Outdated memes aside, one of my major hold ups is figuring out how to interact with students outside of class. I ALT at ES, JHS, and HS but having the same issue throughout. The issue is that I don’t really enjoy playing sports, I don’t have any skills like musical instruments, and none of my schools have an English club. So outside of class I don’t really interact with the students much and I don’t see how I can, which sucks because they’re all great kids and always the highlight of the job.
I’m curious what other people like me do who are bad at sports and instruments if they want to foster interaction with the students. I would like to start an English club at the JHS probably but I don’t really know what that entails in terms of activities, and I don’t know how much interest there would be so advice about that would be amazing as well!
Is there anything I’m missing besides sports, band, and English club? Should I join another club of something I’m interested in? I do like art.
I also have a ton of free time, so time consuming activities are a-ok.
16 comments
Talk to them about pop culture? Johnny’s idols, anime, video games (fortnight), K-pop, etc…
You don’t need to be able to do the same things they do. Just treat them like a person, and ask them about themselves. What do they like? Hobbies? Music? Movies? Sports teams? TV shows? Then ask them to tell you more about them, what bands, what actors, what games, who’s their favorite character, etc. Then you can ask them what songs, TV shows, YouTubers, or sports players they like and why, and for recommendations.
Even if it’s not your thing, you can spend your time to research about those things they like, so you have something to talk about with them next time. Most students love to share about things they like, as long as the other person actually wants to know about it.
But at the least, you can connect to their interests this way. Keep it simple. When you get to know the students better, you can also share things you like with them as well.
If you’ve only got a few seconds of interaction, ask them what they did yesterday or over the weekend, and if they went somewhere, what it was like and if they can recommend it to you.
tl;dr – Just talk to your students and make conversation with them. You can’t reach them if you don’t know them as a person.
Not wanting to be negative here but even if you did start up a club the chances are that not many students would join because they already have their regular clubs to attend. And missing club in Japan is a big no-no as you may already know. About 20 years ago I was an ALT in Japan and started an English club because I was basically told to. The only kids that came were the kids from the special needs class – which is totally fine – because the other kids were already dedicated to their regular clubs.
I’ve randomly bumped into several kids around town, maybe that bc I live in a rural-ish area, but they seem to enjoy it, we just ask questions like 何をしているんですか and 元気ですか, it’s small talk but they seem like asking me simple questions whether it’s in Japanese or English.
If you mean connecting specifically about your interests, I’d just tell then what you like, maybe some like similar things.
I also really want to insert the gif of Cartman saying “how do I reech these keeds??” lol
I think a good way to do it – and not just in teaching English mind but just about anything – is to make yourself more approachable by being a bit more vulnerable
I have an english poster section on the noticeboard where I post up things I don’t know or understand about Japan. Just a pic of the thing and then ask for help.
This works great for the kids because they don’t know english but they know THIS particular everyday thing that they can definitely help me with. That confidence translates into them trying to explain in english. I usually have a prize as thanks
Someone suggested that I start a warm up session before class using a similar image and story. E.g I saw this on the weekend – what happened? Where was I? I let them discuss in pairs and then talk to me – only just started but works great
The stuff you post up should be about things YOU like btw. Trying too hard to get into stuff you’re clearly not into is picked up on and makes the kids uncomfortable. I’m known for liking animals, temple stamps, candy and karaage so these are what the kids will tell me about because they KNOW I like it and will be enthusiastic even if the language isn’t there.
Finally, do try and take some recommendations – theyll tell me about candy or a book and I’ll post a pic up showing that I engaged (Only ever the stuff I like!) which makes them chuffed and willing to talk to me about it – FYI “I want to eat your pancreas” is a GOOD book but NOT about zombies and SUPER sad 😅
pokemon go?
Calculus
Who cares if you’re bad at sports. I play sports with my students every single day and I’m terrible but they love it.
Other than that ES students are super easy to make laugh, just like any other kids. Joke around with them and show your personality.
If you’ve got a lot of time on your hands, learn their names! I’ve got over 200 students and don’t know them all, so the first thing I ask a kid is what their name is 😆 I think it gets them a bit flustered but they always seem happy when I remember it
If a student asks me if I like some show or something, or tells me they like it, I’ll look at it. I might end up not liking it, but I’ll at least try it.
Go to morning meeting in a class, go to any art classes in the day, go to a classroom or walk around a bit at lunch break, go to a classroom at afternoon meeting, go to art club after school (or computer room or library) . If you have more questions I’ll try to answer
>I don’t really enjoy playing sports
So? Show up to their basketball practice and watch. Clap when someone makes a 3 pointer. Get a rebound and take a shot. Doesn’t matter if you miss.
>I don’t have any skills like musical instruments
Nor do you need any to listen to them practice and tell them it sounds nice.
>I don’t see how I can
I don’t know how to say this without coming off as condescending but: just spend time around them. Watch what they do in their sports clubs, art club, music clubs. Ask them simple questions. “What’s the name of that song?” “What are you drawing?” Look enthusiastic and give them encouraging comments.
I’ve got tears in my fuckin eyes over here. I’m sorry but it’s just so simple. Just be normal and treat them like humans. Forget about what you personally enjoy or don’t enjoy doing. Get out of your comfort zone.
What about joining the calligraphy club?
Near Eiken exam time students would do well to be taught by you.
How about cleaning time?
Lastly, your time with them in lessons can’t be understated. That’s your main purpose after all. If you help them get better grades, they will like you.
Help them with Eiken prep. If you have a home room class, help with cleaning time at the end of the day. Have your lunch in the cafeteria. I promise at least a few students will want to join you. Get involved in school festival preparation. One of my favorite memories was when a student asked me to sing a duet with her for the school festival so we practiced once every week for 2 months and it was not only fun, but meaningful to both of us! As others have said, remembering names and treating them like people will also go a long way. Reaching them isn’t going to necessarily involve turning them into expert English speakers, but treating them with dignity and respect and like people with unique interests and personalities, taking the time to invest in that and allowing them to return the favor, is hands down the best approach to being a good ALT.
See if you share any common interests.
I was only an ALT for a year because I was an awkward MFer at the time and didn’t really interact with the kids until one of them saw my phone case, realized I liked Pokemon, and started giving me some drawings. This lead to us talking about art and them showing me other things they’ve drawn.
Have you ever thought about picking up a hobby? I play Kendama. Love it. Check it out!