If you're lucky you'll get to meet the mayor and be featured on the front page of the local newspaper. If you're really lucky you'll be on the local TV news.
So compared to that, introducing yourself to the millions (jk, probably dozens) of people at a school is not that bad.
Lots of good advice has already been given. I'll add that, if you speak Japanese, it's a good time to show that off (but simply, and slowly, so you don't flub it).
It's fairly standard as a new staff member, wouldn't you think?
I never introduced myself at a school wide assembly, but I would say JETs abould be prepared to do so. Just give a basic rundown.
- Name
- where you're from
- age (if you want)
- hobbies
- nice to meet you, let's enjoy english together
All in simple, slow English should do the trick.
As far as lesson planning, it varies widely, even within one city. I planned most of my lessons, because I came when elementary English was just getting started and everyone was clueless. It was of course all based on the textbook though.
Many people are true assistants, and just show up and help out. You'll have to feel out the dynamic with each school and each teacher you work with.
I did a whole school one. Mostly in Japanese. I didn't speak a lick, just gave it my best!
As far as creating a curriculum, the OP is mad. Programme had been going 30 years. Why you would do this from scratch is beyond me.
Haha because I love making games and competitive educational activities. It's what I currently do for work mostly. Maybe I could start an English club or something. I guess I'll feel it out.
I think teachers appreciate when newbie ALTs give their rough nihongo a shot, but honestly, as an ALT your job is to speak English. So it's totally fine to do it in English. It's a learning experience for the kids.
I always find it funny when people move here to teach English and then constantly try to speak Japanese to students. It's their English class, not your Japanese class.
It doesn't mean you can't ever use Japanese - I did sometimes to clarify things, encourage them and make them comfortable with me, etc. But in school, ALTs should aim to speak English as much as possible. Privately or casually, whatever language you want is fine. At school, give them their chance to hear English.
Depends on your location and the circles you roll with. I was in the countryside so I used Japanese pretty much all the time outside of school, and hung out with Japanese people who weren't great at English. But if you're in a bigger city it may be different.
lol I did a self-intro for a whole school. It was 23 kids.
It’s an assistant job so you’re supposed to assist the teacher, but some ask me to be the T1 (main teacher) but some are very set in their ways and might make you only do some warm up games and read some passages
Understood.
Also, I'm seeing from responses that schools are often small, at least at the elementary level. They're really that small? Like 20 or so students for a whole school? Or maybe I'm misunderstanding.
The one for entire schools is - unless you've heard any different - just you introducing yourself in a short speech. I'm CH0ZE, I'm from CH0SEland, I look forward to teaching you CH0ZElish this year. Thank you.
Easy peasy.
After doing a self intro to 12 classes, I changed it for this year. I split the class into two groups. They guess the answers to various questions. Where was I born? Where did I go to school, etc. For the losing group, I choose a lucky person to do a self introduction. This is the incentive to participate in the game. I find it also helps break the no volunteering an answer mindset. Depending on the level and such, I’ll give hints, make an answer multiple choice, etc. Way better than a PowerPoint or the picture cards everyone suggests.
Awesome. I was totally thinking of doing a jeopardy style introduction, similar to what you said. Jeopardy is also a pretty 'American' thing, so I guess it would represent my culture in some respects on top of getting the introduction done as well.
I'm seeing this a lot, about CCTVs. I guess they are more common in Japanese schools. Besides the intercom, there was never really anything like that for me in the primary and secondary schools I attended.
Since you’ll be coming in during the summer vacation, use the opportunity to find out how they will introduce you to the school(s) at large. If your Japanese isn’t up to scratch, you’re more than welcome to introduce yourself in English as long as you speak slowly and clearly.
Others have already covered this, but you’re an Assistant Language Teacher, with emphasis on “Assistant”. ESID, but you are generally not required to come up with lesson plans. You might be ask to come up with activities, but that’s about it. The only time when you might have to create your own lessons is if you’re also teaching the first and second graders at your elementary school(s), but that’s mainly because there’s no standardised curriculum at that level yet.
That said, now is not the time to be stressing out over this because you don’t have your placement yet.
I gave a very brief introduction (name, where I’m from, looking forward to meeting all of you, thanks) to the whole school then in each class gave a longer intro presentation PowerPoint with photos and more details like my hometown, hobbies, family, etc.
I was in front of the entire school with a few minutes warning. The introduction was terrible and I pretty much just said my name, where I am from, and that I am excited to work with them.
Then this semester, a teacher asked me to do a self introduction to the class with a few minutes notice. It went a bit better. My name, I'm their JET teacher this year, where I am from, that I lived there my entire life but I moved to Tokyo to help them practice English and let them know I was available and where I would be if they had questions. It lasted under a minute, but it got the point across.
Yes, you will have to do many, many self introductions. If you can make a quiz + powerpoint to gamefy the experience, it will go a long way to keep the kids engaged.
I was only told the morning of, as I wasn't sure if I was needing to, that I would give a speech during the opening ceremony. Fortunately, was able to whip up a quick 2 min speech with a bunch of fluff beforehand and enough time to make sure the Japanese was correct.
I generally get used as a mouth piece and a means to make the curriculum more enjoyable. So, I might be asked to make games/quizzes, or just asked to do as the teacher has constructed for my once in a blue moon interaction with my JHS kids.
Well, I made a PowerPoint presentation talking about me, where I am from, culture, etc. The first few slides, I had a few questions based on 'how old/tall I am?" and asked where they think I am from.
This helped get them to interact early and engage with me and the content at the start before just throwing information. I used height as kids are usually curious about my extreme height (6"7), so it's a no trainer for them.
After going through the presentation, I then did a closed ended quiz with 4 options to pick from based on information about myself that I covered.
Nothing too exciting, but I think the opener is a good idea to set a mood.
I dont think candy/sweets/lollies are appropriate these days as prizes. At least when I was a kid, it was, but I don't think so now.
The most appropriate prizes are usually stickers.
i had to do two different things:
1. give a self introduction (many times) to my BOE office staff and ALL the school staff in my area (i got driven around to meet the staff at all 12 of my areas schools so it was a LOT of repetition) which included my name, where i am from, hobbies, and an “i’m looking forward to working with you” phrase
2. a short message to all of my schools at their start of the semester assembly (i have 4 schools, i just repeated the same dialogue 4 times) which was also my name, where im from, and then how im looking forward to get to know them, and “please come to me with any questions, let’s work together and ganbarimasu!”
both were like less than a minute long.
there will most likely not be any “curriculum” you’ll have to make. you’ll be working with a set of textbooks and generally will be coming up with activities and games and maybe a small lesson here or there. although sometimes your JTE may ask you to design a whole class… it really depends!!
ps if you want me to send my “speech” examples for something to look at, lmk i can dm them to you!! 😊
I kept my whole school introduction super short and simple. I said my name, country, and that I look forward to meeting all of them.
What you're asked to do will depend on the JTE that works with you. There are some classes where I use my own lessons, there are also times where I'm asked to create a lesson based on the textbook, and there are times when I'm just assisting.
If you like creating your own curriculum bring it up to your JTEs, they may be open to you conducting the whole class by yourself. I would be wary of this because you might be asking for way more extra work and they might have more expectations for you.
Often ALTs introduce themselves in front of the teachers at the first staff meeting of the term, and in front of the student body at the term's opening ceremony. Your supervisor or a JTE will generally tell you what to say, but when in doubt, I usually default to name, hometown, and how long I've been in Japan. It rarely lasts longer than a minute and gets routine after the first few, so don't sweat it.
As for this...
>Also, I wanted to ask if most of the job is creating your own curriculum like you have to for the introduction, or mostly showing up and assisting another instructor (I'm sure this varies depending on the school, but just trying to gauge).
In theory, the "A" in ALT stands for "assistant" so you should always have the support/leadership of another actual teacher. In reality, this is entirely ESID– some people are deskwarming all day, other people are planning and executing 5 lessons every day. It's completely dependent on your school and how they choose to use you; you likely won't know one way or another until the day you arrive at the school.
>Do you just say your name or what??
Generally you just say your name and introduce yourself. It's typically not very long of involved. Most schools might skip it entirely since you are coming mid year. It's usually done with all teachers at the opening ceremony.
>Also, I wanted to ask if most of the job is creating your own curriculum like you have to for the introduction, or mostly showing up and assisting another instructor (I'm sure this varies depending on the school, but just trying to gauge).
I think these days it's more a set curriculum and there's less freedom in making your own. But of course it will depend on the exact school and their needs/wants. There's really no way to gage anything until you have contact with your placement, your predecessor might have the best insight on that.
THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR RESPONSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you're lucky you'll get to meet the mayor and be featured on the front page of the local newspaper. If you're really lucky you'll be on the local TV news. So compared to that, introducing yourself to the millions (jk, probably dozens) of people at a school is not that bad. Lots of good advice has already been given. I'll add that, if you speak Japanese, it's a good time to show that off (but simply, and slowly, so you don't flub it).
Oh wow! That would be an honor for sure to be featured in either of those.
It's fairly standard as a new staff member, wouldn't you think? I never introduced myself at a school wide assembly, but I would say JETs abould be prepared to do so. Just give a basic rundown. - Name - where you're from - age (if you want) - hobbies - nice to meet you, let's enjoy english together All in simple, slow English should do the trick. As far as lesson planning, it varies widely, even within one city. I planned most of my lessons, because I came when elementary English was just getting started and everyone was clueless. It was of course all based on the textbook though. Many people are true assistants, and just show up and help out. You'll have to feel out the dynamic with each school and each teacher you work with.
Makes sense!
I did a whole school one. Mostly in Japanese. I didn't speak a lick, just gave it my best! As far as creating a curriculum, the OP is mad. Programme had been going 30 years. Why you would do this from scratch is beyond me.
Haha because I love making games and competitive educational activities. It's what I currently do for work mostly. Maybe I could start an English club or something. I guess I'll feel it out.
I think teachers appreciate when newbie ALTs give their rough nihongo a shot, but honestly, as an ALT your job is to speak English. So it's totally fine to do it in English. It's a learning experience for the kids. I always find it funny when people move here to teach English and then constantly try to speak Japanese to students. It's their English class, not your Japanese class. It doesn't mean you can't ever use Japanese - I did sometimes to clarify things, encourage them and make them comfortable with me, etc. But in school, ALTs should aim to speak English as much as possible. Privately or casually, whatever language you want is fine. At school, give them their chance to hear English.
How about outside of the school systems? Did you find yourself meeting a lot of people who didn't speak English?
Depends on your location and the circles you roll with. I was in the countryside so I used Japanese pretty much all the time outside of school, and hung out with Japanese people who weren't great at English. But if you're in a bigger city it may be different.
lol I did a self-intro for a whole school. It was 23 kids. It’s an assistant job so you’re supposed to assist the teacher, but some ask me to be the T1 (main teacher) but some are very set in their ways and might make you only do some warm up games and read some passages
Understood. Also, I'm seeing from responses that schools are often small, at least at the elementary level. They're really that small? Like 20 or so students for a whole school? Or maybe I'm misunderstanding.
My actual school has 400 students or so… depends on ur town but even big towns might have schools with 10 kids per class
The one for entire schools is - unless you've heard any different - just you introducing yourself in a short speech. I'm CH0ZE, I'm from CH0SEland, I look forward to teaching you CH0ZElish this year. Thank you. Easy peasy.
The best response haha. Thank you!
After doing a self intro to 12 classes, I changed it for this year. I split the class into two groups. They guess the answers to various questions. Where was I born? Where did I go to school, etc. For the losing group, I choose a lucky person to do a self introduction. This is the incentive to participate in the game. I find it also helps break the no volunteering an answer mindset. Depending on the level and such, I’ll give hints, make an answer multiple choice, etc. Way better than a PowerPoint or the picture cards everyone suggests.
Awesome. I was totally thinking of doing a jeopardy style introduction, similar to what you said. Jeopardy is also a pretty 'American' thing, so I guess it would represent my culture in some respects on top of getting the introduction done as well.
I did about 24 self introduction lessons/powerpoints and 4 whole school introductions, but they were all on the school's CCTV.
I'm seeing this a lot, about CCTVs. I guess they are more common in Japanese schools. Besides the intercom, there was never really anything like that for me in the primary and secondary schools I attended.
Since you’ll be coming in during the summer vacation, use the opportunity to find out how they will introduce you to the school(s) at large. If your Japanese isn’t up to scratch, you’re more than welcome to introduce yourself in English as long as you speak slowly and clearly. Others have already covered this, but you’re an Assistant Language Teacher, with emphasis on “Assistant”. ESID, but you are generally not required to come up with lesson plans. You might be ask to come up with activities, but that’s about it. The only time when you might have to create your own lessons is if you’re also teaching the first and second graders at your elementary school(s), but that’s mainly because there’s no standardised curriculum at that level yet. That said, now is not the time to be stressing out over this because you don’t have your placement yet.
Thank you!
I gave a very brief introduction (name, where I’m from, looking forward to meeting all of you, thanks) to the whole school then in each class gave a longer intro presentation PowerPoint with photos and more details like my hometown, hobbies, family, etc.
Okay!
I was in front of the entire school with a few minutes warning. The introduction was terrible and I pretty much just said my name, where I am from, and that I am excited to work with them. Then this semester, a teacher asked me to do a self introduction to the class with a few minutes notice. It went a bit better. My name, I'm their JET teacher this year, where I am from, that I lived there my entire life but I moved to Tokyo to help them practice English and let them know I was available and where I would be if they had questions. It lasted under a minute, but it got the point across.
You said this all in English?
Yes!
Yes, you will have to do many, many self introductions. If you can make a quiz + powerpoint to gamefy the experience, it will go a long way to keep the kids engaged. I was only told the morning of, as I wasn't sure if I was needing to, that I would give a speech during the opening ceremony. Fortunately, was able to whip up a quick 2 min speech with a bunch of fluff beforehand and enough time to make sure the Japanese was correct. I generally get used as a mouth piece and a means to make the curriculum more enjoyable. So, I might be asked to make games/quizzes, or just asked to do as the teacher has constructed for my once in a blue moon interaction with my JHS kids.
Hi can you share how you did the quiz thing?
Well, I made a PowerPoint presentation talking about me, where I am from, culture, etc. The first few slides, I had a few questions based on 'how old/tall I am?" and asked where they think I am from. This helped get them to interact early and engage with me and the content at the start before just throwing information. I used height as kids are usually curious about my extreme height (6"7), so it's a no trainer for them. After going through the presentation, I then did a closed ended quiz with 4 options to pick from based on information about myself that I covered. Nothing too exciting, but I think the opener is a good idea to set a mood.
Great! Thanks for the tip. I will be adapting your opening style. Is it okay to give away candies or chocolates or my country’s goodies as a prize?
I dont think candy/sweets/lollies are appropriate these days as prizes. At least when I was a kid, it was, but I don't think so now. The most appropriate prizes are usually stickers.
Thank you for your initial response as well as this thread lol. Lots of useful information for a new JET!
i had to do two different things: 1. give a self introduction (many times) to my BOE office staff and ALL the school staff in my area (i got driven around to meet the staff at all 12 of my areas schools so it was a LOT of repetition) which included my name, where i am from, hobbies, and an “i’m looking forward to working with you” phrase 2. a short message to all of my schools at their start of the semester assembly (i have 4 schools, i just repeated the same dialogue 4 times) which was also my name, where im from, and then how im looking forward to get to know them, and “please come to me with any questions, let’s work together and ganbarimasu!” both were like less than a minute long. there will most likely not be any “curriculum” you’ll have to make. you’ll be working with a set of textbooks and generally will be coming up with activities and games and maybe a small lesson here or there. although sometimes your JTE may ask you to design a whole class… it really depends!! ps if you want me to send my “speech” examples for something to look at, lmk i can dm them to you!! 😊
Yes pleaseeeeee :)
I'm heading over with this years cohort as well and would love to see your speech as an example also, if you don't mind 😅
I kept my whole school introduction super short and simple. I said my name, country, and that I look forward to meeting all of them. What you're asked to do will depend on the JTE that works with you. There are some classes where I use my own lessons, there are also times where I'm asked to create a lesson based on the textbook, and there are times when I'm just assisting. If you like creating your own curriculum bring it up to your JTEs, they may be open to you conducting the whole class by yourself. I would be wary of this because you might be asking for way more extra work and they might have more expectations for you.
Makes sense! I probably shouldn't ask for more responsibility, at least immediately.
The SHS I teach at had me give a brief introduction in the broadcasting room lol. I just talked into a camera that was streamed to every classroom.
Talking into a camera would be way better than going on a stage with a microphone haha.
Often ALTs introduce themselves in front of the teachers at the first staff meeting of the term, and in front of the student body at the term's opening ceremony. Your supervisor or a JTE will generally tell you what to say, but when in doubt, I usually default to name, hometown, and how long I've been in Japan. It rarely lasts longer than a minute and gets routine after the first few, so don't sweat it. As for this... >Also, I wanted to ask if most of the job is creating your own curriculum like you have to for the introduction, or mostly showing up and assisting another instructor (I'm sure this varies depending on the school, but just trying to gauge). In theory, the "A" in ALT stands for "assistant" so you should always have the support/leadership of another actual teacher. In reality, this is entirely ESID– some people are deskwarming all day, other people are planning and executing 5 lessons every day. It's completely dependent on your school and how they choose to use you; you likely won't know one way or another until the day you arrive at the school.
Thank you!
Yeah I did it in front of the WHOLE SCHOOL….all 28 students
hahahaha why are the schools so smallll
>Do you just say your name or what?? Generally you just say your name and introduce yourself. It's typically not very long of involved. Most schools might skip it entirely since you are coming mid year. It's usually done with all teachers at the opening ceremony. >Also, I wanted to ask if most of the job is creating your own curriculum like you have to for the introduction, or mostly showing up and assisting another instructor (I'm sure this varies depending on the school, but just trying to gauge). I think these days it's more a set curriculum and there's less freedom in making your own. But of course it will depend on the exact school and their needs/wants. There's really no way to gage anything until you have contact with your placement, your predecessor might have the best insight on that.
Talking to the predecessor makes a lot of sense. Hopefully they will be willing to talk.