weekend I’ll get to work on translations and reviewing what they have created.
Here are the topics covered (my translations from the Japanese) along with MEXT’s own list of “phrases used” in each one:
| 5th Grade | Phrases used |
|---|---|
| 1. How the world says “hello” | What’s your name? My name is Nice to meet you. |
| 2. Gestures | How are you? I’m happy. |
| 3. Playing with numbers | How many? |
| 4. Self intros | Do you like apples? |
| 5. World’s clothing | I don’t like blue. |
| 6. Gairaigo (katakana English) | What do you want? Melon, please. |
| 7. Big Quiz | What’s this? It’s a pencil |
| 8. Make a timetable | I study Japanese. |
| 9. Make a lunch menu | What would you like? I’d like fruits. (doesn’t this sound a bit strange?) |
| 6th Grade | Phrases used |
|---|---|
| 1. Playing with the alphabet. | A -Z |
| 2. Different letters | a – z |
| 3. Make a calendar | When is your birthday? My birthday is March 3rd. |
| 4. Things we can do | Can you swim? Yes, I can |
| 5. Street directions | Where is the flower shop? Go straight. Turn left etc. |
| 6. Countries I’d like to visit | I want to go to Italy. Let’s go. (I wouldn’t bother, it’s a bit cold here at the moment!) |
| 7. My day | What time do you get up? At 7:00 I go to bed at 9:00 |
| 8. Make our own drama | Please help me. What’s the matter? |
| 9. Future dreams | What do you want to be? I want to be a cook? |
Aside from the few funny phrases, at first glance it doesn’t look as bad as many of us feared.
Please excuse any mistakes on my part, it’s 11PM where I am (in Italy as it happens) and wanted to get this out to you ASAP. Full marks to Yumiko for sending me the link so quickly. Check back here next week for more!
Be genki,
Richard
