I hold events to offer students of my English schools a chance to hear and speak English outside the classroom. It also offers them a chance to meet other students they may not have met before. Lastly, it’s FUN! On October 26, 2014 I held a Halloween potluck party at my house in Tsukaguchi, Amagasaki and we had lots of FUN!
I met my students and some other guests at Hankyu Tsukaguchi Station and we walked to my house. We put the food and drinks we’d brought on tables. Next we had lunch. There were various tasty dishes to choose from. For dessert my wife and I offered pumpkin pie I’d bought at Amagasaki’s COSTCO to everybody as well as tea or coffee to have with it. I made Starbucks coffee for those who wanted coffee. While doing that I explained what Halloween and jack-o’-lanterns were all about in English.
After we finished lunch I read an English kids book to everybody. Why, you may ask? Well you see, my daughter’s international school was holding “Book Week” during which English books were being read to people (by the students or their parents) in exchange for money donations for charities in Japan and abroad. I thought it was a great idea and decided to read to my guests at the Halloween party in English. I chose a kids book from my daughter’s school which taught useful verbs and had cute pictures of a beaver character doing the verb actions. It was an English lesson for both the kids and adults and at the same time we helped humanity by donating money to charities which will be used to help people in need. I thank all for their donations.
To officially end the party, I chose a Japanese-style party ender where everybody claps their hands together once in tandem. I asked a student from the Kawanishi Smith’s school to do it for me as it was a Japanese custom and so I thought a Japanese person was more suited to do it. However after doing it I thought I should really give it try at my next Smith’s school event. That would be really cool! I’ll do it!
I thank all those who attended this Halloween party in Tsukaguchi and invite all students from the Tsukaguchi and Kawanishi schools, their families and friends to join us at future events. I hope to see you all there! (^.^)
Check out my video on the event! Enjoy! → http://youtu.be/AuaikCEqIFA
Derek
Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi & Kawanishi
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