Class theme/topics discussed:
What did you do on the weekend? (Talk with your friends)
Association game; Majikaru banana (A reminds me of B まじかるばなな、バナナと言ったら黄色、黄色といったら信号、信号と言ったら車…)
Japanese Culture; 節分（Explain what Setsubun is）
How did you pick this theme or topic?
February 3 and 4 is special day for Japanese. These days are called “節分/Setsubun” and “立春/Risshun” These seasonal event came from China, and related to Chinese culture, too. On Feb. 3, we are eating Roll sushi which is called Ehoumaki, and we eat Ehoumaki face to good-luck direction of this year. Also, we throw beans out to outside with saying “Oni ha soto/ which means Go away evil!” and at the same time, we throw beans into inside of house with saying “Fuku ha uchi/ which means Please come happiness into our home”
How did you present the material? (handouts, group work, general discussion, student presentations, etc.)
Majikaru Banana, I explained “A reminds me of B” in Japanese. This activity is association game, so it was quite easy for them to understand this games rule. I explained about what Association is, and I involved students to play this game as a practice. It was really fun and they enjoyed a lot. Also, students had to adjust with the rhythm.
How did students react?
They really enjoyed when they played Majikaru banana!
Did they engage with each other and you?
Yes, they engaged with each other! They are getting more talkative compared with last month! They made a lot of joke during conversations.
What materials or media did you use? (articles, satellite tv, digital projector, etc.)
n/a
Would you recommend this activity for a future class?
Yes
Why or why not?
Majikaru banana was so much fun and they reacted very well!