SLOW Eigo with Anne-sensei | Audio: Reader Series: Stories from an ALT in Japan

18 Chapter 18 - My First Christmas in Japan

Anne Roop Season 1 Episode 18

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0:00 | 5:29

After a busy school term, Kate finds herself alone for Christmas.

Download PDF: Chapter 18 GLOSSARY & SCRIPT

Slow Eigo is an English learning project specially designed for comfortable, immersive learning, and built on the understanding that people learn best when they feel relaxed, connected, and motivated to try.

Your creator and host, Anne Roop-Takata, holds a Master’s degree in Education and has over 30 years of experience in teaching and curriculum development, including 20 years supporting Japanese students of all ages and learning goals.(See bio for more details)

Slow Eigoは、心地よく英語の世界に入り込みながら学べるように特別に設計された英語学習プロジェクトです。人は、リラックスし、つながりを感じ、やってみようという気持ちがあるときに最もよく学べるという考えに基づいています。

制作者兼ホストのアン・ループ・タカタは、教育学の修士号を持ち、30年以上にわたり英語教育とカリキュラム開発に携わってきました。そのうち20年間は、さまざまな年齢や学習目的を持つ日本人学習者をサポートしてきました。(詳しくはプロフィールをご覧ください)

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Thank you for hanging out with us at Slow Eigo. Keep listening, keep learning. 

Podcast Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2355349

Slow Ego Audio reader. Book one Stories from an A LT in Japan, part three, finding My Rhythm, chapter 18. My first Christmas in Japan, all of December had been hectic. In addition to finishing up lessons and grades for the fall term, I was in charge of Christmas themed activities in each of my classes. in the elementary schools, we had fun with crafts and songs, which are typical for children in Canada around the holidays. In the junior high though, we combined our English class with their home economics class and made gingerbread man cookies. I've never seen such creative and cute gingerbread cookies. Of course, teens are always hungry. So this activity was a big hit on the last day before the winter break, just before the students were let out. There was an all school assembly in the gym. It wasn't too long. There was a short speech from the principal. A few reminders. From teachers and each grade sang a song. at the end, the students were free to go laid, cheered. It felt like a shared moment of accomplishment. It was a really nice way to wrap things up before the break. It is December 24th now Christmas Eve. I'm alone in my home, in the countryside. Everything is quiet. I have never been alone at Christmas time before. It's always such a busy but joyful time for me and my family. Back in Canada, my extended family has gathered as usual at my grandparents' house for a few days. My parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are all there. There will be lots of chatting, laughter games, and more than enough food. It's always warm and lively. I am missing out on all of that this year. I miss my family and my friends back home. I feel lonely. I tried to connect with my family on video chat, but the time difference makes it difficult to find a good time. Besides, there is a lot of commotion on their side. So it isn't great for meaningful conversations. I let myself be sad for a few hours. I even cry a little. hunger eventually hits, and I pour myself a bowl of Jiu. A delicious miso based pork soup that Sato Sun taught me to make. With a warm bowl in hand, I look around my little house that is decorated with lovely crafts and notes from my students. On the table, I see a gift basket of fruits and desserts. I receive from Takeuchi Sun at the Board of Education. Beside the basket is a Christmas card from Maori sensei with a heartfelt note. I turn to see the little evergreen tree Yucca and cazo cut for me from their farm. Their children help me decorate it with Christmas lights, ornaments, and a star on top. Under the tree are several small wrapped gifts my parents had sent by mail. I feel a wave of gratitude wash over my body. I'm far from home, but I am not alone. I.