Monthly Update July 2024

We have been practicing writing responses to Eiken Pre-2 level writing topics for our advanced class. This writing practice is helpful for students as many of the questions ask for the student’s opinion and one to two reasons to support the opinion.

A few of the classes are halfway through their textbooks. Around this stage, we typically begin reviewing the material from the beginning of each textbook. We have found that most need these reviews to instill English vocabulary and phrases in their memory.

We are also using higher-level phonics textbooks with a Friday class. Several students have been attending for a few years, but although their hearing has improved significantly, they sometimes have difficulty pronouncing English words. Their difficulty is natural, as many English native speakers need help pronouncing words they have never heard spoken aloud before.

Learning phonics is very helpful, but more and more regular exposure to hearing words spoken aloud is essential. Although we don’t want students glued to a screen, watching English-language programs on a streaming service like YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon Prime can be useful for English learners.

In July, two new private students joined BumbleB English. One student, approximately four years old, has just arrived after living in the Middle East. The student attended an international preschool while overseas and gained a basic English level. We have introduced this student to the online service Reading Eggs, which we provide so that students can supplement their regular in-person lessons.

Typically, we do not accept students of pre-elementary school age, but this student has shown that he can pay attention in class. Additionally, the student’s experience abroad is helpful since he can understand English explanations and instructions.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Rena, a fifth-grade elementary school student, who is relocating to the United States with her family. We also taught her older sister a few years ago, and though we are sad to see Rena and her sister leave BumbleB English, we are glad to know they both have a strong English foundation, which will help them adjust to their new life abroad.

In July, we began our summer school program for group and private lessons. Each lesson is ninety minutes long, and we will have these lessons until the end of August.

One student who joined our summer school program is a high school student studying in Vietnam at an international school. This student returned to Japan for the summer and is interested in studying for the Eiken Pre-1 exam. The significant materials we use for this student are the Eiken Buntan Pre-1 and articles from the Japan Times Alpha newspaper. Our initial goal is to improve the student’s vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Additionally, we welcomed back a student living in Beijing, China, with his family. This student typically returns to Japan during the spring, summer, and winter. We have been happy to teach him for two years and are glad to see his progress in English.

We also continue supporting a Tokyo-based high school student preparing for the TOEFL iBT exam next year. We have incorporated many exam questions for this student in our online school: https://academy.bumblebenglish.com.