My daughter has homework where she has to spell Japanese words like ゆうびんきょく, or おねえさん using the English alphabet (i.e. yuubinkyoku, oneesan.) It's not a big deal, but I guess I don't understand the point.
You could argue that it introduces students to the alphabet, but in my opinion, it does more harm than good when it comes to phonics and pronunciation. At least have them write English words using the English alphabet.
To draw a comparison here, it would be like writing English words using hiragana.
まいじゃぱにいずいずぐうど。
Any ideas?
by nidontknow