There is a saying that every picture tells a story. Take a look at this picture and think about these questions:
Is the woman in the background (背景) a maiko?
How does the woman in the foreground (前景) feel about the woman in the background?
What is the woman in the background looking at?
How does this picture make you feel?
Now write a story about this picture to tell your classmates in the next class.
Before class choose two of the photos below and write a story about each. If you prefer you can use your own pictures, but if you do, please bring them to class.
Sunday was the Spring Equinox. A holiday here in Japan. I spent the day taking photographs and found the first cherry blossom of the season.
How did you spend the holiday?
In Britain the spring equinox is not a holiday, but the Christian Easter is a holiday. There is a connection though. Easter Sunday changes each year. It is the first Sunday after the full moon, after the spring equinox. In pre-Christian times there was a festival on the equinox, called Ostara, which is still celebrated by neo-Pagans. I believe it is also an important day for Hindus.
Why do you think this day has been historically important in many cultures?
Have you noticed any signs of spring?
How does the spring make you feel?
Many people like to start something new in the spring. What would you like to start?
In Japan the school year starts in spring; why is the spring a good starting time?
Which country except for Japan, would you like to visit in the spring?
Before class think of a place to visit or an activity you would like to recommend for the spring equinox holiday. Prepare to tell the class about it.
At the weekend, I went to the cinema to see this film. It is the story of an astronaut that is mistakenly left behind on mars. It is the story of his fight for survival and how he is rescued. It is an adaption of a novel. Usually, I avoid adaptations, because in my opinion they are rarely as good as the book. But I have never read this novel, so I could enjoy this film. Below is a review I found on the Internet for this film. Please read it and answer the questions before class.
"Critics Consensus: Smart, thrilling, and surprisingly funny, The Martian offers a faithful adaptation of the bestselling book that brings out the best in leading man Matt Damon and
director Ridley Scott."
Would you like to see this film? Why or why not?
How do imagine this movie?
From what you know of this film, do you think it would be better to watch it at the cinema or at home?
Do you have any questions about this film?
Do you think adaptations of novels are good?
Before class, think of a movie or novel you would like to introduce to the class. It can be new or old, but you must like it and would like others to enjoy it.
Would you like to stay at this bed and breakfast? Why or why not?
Was the website easy to use?
How was the Japanese page?
Have you ever stayed at a B&B?
Now take a look at this video of Lake Windermere.
What is your impression of the lake?
Have you ever been there?
Would you like to visit? Why or why not?
How does the lake compare to Lake Biwa?
Before class think of a wonderful hotel. guesthouse, ryokan, B&B or home stay you have stayed at and prepare to tell the class about it. Also think of a beautiful place you have visited and prepare to tell the class about that too.
