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Tips for New Teachers: What to Be Careful of in the First Class ★

Minna no Nihongo Elementary I

 

新人君
新人君
I’m so nervous about my first student lesson…
Yes.
I’ve handled new classes many times before,
but I never get used to it…
Every time, I get so nervous I can’t sleep…
先輩さん
先輩さん
新人君
新人君
I wonder what kind of students I’ll have?
How will the class atmosphere be?
Will I be able to get along with everyone?
Ah, I’m so worried I can’t sleep tonight either…
Why are you making such a fuss?
The first class?
Everyone gets nervous about that!
However, there are a few things you should do in the first class…
Veteran
Veteran
新人君
新人君
Wh-what are they?
Please, tell me.
First, you should prioritize creating a good class atmosphere!!
Veteran
Veteran

If the teacher is tense and has a stiff expression during the lesson,
the students won’t be able to feel relaxed.
From the first lesson, conduct the class brightly and energetically.

Then, make sure the students understand your instructions!!
Veteran
Veteran

You will give instructions for repeating, chorusing, or speaking individually,
but if they don’t understand these instructions early on, the class won’t proceed smoothly.
It’s also difficult to explain how to do conversation practice or worksheets each time.
Initially, prepare somewhat standardized materials
so that students can work smoothly.
Once they get used to learning Japanese and understand instructions in Japanese,
you can prepare various types of materials.

中堅さん
中堅さん
When the repeat signal doesn’t get through,
no one repeats…
Silence…
Loneliness…
It’s scary.

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Confirm the class rules!!
Veteran
Veteran

Classroom rules vary by country.
For example, no chewing gum,
no wearing hats in the classroom,
no freely going to the bathroom,
and so on…
If you don’t teach the rules for the Japanese class early on,
it will become difficult and troublesome to convey them later.

中堅さん
中堅さん
It’s easy to convey rules to students at first,
but it becomes harder as the class progresses.
Students might wonder why something that was okay before isn’t okay now…

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Make it a habit to submit homework and take notes!!
Veteran
Veteran

Check these things strictly from the beginning.
Homework must be submitted.
Write in your notebook,
and don’t scribble in the textbook.
Make these habits from the start.

Find the mood maker , the teased character, and the beloved character!!
Veteran
Veteran

This is also very important.
If you have such students in your class,
the class will naturally become more lively or calm,
making it much easier to manage in the future.

If you can’t find such students…
You could try gently teasing someone to create a teased character or a beloved character…
But this method is risky…
If you tease someone who doesn’t like it, you might end up hurting them…
先輩さん
先輩さん

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Deepen the connections between students early on!!
Veteran
Veteran

At first, even if you have to force it, try to incorporate a lot of pair work and group work.
Increase opportunities for students to talk and teach each other.
When connections between students are formed,
students who are good at the subject will naturally start supporting those who struggle.

At the beginner level, you see students teaching each other answers in their native language during pair work…
It’s better to have more students who can teach their friends and raise the overall class level,
rather than leaving anyone behind.
先輩さん
先輩さん
Keep these things in mind while managing the initial classes.
Good luck!!
Veteran
Veteran