A little while back Wired Magazine had an interesting article: How English Is Evolving Into a Language We May Not Even Understand. It’s all about how so many people speak English as non-native speakers that stand “mispronunciations” are actually becoming standard. There’s a similar (but opposite) thread on the BBC today: Italian call to use…

Mr Monkey’s Magic Corner was really popular last year, and I’ve been looking for other ideas to use in class. Even just one good magic trick can keep a class enthused for a whole year. Today I’m very glad to say I’ve found one, and it is soooo good! It’s really easy to learn (10…

“Losing just means try again!” is one of the most powerful things you can teach your students. Here’s an email from Todd, who very kindly let me post it for you: —————————————————— When I first had my school purchase your teacher’s set (with CDs and workbooks) I was truthfully skeptical. All my years of teaching…

Apologies for another Japan themed post, but this song is coming to every other country pretty soon… If you’re wondering what that song is that every single kid is singing every single minute of the day at the moment, it’s from the movie 『崖の上のポニョ』 “Gake no ue no Ponyo” (Ponyo on the cliff by the…

During the summer every day and in every city I had the teachers being stressed out by the same problems and worries. Most of them are really easy to solve, but seeing as they are so widespread I’ve just uploaded several videos to the Japanese FAQ (yoku aru shitsumon) page. Adding in the video jokes…

Whilst I was visiting Gaz’ town the other week he showed me lots of new minicards he’d made, including mini versions of the picture books and these mini cards for “Do you have any brothers and sisters?” They’re great for games, for example do the song then even something simple like… 1. Everyone asks one…