I’ve just spent the last few days finishing up a DVD of some of the mini lessons and songs from CDs 2 & 3. I’m working with one of the government’s test schools in Okayama, the idea being that DVDs are easier to use than setting up a computer and projector. I was about to ask if anyone else would like to help test out the DVDs in their classes, but… I’m heading off to Europe next week so wouldn’t be able to post any out!

If you do have teachers who are looking to use video in class e.g. when there is no ALT or native speaker around. Then the videos in the Kids English set are the best bet. . Although they feature professional actors they all follow the Genki English method of introducing the vocab ( with lots of location filming), doing the song acapella, then with the music to get everyone genki and then a game to finish. The videos have a description of how to play the game in Japanese, then a quick run through.

Then on the CD for each theme there are several longer recordings to play in class. The Kids English materials are a lot more dense than the normal GE themes as they contain more language, but with the videos and CDs it takes the burden off the Japanese teachers. They can sit back and become one of the kids with all the lesson coming from the videos. And I guess for use in a normal classroom the fact that they are all VHS videos is probably a plus point. Anyway, have a look at the themes we have, the Christmas Eve theme is great!