How to make a flannel board:

Here's a quick post on how to make a flannel or felt board. 

You will need:

White flannel fabric
A staple gun, staples
Scissors
A Canvas (16 x 20 or larger)

1.  Cut out the flannel fabric leaving enough space around the edges to fold inside the canvas frame.  (You can use wood or craft glue to secure the fabric to the frame or just fold it inside like I've done.)  2.  Start with one side and work your way to the edge. 
3.  The fold corner and tuck inside the frame.
4,5.  Staple generously all the way around the frame.
6.  You're done!  You have a clean flannel board that you can place on an easel and start storytelling!

Pictures from my students

The teachers were so sweet to have the students write me letters and draw pictures to say goodbye.  They were asked to either draw me or us together.   I love all their artwork but will post just a few today.  Seeing how they enjoyed English class with all the rainbows, hearts, and flowers makes me so happy ...I miss them all (sigh!)

Goodbye Japan!

I left Japan a few weeks ago and it was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made.  I loved the people, culture, food, and my job so much that my two-year plan of living there turned into 5 years!  But with the recent disasters in Japan, my family asked me to finally come home...so here I am in the wonderful United States!   In all, I taught 12 schools and rotated between them once a week.  I had so much fun creating curriculum and watching my students grow and enjoy learning English.  I'll miss all the kids, teachers and friends I made and will cherish fond, fond memories of this country I love.  God bless Japan and please continue to keep them in your prayers!

Japanese preschool

Today I went to one of my Japanese preschools that I visit once a week.  This is the 4 year old class who are hard at work.  (What is the key to them being so quiet and focused, you ask?  My secret weapon...a fun activity sheet!)

                  

As I called out the colors and shapes in English (orange circles, red ovals,etc.) the children followed directions and designed their giraffes.

A few of the boys were very creative ...they said their giraffes ate so much ice cream that it was pouring out of their noses!

The girls stuck to drawing hearts and ribbons.  :)

It's a great way to practice using what they learned and they're always so proud of their completed project.  Good job, class!