I originally did the  Genki English Gingerbread Man as a really simple Christmas play. But … on Sunday I tried out an even quicker way of doing it, a no-prep, 20 minute “from zero to play” version! And thanks to Nigel for uploading the video of how the song fits into it all with the…

During the summer we heard Bill Gates’ plans, and frustrations, and how to improve our schools. In the new biography Steve Jobs comes across as not a particularly nice person, but the book is an excellent read and he does point out what he thinks is the key to improving education: “Jobs also attacked America’s…

Quite a few teachers have written asking for help with the Eigo Note’s “Where do you want to go?” lesson. As you’ve probably guessed, it is really tough as the language hasn’t been thought out well and there is no pattern to learn. But yesterday Yukari came up with a very good idea to go…

Mido sent in this game for his “Mido’s Book of Games“. And here’s a Christmas variation! 1. Draw a tree on the board with twelve steps on each side. 2. Use different colored magnets on the bottom step of each side of the tree, one for each team. 3. Break the students into two teams….

We all want our kids to be happy. Truly, really happy. Some of us try things like fun and games in class. And that helps. For a little while. And I’d always trade “bored in class” for a smile. Some try to give presents and unconditional attention. That rarely works. And just makes them crave…