スミス英会話相模原校　文法のポイント

スミス英会話相模原校の英会話レッスンは、日常英会話が主で英語の文法を“勉強する”ことは含まれていません。スミス英会話のコアバリューは“Coaching Communicative Confidence （コミュニケーション能力の自信形成）”なので、英会話レッスン内で英語文法について話す時は気をつけています。文法は“会話的”ではないですよね？しかし、重要な書類を書く時、論文や記事などにとってはとても重要です。私は時々“会話用文法レッスン”というのを作ります。文法についてつまらない、難しい説明はいりません。相模原校の生徒様は英会話レッスン内で会話の中、視覚（ホワイトボード、画像等）や繰り返すこと、特に高いレベルの“生徒様主導で話す時間”を通じて学びます。私が相模原校でやっているのは文法をホワイトボードに書き出す、促す、そして徐々に会話の中に入れてもらいます。

最近スミス英会話相模原校の2人の生徒様がフィリピン旅行から帰ってきました。2人は親子で1週間の英語コースに参加しに行きました。普段スミス英会話相模原校では別々に英会話レッスンをしているので、それぞれの旅行ストーリーを聞くことができました。私は2人が英語の長文で話すストーリーを聞くことができて、またお手伝いをすることができて楽しかったです。そして私は “このストーリーに何ができるか？どうやって他の生徒様にも共有ができるか？”と考えました。数日後、アイディアが浮かびました。

English Conversation Lessons in Sagamihara: Introducing a Grammar Point

English conversation lessons in Sagamihara at Smith’s School of English  never include the actual “teaching” of English grammar. Our primary core value at Smith’s School of English Japan is “Coaching Communicative Confidence,” therefore when we attempt to include an English grammar point, we need to be careful. Grammar is not “conversational,” is it? It is, however, highly important when we are writing important documents, research papers, or even an article like this. I sometimes enjoy creating “conversational grammar lessons.” There are no boring or confusing explanations. My English students learn it through speaking, clear visuals (whiteboard, images, etc.), repetition, but mostly a very high level of  English student talk-time. Most of what I do is point at the whiteboard, encourage, and gradually set them free in conversation.

Recently two of my English students here in Sagamihara returned from a trip to the Philippines. This mother and son team went together to attend a 1-week English course. They both study English separately here at Smith’s School of English Sagamihara, so I was able to hear their individual stories. I really enjoyed listening and helping them tell their stories at length in English. Then I asked myself “what can I do with these stories? How can I share them with other English students?” The idea came a few days later.

Creating English conversation lessons is a fun part of my job. I decided to make this particular lesson based on their travel stories with a focus on four words: “make,do, go, play.” Ultimately, the students would tell their own travel stories with more confidence. I shared it with many of my Sagamihara English students over the past 3 weeks. The result was non-stop English speaking from the students while subtly including this grammar point in real conversation. I loved it. They loved it.

Here is the story:

“Last month I made a trip to the Philippines to do a course in English. I made the reservation 6-months ago after doing a lot of research. The English course was difficult, but I made an effort to do my best. After the English course, I made a visit to Cebu Island to go scuba diving. The hotel had many activities, so I went swimming, played golf, and did yoga. I also made an appointment at the hotel hair salon to get my hair done. If I have enough money next year, I’m gonna make a plan to go to Cebu Island again. Next time I want to go surfing, fishing, and sailing!”

After practicing this for a bit, real English conversation among the students happens. Some of the language within the story is used, which is good, but if not, that’s okay too because they are talking! Internalisation occurs gradually with review.

 English conversation lessons in Sagamihara here at Smith’s School of English are steadily being created. No textbooks are used, and many of the English lessons are based on real life experiences that result in meaningful, useful English conversation. I love creating new English lessons, everything about coaching and building confidence in English conversation, as well as  living in Sagamihara. I also love seeing new English students joining my school! Trial lessons in English are always free and a pleasure for me! Don’t be shy; give it a try! Thank you for reading!

Jim